It is no secret that Americans have a long-standing love of fast food, but the sheer amount of fast food we consume might still be surprising. According to a 2023 survey conducted by Drive Research, 65% of Americans eat fast food at least once a week, with 13% eating it every day. Only 4% of Americans have not eaten fast food in the last 12 months.
On average, American consumers spend $148 a month on fast food. Millennials spend the most, dropping $213.87 per month at fast-food restaurants. Baby Boomers, on the other hand, only spend $59.43 per month on fast food, making them the only generation that spends less than $100 per month on this quick and convenient fare.
Here’s a look at where our fast-food dollars are going. These are the 50 fast-food franchises with the most locations in the U.S. (If you’re wondering which fast-food franchise is the most popular where you live, here are the most popular fast-food chains in all 50 states.)
24/7 Wall St. compiled this list of the 50 fast-food brands with the most U.S. locations using information from QSR (which stands for Quick-Service Restaurant). QSR is a leading authority on news and trends in the fast food industry.
50. Shake Shack
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Shake Shack is most well-known for its ShackBurger.
U.S. Locations: ​287
Food Category: Burgers
49. Krispy Kreme
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Krispy Kreme sells around 1.6 billion donuts each year.
U.S. Locations: ​352
Food Category: Donuts
48. In-N-Out Burger
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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
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Freddy’s serves frozen custard along with its famous steakburgers.
U.S. Locations: ​456
Food Category: Burgers
46. El Pollo Loco
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Most El Pollo Loco locations are in the southwestern U.S.
U.S. Locations: 490
Food Category: Mexican Food
45. McAlister’s Deli
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Most of Dutch Bros 671 locations are in the western U.S.
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