GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Statistics About The Most Popular Fast Food

The most popular fast food chains in the US are McDonald's, Subway, Starbucks, Taco Bell, and Dunkin' Donuts based on factors such as revenue, number of locations, and customer preferences.

Highlights: Most Popular Fast Food

  • McDonald's is the largest fast food chain in the world with over 37,000 locations.
  • 84.8 million Americans consumed McDonald's in 2020.
  • Subway is the second largest fast food chain with 41,600 restaurants around the globe.
  • In 2020, Subway was the most popular fast food chain in terms of total number of restaurants in the United States with 23,801 locations.
  • Over 70% of fast food orders are placed through the drive-thru lane.
  • Chick-Fil-A was named the best fast food restaurant in America for five consecutive years by the American Customer Satisfaction Index.
  • In 2020, fried chicken was the most popular fast food in America during the pandemic.
  • 36.6% of all fast food consumers in the United States visited McDonald's most recently.
  • Roughly, 44% of post-millennials visited Chipotle in 2020.
  • Starbucks has the second-highest number of franchises in the U.S., around 15,000 stores.
  • Around 66% of people aged 18-34 say they like visiting "grab-and-go" restaurants.
  • As of 2020, fast food consumption led to $281 billion in revenues across the United States.
  • The average American spends more than $1200 on fast food each year.
  • As of 2021, more than 40% of Americans eat fast food every day.
  • The fast food industry is expected to reach $931.7 billion by 2027 globally.
  • On average, US adults get 11.3% of their daily calories from fast food.
  • Pizza appears to be the most popular fast food among kids aged 2-11 in the United States.
  • In 2021, the total revenue of McDonald’s Corporation reached approximately $22.73 billion.
  • 4% of adults reported eating a salad from a fast food restaurant in the past 24 hours in 2016.
  • The average fast food place in the US produces 200,000 pounds of food waste per year.

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Fast food has become a staple of modern society, offering convenience and a quick meal on-the-go. With a multitude of options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which fast food chains are the most popular among consumers. Join us as we delve into the world of fast food and uncover the most popular choices that satisfy taste buds across the globe.

The Latest Most Popular Fast Food Explained

McDonald’s is the largest fast food chain in the world with over 37,000 locations.

The statistic that McDonald’s is the largest fast food chain in the world with over 37,000 locations highlights the extensive global reach and scale of the company’s operations. This information indicates that McDonald’s has a significant presence in various countries, offering its fast food products to a wide customer base. The large number of locations also suggests that the company has a successful business model that has allowed it to expand and maintain a dominant position in the fast food industry. Additionally, the statistic underscores McDonald’s ability to effectively manage a vast network of restaurants, showcasing its infrastructure and logistical capabilities on a global scale.

84.8 million Americans consumed McDonald’s in 2020.

The statistic ‘84.8 million Americans consumed McDonald’s in 2020’ represents the estimated number of individuals in the United States who patronized McDonald’s restaurants at least once during the year 2020. This figure provides insight into the significant reach and popularity of McDonald’s as a fast-food chain across the country. From a statistical standpoint, it offers a quantifiable measure of the brand’s customer base and market penetration, reflecting the large-scale impact of McDonald’s within the American consumer landscape. Additionally, this statistic can serve as a key performance indicator for McDonald’s in assessing its market share, customer loyalty, and overall business success within the fast-food industry.

Subway is the second largest fast food chain with 41,600 restaurants around the globe.

The statistic that Subway is the second largest fast food chain with 41,600 restaurants around the globe indicates the significant global presence and reach of the Subway brand. The number of restaurants is a quantitative measure of the company’s market penetration and consumer accessibility, illustrating its popularity and success in the fast food industry. Being second only to another major fast food chain in terms of global restaurant count highlights Subway’s competitive position and market share within the industry. Additionally, the large number of restaurants signifies the potential for Subway to capture a wide customer base and generate substantial revenue from its extensive network of locations worldwide.

In 2020, Subway was the most popular fast food chain in terms of total number of restaurants in the United States with 23,801 locations.

The statistic states that in 2020, Subway held the title of being the most popular fast food chain in the United States based on the total number of restaurants it operated, with a total of 23,801 locations across the country. This indicates that Subway had a strong presence in the fast food industry in the U.S., with a significant number of physical locations where customers could purchase their products. The high number of restaurants suggests that Subway has a wide reach and accessibility for consumers, potentially contributing to its popularity and success in the market compared to other fast food chains.

Over 70% of fast food orders are placed through the drive-thru lane.

The statistic “Over 70% of fast food orders are placed through the drive-thru lane” implies that a substantial majority of customers of fast food establishments opt to use the drive-thru service rather than dine in or order for takeout. This data highlights the popularity and convenience of drive-thru lanes in the fast food industry, indicating a preference for quick and efficient service among consumers. It also suggests that fast food chains may need to prioritize and invest in improving drive-thru operations to meet the demands of their customer base, possibly influencing business strategies and resource allocation within the industry.

Chick-Fil-A was named the best fast food restaurant in America for five consecutive years by the American Customer Satisfaction Index.

The statistic “Chick-Fil-A was named the best fast food restaurant in America for five consecutive years by the American Customer Satisfaction Index” indicates that according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), Chick-Fil-A has consistently outperformed other fast food chains in terms of customer satisfaction over a period of five years. This suggests that Chick-Fil-A’s products, services, and overall customer experience have consistently resonated positively with consumers, leading to high levels of satisfaction and loyalty. The recognition as the best fast food restaurant for five consecutive years highlights Chick-Fil-A’s commitment to providing high-quality service and products that meet or exceed customers’ expectations, establishing the chain as a leader in the fast food industry in terms of customer satisfaction.

In 2020, fried chicken was the most popular fast food in America during the pandemic.

The statistic “In 2020, fried chicken was the most popular fast food in America during the pandemic” indicates that fried chicken surpassed all other types of fast food in terms of popularity among American consumers in 2020, a year marked by the global COVID-19 pandemic. This could imply that people turned to comfort foods like fried chicken during a time of uncertainty and stress, seeking familiar and indulgent options for their meals. The popularity of fried chicken could also be attributed to factors such as convenience, affordability, taste appeal, and availability from fast food chains specializing in this type of cuisine. Overall, this statistic suggests a significant shift in consumer preferences and dining habits during a challenging and unprecedented period in recent history.

36.6% of all fast food consumers in the United States visited McDonald’s most recently.

The statistic indicates that among all consumers of fast food in the United States, approximately 36.6% reported that their most recent visit was to McDonald’s. This suggests that McDonald’s is a popular choice among fast food options for a significant portion of the population. It provides insight into consumer preferences and behaviors in the fast food industry, indicating that a considerable number of individuals choose McDonald’s as their go-to fast food restaurant. This statistic can be valuable for McDonald’s in understanding its market share and competitiveness within the fast food sector, as well as for policymakers and researchers studying consumer trends in the United States.

Roughly, 44% of post-millennials visited Chipotle in 2020.

The statistic indicates that approximately 44% of individuals in the post-millennial generation (born between the mid-1990s and early 2000s) visited Chipotle at least once in the year 2020. This suggests that Chipotle is a popular dining choice among this demographic group. The percentage provides insight into the company’s market penetration within this specific age group and can be used to evaluate the brand’s popularity and potential customer base among post-millennials. It can also inform marketing strategies and business decisions aimed at targeting and appealing to this demographic segment.

Starbucks has the second-highest number of franchises in the U.S., around 15,000 stores.

The statistic stating that Starbucks has the second-highest number of franchises in the U.S., with approximately 15,000 stores, provides important insight into the company’s market presence and scale of operations. The sheer magnitude of Starbucks’ franchise network underscores the company’s strong position within the highly competitive coffee industry, highlighting its widespread consumer popularity and brand recognition. This statistic indicates that Starbucks has successfully expanded its reach across various regions in the United States, solidifying its status as a major player in the coffee retail sector and emphasizing the company’s ability to effectively attract and retain customers in a competitive marketplace.

Around 66% of people aged 18-34 say they like visiting “grab-and-go” restaurants.

The statistic ‘Around 66% of people aged 18-34 say they like visiting “grab-and-go” restaurants’ indicates that a significant majority of individuals within the 18-34 age group prefer dining at establishments that offer quick and easy takeout options. This suggests that younger demographics value convenience, efficiency, and on-the-go dining experiences, potentially due to busy lifestyles, limited time constraints, or a preference for a casual dining style. The high percentage of positive responses also signifies a trend towards the popularity of grab-and-go restaurants among this particular age demographic, highlighting the importance for food businesses to cater to the evolving preferences of their target audience.

As of 2020, fast food consumption led to $281 billion in revenues across the United States.

The statistic “As of 2020, fast food consumption led to $281 billion in revenues across the United States” indicates that the fast food industry generated a total of $281 billion in revenue in the year 2020 in the United States. This figure encompasses sales from various fast food chains and restaurants offering quick-service meals and snacks. The large revenue generated highlights the significant economic impact of the fast food sector on both the food industry and the overall economy of the United States. It signifies the popularity and widespread consumption of fast food among Americans, emphasizing the importance of this industry as a major player in the country’s food market.

The average American spends more than $1200 on fast food each year.

The statistic indicates that, on average, individuals in the United States spend over $1200 annually on fast food consumption. This figure serves as a measure of the significant financial impact that fast food purchases have on the average American’s budget. It suggests a considerable portion of disposable income is allocated towards fast food consumption, highlighting the popularity and widespread accessibility of fast food establishments in American culture. Understanding such expenditure patterns can offer insights into consumer behavior, dietary habits, and overall spending trends in the country.

As of 2021, more than 40% of Americans eat fast food every day.

The statistic indicates that in 2021, over 40% of the American population consumes fast food on a daily basis. This high prevalence of daily fast food consumption suggests a widespread and regular reliance on fast food as a dietary option among Americans. This statistic has significant implications for public health, as frequent fast food consumption is often associated with negative health outcomes, including obesity, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. Understanding and addressing the factors driving this behavior is essential for promoting healthier eating habits and reducing the associated health risks for a substantial portion of the American population.

The fast food industry is expected to reach $931.7 billion by 2027 globally.

The statistic that the fast food industry is expected to reach $931.7 billion by 2027 globally indicates the projected growth and size of the industry over the coming years. This figure demonstrates the immense scale and profitability of the fast food sector, highlighting its widespread popularity and consumer demand across various regions worldwide. The substantial economic value associated with the industry suggests the significant role it plays in the global economy, reflecting the continuous expansion and evolution of fast food chains to cater to changing consumer preferences and lifestyles. The projected growth also underscores the competitive nature of the industry, with companies strategizing to capture a larger share of the market and capitalize on emerging trends in the food service sector.

On average, US adults get 11.3% of their daily calories from fast food.

The statistic “On average, US adults get 11.3% of their daily calories from fast food” indicates the proportion of total daily caloric intake that comes from fast food among adults in the United States. This suggests that fast food consumption plays a significant role in the dietary habits of the US population, with approximately one-tenth of daily calories being sourced from fast food. This statistic highlights the potential impact of fast food consumption on overall caloric balance and nutrient intake, emphasizing the need for individuals to be mindful of their fast food choices and to consider the implications for their overall dietary health.

Pizza appears to be the most popular fast food among kids aged 2-11 in the United States.

The statement indicates that among children aged 2-11 in the United States, pizza is the most widely consumed fast food option. This conclusion is based on data analysis or survey results showing that a significant portion of children in this age group prefer pizza over other fast food choices such as burgers, fries, or fried chicken. The statistic suggests that pizza has a strong appeal to young children, likely due to its flavors, convenience, and widespread availability in various forms. This finding could potentially have implications for the food industry, marketing strategies targeting children, and public health initiatives aimed at promoting healthier eating habits among young individuals.

In 2021, the total revenue of McDonald’s Corporation reached approximately $22.73 billion.

The statistic “In 2021, the total revenue of McDonald’s Corporation reached approximately $22.73 billion” represents the financial performance of McDonald’s, a global fast-food chain, for the year 2021. Total revenue is a key financial metric that measures the sum of all revenues generated by the company during a specific period, in this case, for the entire year of 2021. The revenue figure of $22.73 billion indicates the total amount of money McDonald’s earned from its operations, including sales of food and beverages at its restaurants worldwide. This statistic provides valuable insights into the scale and success of McDonald’s business operations, indicating its position as one of the largest and most successful fast-food chains globally in terms of revenue generation.

4% of adults reported eating a salad from a fast food restaurant in the past 24 hours in 2016.

The statistic ‘4% of adults reported eating a salad from a fast food restaurant in the past 24 hours in 2016’ indicates the proportion of adults who consumed a salad from a fast food restaurant within a specific time frame. This statistic provides insight into the dietary habits of adults in that particular year, suggesting that a small but notable percentage of adults opted for a salad option when dining at fast food establishments. This information can be useful for understanding trends in fast food consumption, health behaviors, and preferences for healthier food options among adults in 2016. Additionally, it highlights the potential impact of fast food restaurants offering salad choices on the overall diet of their customers.

The average fast food place in the US produces 200,000 pounds of food waste per year.

The statistic stating that the average fast food place in the US produces 200,000 pounds of food waste per year represents the typical amount of discarded food materials generated by these establishments annually. This figure serves as an indicator of the significant impact of fast food restaurants on the environment due to the large quantity of waste they produce. Food waste not only contributes to environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions but also represents a loss of valuable resources. Thus, measures should be taken to reduce this waste through sustainable practices and proper waste management techniques to mitigate the negative effects on the environment and promote a more efficient use of food resources in the fast food industry.

References

0. – https://www.www.cdc.gov

1. – https://www.www.qsrmagazine.com

2. – https://www.www.theacsi.org

3. – https://www.www.foxbusiness.com

4. – https://www.www.alliedmarketresearch.com

5. – https://www.www.vice.com

6. – https://www.www.statista.com

7. – https://www.www.marketingdive.com

8. – https://www.www.worldatlas.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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