Continue to Site

These 29 Fast-Food Brands Earn the Most Per Restaurant

This list of industry-best AUVs captures which companies were winning at the store level prior to the crisis.

QSR Slideshow

Share:

Tweet Facebook LinkedIn Email

Each year, the QSR 50 gives an in-depth look at how the fast-food industry is performing.

One of those metrics, average-unit volume (AUV), gives insight from the store how restaurants are performing across their portfolios. Franchising brands often leverage AUV to give potential operators a sense of their return on investment.

Although COVID has significantly changed the landscape, this list of industry-best AUVs captures which companies were winning in the trenches prior to the crisis, and may indicate which are best positioned to thrive post-pandemic.

HERE ARE THE FULL-SERVICE RANKINGS

This year, we included the 15 brands just outside the top 50 as well. So this is a list of the top 29 AUVs among the 65 highest-grossing quick-service brands in America in terms of U.S. systemwide sales.

CHECK OUT PAST RESULTS OF THE QSR 50:

Note: The figures are by U.S. restaurants as of 2019 year end.

Image credits:Portillo’s

1. Portillo’s

Average sales per unit (thousands): $7,273

Unit count: 64

Franchised stores: 0

Company stores: 64

Total change in units from 2018: 7

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $440

Read more in the QSR 50 here.

Image credits:Portillo’s

2. Chick-fil-A

Average sales per unit (thousands): $4,517

Unit count: 2,500

Franchised stores: 2,500

Company stores: 0

Total change in units from 2018: 130

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $11,000

Read more in the QSR 50 here.

Image credits:Chick-fil-A

3. Shake Shack

Average sales per unit (thousands): $4,214

Unit count: 185

Franchised stores: 22

Company stores: 163

Total change in units from 2018: 59

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $630

Read more in the QSR 50 here.

Image credits:Shake Shack

4. Raising Cane’s

Average sales per unit (thousands): $3,600

Unit count: 457

Franchised stores: 86

Company stores: 371

Total change in units from 2018: 57

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $1,466

Read more in the QSR 50 here.

Image credits:Raising Cane’s

5. Whataburger

Average sales per unit (thousands): $3,080

Unit count: 830

Franchised stores: 703

Company stores: 127

Total change in units from 2018: 5

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $2,556

Read more in the QSR 50 here.

Image credits:Whataburger

6. McDonald’s

Average sales per unit (thousands): $2,912

Unit count: 13,846

Franchised stores: 13,154

Company stores: 692

Total change in units from 2018: –66

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $40,413

Read more in the QSR 50 here.

Image credits:McDonald’s

7. In-N-Out Burger

Average sales per unit (thousands): $2,882

Unit count: 13,846

Franchised stores: 0

Company stores: 354

Total change in units from 2018: 14

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $1,000

Read more in the QSR 50 here.

Image credits:Unsplash/Andrew Weibert

8. Panera Bread

Average sales per unit (thousands): $2,751

Unit count: 2,225

Franchised stores: 1,202

Company stores: 1,023

Total change in units from 2018: 132

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $5,925

Read more in the QSR 50 here.

Image credits:Panera Bread

9. Jason’s Deli

Average sales per unit (thousands): $2,478

Unit count: 290

Franchised stores: 110

Company stores: 180

Total change in units from 2018: 11

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $705

Read more in the QSR 50 here.

Image credits:wikimedia commons/Corey Coyle

10. Culver’s

Average sales per unit (thousands): $2,435

Unit count: 733

Franchised stores: 727

Company stores: 6

Total change in units from 2018: 46

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $1,730

Read more in the QSR 50 here.

Image credits:Culver’s

11. Chipotle

Average sales per unit (thousands): $2,195

Unit count: 2,580

Franchised stores: 0

Company stores: 2,580

Total change in units from 2018: 130

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $5,520

Read more in the QSR 50 here.

Image credits:Chipotle

12. Zaxby’s

Average sales per unit (thousands): $2,030

Unit count: 904

Franchised stores: 755

Company stores: 149

Total change in units from 2018: 6

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $1,840

Read more in the QSR 50 here.

Image credits:Zaxby’s

13. The Habit Grill

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,953

Unit count: 264

Franchised stores: 23

Company stores: 241

Total change in units from 2018: 21

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $501

Read more in the QSR 50 here.

Image credits:Habit Burger

14. El Pollo Loco

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,865

Unit count: 480

Franchised stores: 277

Company stores: 203

Total change in units from 2018: 4

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $894

Read more in the QSR 50 here.

Image credits:El Pollo Loco

15. Panda Express

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,765

Unit count: 2,184

Franchised stores: 138

Company stores: 2,046

Total change in units from 2018: 80

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $3,800

Read more in the QSR 50 here.

Image credits:Panda Express

16. Bojangles

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,717

Unit count: 746

Franchised stores: 434

Company stores: 312

Total change in units from 2018: –10

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $1,290

Read more in the QSR 50 here.

Image credits:

17. Steak ‘N Shake

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,673

Unit count: 577

Franchised stores: 183

Company stores: 365

Total change in units from 2018: –19

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $932

Read more in the QSR 50 here.

Image credits:Steak ‘n Shake

18. Wendy’s

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,666

Unit count: 5,852

Franchised stores: 5,495

Company stores: 357

Total change in units from 2018: 30

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $9,865

Read more in the QSR 50 here.

Image credits:Wendy’s

19. McAlister’s Deli

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,629

Unit count: 469

Franchised stores: 438

Company stores: 31

Total change in units from 2018: 16

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $719

Read more in the QSR 50 here.

Image credits:McAlister’s Deli

20. Jack in the Box

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,565

Unit count: 2,243

Franchised stores: 2,106

Company stores: 137

Total change in units from 2018: 6

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $3,505

Read more in the QSR 50 here.

Image credits:wikimedia commons

21. Del Taco

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,554

Unit count: 596

Franchised stores: 296

Company stores: 300

Total change in units from 2018: 16

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $850

Read more in the QSR 50 here.

Image credits:Del Taco

22. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,541

Unit count: 2,499

Franchised stores: 2,458

Company stores: 41

Total change in units from 2018: 131

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $3,750

Read more in the QSR 50 here.

Image credits:Popeyes

23. Freddy’s

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,533

Unit count: 367

Franchised stores: 338

Company stores: 29

Total change in units from 2018: 39

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $536

Read more in the QSR 50 here.

Image credits:Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

24. Taco Bell

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,502

Unit count: 7,089

Franchised stores: 6,622

Company stores: 467

Total change in units from 2018: 181

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $11,000

Read more in the QSR 50 here.

Image credits:Taco Bell

25. White Castle

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,493

Unit count: 375

Franchised stores: 3

Company stores: 372

Total change in units from 2018: 0

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $560

Read more in the QSR 50 here.

Image credits:White Castle

26. Starbucks

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,454

Unit count: 15,041

Franchised stores: 6,768

Company stores: 8,273

Total change in units from 2018: 216

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $21,550

Read more in the QSR 50 here.

Image credits:Starbucks

27. Burger King

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,399

Unit count: 7,346

Franchised stores: 7,294

Company stores: 52

Total change in units from 2018: 16

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $10,300

Read more in the QSR 50 here.

Image credits:Restaurant Brands International

28. Five Guys

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,359

Unit count: 1,368

Franchised stores: 872

Company stores: 496

Total change in units from 2018: 10

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $1,662

Read more in the QSR 50 here.

Image credits:Five Guys

29. Sonic Drive-In

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,320

Unit count: 3,526

Franchised stores: 3,329

Company stores: 197

Total change in units from 2018: –74

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $4,687

Read more in the QSR 50 here.

Image credits:Sonic Drive-In

QSR Staff

QSR Uncut

Controlling the Kitchen Chaos, with Diana Geseking

Listen to the Episode

You might also like...

Pretzelmaker to Offer Free Pretzel Bites on National Pretzel Day

Pretzelmaker, owned by FAT Brands Inc. and innovator of Pretzel Bites, is once again rolling out Free Pretzel Bites to celebrate National Pretzel Day. This National Pretzel Day, April 26, fans can grab one free Small Original Pretzel Bites, Original Salted or Unsalted, in-store at participating Pretzelmaker locations nationwide. “Offering a great deal for National Pretzel Day is a longstanding tradition at Pretzelmaker,” says […]

Wetzel’s Pretzels Opens Inside Walmart in Aurora, Colorado

Wetzel’s Pretzels (Wetzel’s), the nation’s fun-loving pretzel brand, recently expanded in Aurora, and pretzels are the first thing on Walmart shoppers’ lists. The new bakery will be owned and operated by one of Wetzel’s distinguished ‘Access to Equity’ entrepreneurs and restaurant industry veteran, Juveisa Prada. The brand’s Access to Equity program was created to improve inclusivity for women and minorities […]

The Human Bean Opens in River Edge, New Jersey

Baristas at The Human Bean will begin pouring coffee and other specialty beverages at 101 Midland Ave beginning this Tuesday, April 16th. Customers are invited to come get a first taste of the Cafe’s offerings, including specialty-grade coffee, real-fruit smoothies, whole-leaf teas, and hot breakfast items to-go. Local owners of the new The Human Bean location, […]

The Human Bean to Host Earth Day Giveback with Planting Partner Trees of the Future

The Human Bean is hosting its annual Earth Day Giveback at all locations across the U.S. next Monday, April 22nd. On this special day, every drink sold will result in one tree planted through Trees for the Future, an international nonprofit with 30+ years of history planting trees and teaching sustainable farming practices in impoverished communities. […]

Keith Lee and his wife Ronni.

Pizza Hut to Help Local Communities with Social Media Personality Keith Lee

Church’s Texas Chicken hot sauce.

Church’s Texas Chicken Unleashes First Signature Hot Sauce

Popeyes Offers $4.20 Chicken Sandwich Deal for 4/20

Popeyes is elevating the holiday with a smokin’ deal and a new Munchies Menu that’s sure to satisfy all cravings. Starting today through Saturday, 4/20, guests can order off the Munchies Menu and get a mouthwatering Chicken Sandwich (Classic, Spicy, Blackened or Spicy Blackened) for only $4.20 and fan-favorite sides like Cajun Fries, Mac & Cheese, Mashed Potatoes and more for […]

Bojangles to Venture West with Franchise Deal in Los Angeles

Bojangles, the Carolina-born restaurant chain specializing in craveable breakfast and Southern-style chicken, biscuits and tea, has announced the signing of a 30-unit agreement that will bring the concept to Los Angeles for the first time. The agreement, spearheaded by seasoned entrepreneur Lorenzo Boucetta and Poulet Brothers, LLC, is expected to introduce Bojangles to Los Angeles […]

Black Rock Coffee Bar Implements Revel’s POS Systems

Revel Systems, an open cloud order management platform for restaurant and retail brands, announced that Black Rock Coffee Bar has successfully implemented Revel at more than 130 locations, with plans to rapidly expand nationwide. Preferring a best-of-breed approach to its technology stack, Black Rock took advantage of Revel’s existing integrations with leading solutions for loyalty, […]

Starbucks' Spicy Lemonade Refresher.

Starbucks Releases Spicy Lemonade Refreshers

Smashburger Inks Deal to Grow in Salt Lake City

Smashburger announced the signing of an agreement with existing franchisee, Sachi Foods, LLC, to expand their partnership. Led by Farhana Ali, the deal awards the group two Salt Lake City-based restaurants, growing its portfolio to 15 operating locations between the United States of America and Costa Rica. The announcement comes on the heels of Smashburger’s […]

Culver's burger.

Culver’s is Quietly Becoming a Fast-Food Powerhouse