Each year the QSR 50 showcases how the biggest U.S. quick-service chains stack up, whether that’s through systemwide sales, AUVs, or unit expansion. In 2020, these fast-food chains fueled growth with digital innovation and garnered the spotlight with “restaurant of the future” designs. 

Just outside of that top-50 range are several brands equipped with the right amount of momentum to break through.

CHECK OUT LAST YEAR’S CONTENDERS

MORE: 42 Brands to Watch in 2021

Here’s a look at 15 contenders that could make an appearance in the QSR 50 in the near future. 

Editor’s note: List is determined by U.S. systemwide sales as of 2020 year end. The brands included rank 51–65 in America. Click here for 1–50.

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1. Shake Shack

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

Average sales per unit (thousands): $3,020

Unit count: 205

Franchised stores: 22

Company stores: 183

Total change in units from 2019: 20

Read More in the QSR 50: Contenders

2. Captain D’s

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $544

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,024

Unit count: 531

Franchised stores: 246

Company stores: 285

Total change in units from 2019: -4

Read More in the QSR 50: Contenders

3. Jason’s Deli 

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $500

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,818

Unit count: 253

Franchised stores: 87

Company stores: 166

Total change in units from 2019: -30

Read More in the QSR 50: Contenders

4. Habit Burger

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $480

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,745

Unit count: 278

Franchised stores: 263

Company stores: 15

Total change in units from 2019: 7

Read More in the QSR 50: Contenders

5. Smoothie King

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $464

Average sales per unit (thousands): $521

Unit count: 1,008

Franchised stores: 968

Company stores: 40

Total change in units from 2019: 39

Read More in the QSR 50: Contenders

6. Noodles & Company 

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $465

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,100

Unit count: 454

Franchised stores: 76

Company stores: 378

Total change in units from 2019: -3

Read More in the QSR 50: Contenders

7. MOD Pizza

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $461

Average sales per unit (thousands): $979

Unit count: 490

Franchised stores: 82

Company stores: 408

Total change in units from 2019: 22

Read More in the QSR 50: Contenders

8. Einstein Bros. Bagels

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $450

Average sales per unit (thousands): $623

Unit count: 703

Franchised stores: 337

Company stores: 366

Total change in units from 2019: -26

Read More in the QSR 50: Contenders

9. Portillo’s

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $450

Average sales per unit (thousands): $6,923

Unit count: 66

Franchised stores: 0

Company stores: 66

Total change in units from 2019: 2

Read More in the QSR 50: Contenders

10. Charleys Philly Steaks

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $435

Average sales per unit (thousands): $795

Unit count: 551

Franchised stores: 496

Company stores: 55

Total change in units from 2019: 2

Read More in the QSR 50: Contenders

11. Round Table Pizza

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $435

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,030

Unit count: 414

Franchised stores: 376

Company stores: 38

Total change in units from 2019: -13

Read More in the QSR 50: Contenders

12. Jamba

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $418

Average sales per unit (thousands): $664

Unit count: 791

Franchised stores: 788

Company stores: 3

Total change in units from 2019: 17

Read More in the QSR 50: Contenders

13. Boston Market

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $400

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,133

Unit count: 330

Franchised stores: 16

Company stores: 314

Total change in units from 2019: -46

Read More in the QSR 50: Contenders

14. Long John Silver’s

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $395

Average sales per unit (thousands): $620

Unit count: 469

Franchised stores: 200

Company stores: 669

Total change in units from 2019: -72

Read More in the QSR 50: Contenders

15. Taco John’s

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

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,077

Unit count: 389

Franchised stores: 378

Company stores: 11

Total change in units from 2019: 2

Read More in the QSR 50: Contenders