These 30 Fast-Food Chains Earn the Most Per Restaurant

A key metric that provides insights into a quick-service chain's success and operational efficiency is its  AUV.

Drawing from the annual QSR 50 data, we've ranked the leading brands based on their AUV. This ranking serves as an indicator of both consumer preference and operational prowess.

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Here's a look at the top 30 U.S. quick-service chains that earn the most per restaurant. These rankings are based off the 50 highest-grossing brands in America. 

Click here for a free download of the entire QSR 50 and brand-by-brand breakdown.

Note: If viewing on desktop, please click the arrow in the picture to continue. * Indicates estimate by QSR. Numbers are year-end 2021 U.S. stores.

1. Chick-fil-A*

Average sales per unit (thousands): $6,710

Unit count: 2,837

Franchised stores: 2,764

Company stores: 73

Total change in units from 2021: 153

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $18,814

Click here for a free download of the entire QSR 50 and brand-by-brand breakdown.

2. Raising Cane's

Average sales per unit (thousands): $5,440

Unit count: 646

Franchised stores: 25

Company stores: 621

Total change in units from 2021: 79

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $3,118

Click here for a free download of the entire QSR 50 and brand-by-brand breakdown.

3. Shake Shack* 

Average sales per unit (thousands): $3,800

Unit count: 287

Franchised stores: 33

Company stores: 254

Total change in units from 2021: 44

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $994

Click here for a free download of the entire QSR 50 and brand-by-brand breakdown.

4. Whataburger 

Average sales per unit (thousands): $3,725

Unit count: 925

Franchised stores: 140

Company stores: 785

Total change in units from 2021: 52

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $3,340

Click here for a free download of the entire QSR 50 and brand-by-brand breakdown.

5. McDonald's

Average sales per unit (thousands): $3,625

Unit count: 13,444

Franchised stores: 12,751

Company stores: 693

Total change in units from 2021: 6

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $48,734

Click here for a free download of the entire QSR 50 and brand-by-brand breakdown.

6. Culver's

Average sales per unit (thousands): $3,280

Unit count: 892

Franchised stores: 886

Company stores: 6

Total change in units from 2021: 56

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $2,830

Click here for a free download of the entire QSR 50 and brand-by-brand breakdown.

7. Panera Bread* 

Average sales per unit (thousands): $3,230

Unit count: 2,102

Franchised stores: 1,156

Company stores: 946

Total change in units from 2021: –33

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $6,787

Click here for a free download of the entire QSR 50 and brand-by-brand breakdown.

8. In-N-Out Burger*

Average sales per unit (thousands): $2,970

Unit count: 379

Franchised stores: 0

Company stores: 379

Total change in units from 2021: 12

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $1,125

Click here for a free download of the entire QSR 50 and brand-by-brand breakdown.

9. Chipotle

Average sales per unit (thousands): $2,800

Unit count: 3,129

Franchised stores: 0

Company stores: 3,129

Total change in units from 2021: 211

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $8,600

Click here for a free download of the entire QSR 50 and brand-by-brand breakdown.

10. Krispy Kreme*

Average sales per unit (thousands): $2,760

Unit count: 352

Franchised stores: 57

Company stores: 295

Total change in units from 2021: 44

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $991

Click here for a free download of the entire QSR 50 and brand-by-brand breakdown.

11. Zaxby's

Average sales per unit (thousands): $2,590

Unit count: 922

Franchised stores: 776

Company stores: 146

Total change in units from 2021: 11

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $2,380

Click here for a free download of the entire QSR 50 and brand-by-brand breakdown.

12. Panda Express 

Average sales per unit (thousands): $2,385

Unit count: 2,393

Franchised stores: 162

Company stores: 2,231

Total change in units from 2021: 87

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $5,149

Click here for a free download of the entire QSR 50 and brand-by-brand breakdown.

13. El Pollo Loco 

Average sales per unit (thousands): $2,100

Unit count: 490

Franchised stores: 302

Company stores: 188

Total change in units from  2021: 10

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $1,039

Click here for a free download of the entire QSR 50 and brand-by-brand breakdown.

14. Bojangles 

Average sales per unit (thousands): $2,088

Unit count: 788

Franchised stores: 501

Company stores: 281

Total change in units from  2021: 15

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $1,600

Click here for a free download of the entire QSR 50 and brand-by-brand breakdown.

15. Wendy's

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,973

Unit count: 5,994

Franchised stores: 5,591

Company stores: 403

Total change in units from  2021: 56

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $11,694

Click here for a free download of the entire QSR 50 and brand-by-brand breakdown.

16. Dutch Bros

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,924

Unit count: 671

Franchised stores: 275

Company stores: 396

Total change in units from  2021: 133

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $1,163

Click here for a free download of the entire QSR 50 and brand-by-brand breakdown.

17. McAlister's Deli 

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,923

Unit count: 525

Franchised stores: 493

Company stores: 32

Total change in units from  2021: 20

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $956

Click here for a free download of the entire QSR 50 and brand-by-brand breakdown.

18. Taco Bell

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,900

Unit count: 7,198

Franchised stores: 6,734

Company stores: 464

Total change in units from  2021: 196

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $13,850

Click here for a free download of the entire QSR 50 and brand-by-brand breakdown.

19. Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,840

Unit count: 456

Franchised stores: 427

Company stores: 29

Total change in units from 2021: 36

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $808

Click here for a free download of the entire QSR 50 and brand-by-brand breakdown.

20. Crumbl Cookies

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,839

Unit count: 688

Franchised stores: 687

Company stores: 1

Total change in units from 2021: 363

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $1,004

Click here for a free download of the entire QSR 50 and brand-by-brand breakdown.

21. Jack in the Box 

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,837

Unit count: 2,180

Franchised stores: 2,034

Company stores: 146

Total change in units from 2021: –38

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $4,111

Click here for a free download of the entire QSR 50 and brand-by-brand breakdown.

22. Popeyes Louisana Kitchen

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,823

Unit count: 2,946

Franchised stores: 2,905

Company stores: 41

Total change in units from 2021: 169

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $5,001

Click here for a free download of the entire QSR 50 and brand-by-brand breakdown.

23. Five Guys

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,718

Unit count: 1,409

Franchised stores: 831

Company stores: 578

Total change in units from 2021: 19

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $2,204

Click here for a free download of the entire QSR 50 and brand-by-brand breakdown.

24. Starbucks*

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,680

Unit count: 15,873

Franchised stores: 6,608

Company stores: 9,265

Total change in units from 2021: 429

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $28,100

Click here for a free download of the entire QSR 50 and brand-by-brand breakdown.

25. Del Taco

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,618

Unit count: 591

Franchised stores: 301

Company stores: 290

Total change in units from 2021: –9

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $957

Click here for a free download of the entire QSR 50 and brand-by-brand breakdown.

26. Wingstop

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,606

Unit count: 1,721

Franchised stores: 1,678

Company stores: 43

Total change in units from 2021: 187

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $2,382

Click here for a free download of the entire QSR 50 and brand-by-brand breakdown.

27. Sonic Drive-In

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,600

Unit count: 3,546

Franchised stores: 3,221

Company stores: 325

Total change in units from 2021: –6

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $5,499

Click here for a free download of the entire QSR 50 and brand-by-brand breakdown.

28. Burger King

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,508

Unit count: 7,043

Franchised stores: 6,993

Company stores: 50

Total change in units from 2021: –61

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $10,278

Click here for a free download of the entire QSR 50 and brand-by-brand breakdown.

29. QDOBA

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,500

Unit count: 728

Franchised stores: 459

Company stores: 269

Total change in units from 2021: –11

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $1,002

Click here for a free download of the entire QSR 50 and brand-by-brand breakdown.

30. Carl's Jr.

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,463

Unit count: 1,068

Franchised stores: 1,020

Company stores: 48

Total change in units from 2021: 1

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $1,555

Click here for a free download of the entire QSR 50 and brand-by-brand breakdown.