On June 25, 2024, McDonald’s will launch their latest deal in the fast food “Value-Menu War”. For the next month, you can purchase a combo meal with fries, a drink, and either four chicken nuggets, a McDouble, or a McChicken sandwich for just $5.
This is just one of many new budget-friendly items rolling out at McDonald’s during the current “Fast Food War”. Other franchises like Wendy’s, Taco Bell, and Burger King are following suit as they offer their own value items starting at just $5 or $6.
This “Fast Food War” was brought on by countless complaints across platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok as consumers lamented about the rising prices of fast food. Remember the good old days when you could swing by Wendy’s for a $5 lunch? Such budget-friendly prices seemed a thing of the past until this summer. Now fast food chains are rolling out their value menus in addition to additional discounts when you order through their mobile apps. (These are the most popular fast-food chains in all 50 states.)
The new value items are a welcome relief for budget-conscious consumers, particularly in America where fast food is king. A 2023 survey from Drive Research showed that 96% of Americans indulge in fast food at least once a year, and the average citizen eats it at least once a week. The sheer number of fast-food restaurants in the U.S. makes these options readily available for many Americans.
To determine which fast food franchises have the most locations in the United States, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR), a leading authority on news and trends in the fast food industry.
Why Are We Writing About Fast Food?
Fast food is often considered synonymous with America, especially for younger generations who spend a good part of their paycheck on these quick and easy meal options. The sheer number of locations of any given fast-food chain demonstrates the wealth and economic power they wield, significantly impacting not only the food service industry but also the health and economy of the communities they operate in.
Here are the fast-food chains with the most locations in the United States:
50. Shake Shack
Shake Shack is most well-known for its ShackBurger.
U.S. Locations: 287
Food Category: Burgers
49. Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme sells around 1.6 billion donuts each year.
U.S. Locations: 352
Food Category: Donuts
48. In-N-Out Burger
In-N-Out Burger has locations in five states: California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and Texas.
U.S. Locations: 379
Food Category: Burgers
47. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Freddy’s serves frozen custard along with its famous steakburgers.
U.S. Locations: 456
Food Category: Burgers
46. El Pollo Loco
Most El Pollo Loco locations are in the southwestern U.S.
U.S. Locations: 490
Food Category: Mexican Food
45. McAlister’s Deli
Don’t forget to order a sweet tea to accompany your sandwich from McAlister’s Deli.
U.S. Locations: 525
Food Category: Sandwiches
44. Del Taco
Fun Fact: Del Taco debuted its first drive-thru window nearly a decade before McDonald’s.
U.S. Locations: 591
Food Category: Mexican Food
43. Moe’s Southwest Grill
Moe’s is known for its burritos, bowls, quesadillas, and fresh salsas.
U.S. Locations: 637
Food Category: Mexican Food
42. Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
Raising Cane’s serves chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, and the wildly popular Cane’s sauce.
U.S. Locations: 646
Food Category: Chicken
41. Dutch Bros Coffee
Most of Dutch Bros 671 locations are in the western U.S.
Colonel Sanders’ original recipe of 11 herbs and spices is still used today.
U.S. Locations: 3,918
Food Category: Chicken
11. Little Caesars
If you’re looking for economical pizza, Little Caesars is the place.
U.S. Locations: 4,173
Food Category: Pizza
10. Dairy Queen
Burgers, fries, and the iconic Blizzards are all part of the DQ menu.
U.S. Locations: 4,307
Food Category: Burgers
9. Wendy’s
We’ll have a spicy chicken sandwich followed by a Frosty. Mmmm…
U.S. Locations: 5,994
Food Category: Burgers
8. Pizza Hut
The pan pizza from Pizza Hut is legendary.
U.S. Locations: 6,561
Food Category: Pizza
7. Domino’s
Domino’s is the largest pizza chain in the world.
U.S. Locations: 6,686
Food Category: Pizza
6. Burger King
Burger King is the home of the Whopper, one of the most famous burgers in the nation.
U.S. Locations: 7,043
Food Category: Burgers
5. Taco Bell
The iconic Mexican pizza returned as a permanent fixture on Taco Bell’s menu in 2022.
U.S. Locations: 7,198
Food Category: Mexican Food
4. Dunkin’ Donuts
Dunkin’ sells more donuts than any other U.S. chain.
U.S. Locations: 9,370
Food Categories: Donuts/Coffee
3. McDonald’s
McDonald’s is synonymous with American fast food, but two other franchises have more U.S. locations than the Golden Arches.
U.S. Locations: 13,444
Food Category: Burgers
2. Starbucks
Starbucks is the world’s largest coffee chain.
U.S. Locations: 15,873
Food Category: Coffee
1. Subway
Subway has more U.S. locations than any other fast food brand.
U.S. Locations: 20,576
Food Category: Sandwiches
Smart Investors Are Quietly Loading Up on These “Dividend Legends”
If you want your portfolio to pay you cash like clockwork, it’s time to stop blindly following conventional wisdom like relying on Dividend Aristocrats.
There’s a better option, and we want to show you. We’re offering a brand-new report on 2 stocks we believe offer the rare combination of a high dividend yield and significant stock appreciation upside.
If you’re tired of feeling one step behind in this market, this free report is a must-read for you.
By providing your email address, you agree to receive communications from us regarding website updates and other offerings that may be of interest to you.
You have the option to opt-out of these emails at any moment. For more information, please review our Disclaimer and Terms of Use.
