These 32 Fast-Food Chains Earn the Most Per Restaurant

The QSR 50 takes an annual, comprehensive look at how the biggest quick-service restaurants compare. 

One of the most crucial stats is AUV, which indicates how mature units are individually performing, on average. Operators often tout the number as a way to attract franchisees interested in ROI and profitability. 

CHECK OUT LAST YEAR'S RESULTS

Here's a look at the top 32 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): $6,100

Unit count: 2,732

Franchised stores: 2,650

Company stores: 82

Total change in units from 2020: 155

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $16,700

READ MORE: A look at Chick-fil-A's 2021 performance and how much drive-thru stores are earning.

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): $4,893

Unit count: 567

Franchised stores: 23

Company stores: 544

Total change in units from 2020: 58

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $2,377

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

3. Krispy Kreme*

Average sales per unit (thousands): $4,000

Unit count: 358

Franchised stores: 51

Company stores: 307

Total change in units from 2020: 6

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $996

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

4. Shake Shack*

Average sales per unit (thousands): $3,679

Unit count: 243

Franchised stores: 25

Company stores: 218

Total change in units from 2020: 38

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $775

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

5. Whataburger

Average sales per unit (thousands): $3,640

Unit count: 873

Franchised stores: 131

Company stores: 742

Total change in units from 2020: 29

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $3,089

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

6. McDonald's

Average sales per unit (thousands): $3,420

Unit count: 13,438

Franchised stores: 12,775

Company stores: 663

Total change in units from 2020: –244

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $45,960

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

7. In-N-Out Burger*

Average sales per unit (thousands): $3,200

Unit count: 370

Franchised stores: 0

Company stores: 370

Total change in units from 2020: 5

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $1,175

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

8. Five Guys 

Average sales per unit (thousands): $3,172

Unit count: 1,390

Franchised stores: 911

Company stores: 479

Total change in units from 2020: 8

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $2,093

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

9. Culver's 

Average sales per unit (thousands): $3,099

Unit count: 837

Franchised stores: 831

Company stores: 6

Total change in units from 2020: 55

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $2,489

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

10. Panera*

Average sales per unit (thousands): $2,700

Unit count: 2,080

Franchised stores: 1,130

Company stores: 950

Total change in units from 2020: –25

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $5,650

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

11. Chipotle

Average sales per unit (thousands): $2,641

Unit count: 2,966

Franchised stores: 0

Company stores: 2,966

Total change in units from 2020: 198

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $7,547

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

12. Zaxby's 

Average sales per unit (thousands): $2,484

Unit count: 908

Franchised stores: 761

Company stores: 147

Total change in units from 2020: 3

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $2,233

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

13. Panda Express

Average sales per unit (thousands): $2,173

Unit count: 2,334

Franchised stores: 147

Company stores: 2,187

Total change in units from 2020: 150

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $4,452

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

14. El Pollo Loco 

Average sales per unit (thousands): $2,000

Unit count: 481

Franchised stores: 292

Company stores: 189

Total change in units from 2020: 1

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $973

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

15. Bojangles

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

Unit count: 773

Franchised stores: 496

Company stores: 277

Total change in units from 2020: 15

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $1,485

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

16. Wendy's

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,895

Unit count: 5,938

Franchised stores: 5,535

Company stores: 403

Total change in units from 2020: 57

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $11,111

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

17. Popeyes

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,867

Unit count: 2,754

Franchised stores: 2,716

Company stores: 41

Total change in units from 2020: 146

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $4,775

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

18. McAlister's

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,866

Unit count: 505

Franchised stores: 472

Company stores: 33

Total change in units from 2020: 24

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $869

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

19. Jack in the Box

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,843

Unit count: 2,218

Franchised stores: 2,055

Company stores: 163

Total change in units from 2020: –23

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $4,077

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

20. Freddy's

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,842

Unit count: 420

Franchised stores: 391

Company stores: 29

Total change in units from 2020: 32

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $759

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

21. Taco Bell 

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

Unit count: 7,002

Franchised stores: 6,540

Company stores: 462

Total change in units from 2020: 203

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $12,600

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

22. White Castle

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,749

Unit count: 349

Franchised stores: 0

Company stores: 349

Total change in units from 2020: –6

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $615

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

23. Sonic 

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,643

Unit count: 3,552

Franchised stores: 3,232

Company stores: 320

Total change in units from 2020: 26

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $5,835

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

24. Wingstop* 

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,592

Unit count: 1,534

Franchised stores: 1,498

Company stores: 36

Total change in units from 2020: 175

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $2,278

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

25. Del Taco  

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,551

Unit count: 600

Franchised stores: 306

Company stores: 294

Total change in units from 2020: 4

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $931

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

26. Burger King

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,470

Unit count: 7,105

Franchised stores: 7,054

Company stores: 51

Total change in units from 2020: 24

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $10,033

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

27. KFC

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,408

Unit count: 3,953

Franchised stores: 3,906

Company stores: 47

Total change in units from 2020: 10

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $5,100

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

28. Carl's Jr.*

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,400

Unit count: 1,058

Franchised stores: 1,011

Company stores: 47

Total change in units from 2020: –21

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $1,560

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

29. Domino's

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,317

Unit count: 6,560

Franchised stores: 6,185

Company stores: 375

Total change in units from 2020: 205

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $8,641

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

30. Arby's

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,309

Unit count: 3,409

Franchised stores: 2,293

Company stores: 1,116

Total change in units from 2020: 40

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $4,462

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

31. Starbucks*

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,200

Unit count: 15,450

Franchised stores: 6,497

Company stores: 8,953

Total change in units from 2020: 113

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $18,940

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

32. Tim Hortons

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,200

Unit count: 637

Franchised stores: 637

Company stores: 0

Total change in units from 2020: 4

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

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