The QSR Contenders for 2022

While the quick-service restaurant industry’s largest chains dominated much of the landscape in 2021, recovery has now given way to innovation. From legacy brands to upstarts, this group of 50 chains fell outside of this year’s QSR 50, but will look to break through in the coming years.

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All information in this story, except for where * is indicated, was submitted directly to QSR magazine. The list is ranked by total systemwide sales from the pool of submissions. All data is year-end fiscal 2021.

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1. Smoothie King

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $602

Average sales per unit (thousands): $609

Franchised stores: 1,302

Company stores: 56

2021 Total Units: 1,360

Total change in units from 2020: 55

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

2. Habit Burger

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

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

Franchised stores: 31

Company stores: 276

2021 Total Units: 307

Total change in units from 2020: 29

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

3. Auntie Anne’s

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $576

Average sales per unit (thousands): $637

Franchised stores: 1,126

Company stores: 12

2021 Total Units: 1,138

Total change in units from 2020: –14

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

4. Captain D’s

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $567

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,094

Franchised stores: 294

Company stores: 242

2021 Total Units: 531

Total change in units from 2020: 2

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

5. Steak ‘n Shake

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $539

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,764

Franchised stores: 337

Company stores: 199

2021 Total Units: 536

Total change in units from 2020: -20

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

6. Portillo’s*

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $526

Average sales per unit (thousands): $7,900

Franchised stores: 0

Company stores: 69

2021 Total Units: 69

Total change in units from 2020: 5

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

7. Jamba

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

Average sales per unit (thousands): $754

Franchised stores: 747

Company stores: 3

2021 Total Units: 750

Total change in units from 2020: -17

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

8. Schlotzsky’s

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $332

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,090

Franchised stores: 300

Company stores: 24

2021 Total Units: 324

Total change in units from 2020: -9

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

9. Krystal

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $323

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,126

Franchised stores: 105

Company stores: 182

2021 Total Units: 287

Total change in units from 2020: 3

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

10. Fazoli’s

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $298

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

Franchised stores: 156

Company stores: 57

2021 Total Units: 213

Total change in units from 2020: 3

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

11. Pizza Ranch

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $279

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,312

Franchised stores: 207

Company stores: 6

2021 Total Units: 213

Total change in units from 2020: 2

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

12. Scooter’s Coffee

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $263

Average sales per unit (thousands): $801

Franchised stores: 379

Company stores: 21

2021 Total Units: 400

Total change in units from 2020: 92

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

13. Penn Station

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $258

Average sales per unit (thousands): $820

Franchised stores: 311

Company stores: 1

2021 Total Units: 312

Total change in units from 2020: 2

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

14. Chicken Salad Chick

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $255

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,293

Franchised stores: 150

Company stores: 55

2021 Total Units: 205

Total change in units from 2020: 29

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

15. Mountain Mike’s

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $254

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,083

Franchised stores: 246

Company stores: 0

2021 Total Units: 246

Total change in units from 2020: 18

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

16. Smashburger

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $253

Average sales per unit (thousands): $3,331

Franchised stores: 128

Company stores: 117

2021 Total Units: 245

Total change in units from 2020: 9

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

17. Cinnabon

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $224

Average sales per unit (thousands): $637

Franchised stores: 938

Company stores: 1

2021 Total Units: 939

Total change in units from 2020: 2

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

18. Wetzel’s

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $219

Average sales per unit (thousands): $702

Franchised stores: 300

Company stores: 34

2021 Total Units: 351

Total change in units from 2020: 7

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

19. Donatos

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $211

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,249

Franchised stores: 117

Company stores: 52

2021 Total Units: 169

Total change in units from 2020: 1

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

20. Newk’s

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $208

Average sales per unit (thousands): $2,056

Franchised stores: 87

Company stores: 18

2021 Total Units: 105

Total change in units from 2020: 5

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

21. Bonchon

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $173

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,594

Franchised stores: 111

Company stores: 4

2021 Total Units: 115

Total change in units from 2020: 8

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

22. Waba Grill

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $170

Average sales per unit (thousands): $900

Franchised stores: 184

Company stores: 5

2021 Total Units: 189

Total change in units from 2020: 0

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

23. The Human Bean

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $109

Average sales per unit (thousands): $916

Franchised stores: 116

Company stores: 13

2021 Total Units: 129

Total change in units from 2020: 16

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

24. Capriotti’s

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $108

Average sales per unit (thousands): $933

Franchised stores: 155

Company stores: 13

2021 Total Units: 169

Total change in units from 2020: 55

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

25. Great Harvest Bread Company

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $108

Average sales per unit (thousands): $634

Franchised stores: 169

Company stores: 1

2021 Total Units: 170

Total change in units from 2020: –3

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

26. Teriyaki Madness

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $90

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,161

Franchised stores: 100

Company stores: 1

2021 Total Units: 101

Total change in units from 2020: 17

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

27. Roy Rogers

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $82

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,813

Franchised stores: 17

Company stores: 25

2021 Total Units: 42

Total change in units from 2020: –7

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

28. Pizza Guys

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $79

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,102

Franchised stores: 68

Company stores: 7

2021 Total Units: 75

Total change in units from 2020: 5

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

29. MOOYAH

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $71

Average sales per unit (thousands): $866

Franchised stores: 88

Company stores: 1

2021 Total Units: 89

Total change in units from 2020: 5

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

30. Salsarita’s

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $68

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,219

Franchised stores: 47

Company stores: 9

2021 Total Units: 56

Total change in units from 2020: 56

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

31. Dog Haus

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $67

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,653

Franchised stores: 49

Company stores: 2

2021 Total Units: 51

Total change in units from 2020: 13

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

32. Gold Star Chili

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $61

Average sales per unit (thousands): $958

Franchised stores: 60

Company stores: 7

2021 Total Units: 67

Total change in units from 2020: –5

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

33. Hawaiian Bros

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $55

Average sales per unit (thousands): $4,400

Franchised stores: 0

Company stores: 26

2021 Total Units: 26

Total change in units from 2020: 17

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

34. Honeygrow

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $55

Average sales per unit (thousands): $2,300

Franchised stores: 0

Company stores: 25

2021 Total Units: 25

Total change in units from 2020: 1

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

35. Robeks

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $50

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,093

Franchised stores: 85

Company stores: 1

2021 Total Units: 86

Total change in units from 2020: 3

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

36. PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $46

Average sales per unit (thousands): $454

Franchised stores: 130

Company stores: 11

2021 Total Units: 141

Total change in units from 2020: 17

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

37. Kolache Factory

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $46

Average sales per unit (thousands): $454

Franchised stores: 30

Company stores: 29

2021 Total Units: 59

Total change in units from 2020: 2

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

38. Juice it Up!

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $43

Average sales per unit (thousands): $575

Franchised stores: 78

Company stores: 1

2021 Total Units: 79

Total change in units from 2020: 0

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

39. Happy Joe’s

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $38

Average sales per unit (thousands): $985

Franchised stores: 36

Company stores: 9

2021 Total Units: 45

Total change in units from 2020: 1

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

40. Rusty Taco

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $35

Average sales per unit (thousands): $988

Franchised stores: 37

Company stores: 5

2021 Total Units: 42

Total change in units from 2020: 6

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

41. Wing Zone

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $34

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,001

Franchised stores: 34

Company stores: 0

2021 Total Units: 34

Total change in units from 2020: 4

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

42. SoBol

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $30

Average sales per unit (thousands): $594

Franchised stores: 55

Company stores: 3

2021 Total Units: 58

Total change in units from 2020: 8

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

43. Swig

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $29

Average sales per unit (thousands): $989

Franchised stores: 0

Company stores: 38

2021 Total Units: 38

Total change in units from 2020: 8

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

44. Pickleman’s Gourmet Cafe

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $29

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,271

Franchised stores: 24

Company stores: 0

2021 Total Units: 24

Total change in units from 2020: 1

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

45. Killer Burger

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $17

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

Franchised stores: 4

Company stores: 12

2021 Total Units: 16

Total change in units from 2020: 3

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

46. Wing Snob

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $15

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,051

Franchised stores: 18

Company stores: 0

2021 Total Units: 18

Total change in units from 2020: 6

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

47. Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii

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

Average sales per unit (thousands): $720

Franchised stores: 20

Company stores: 0

2021 Total Units: 20

Total change in units from 2020: 0

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

48. Asian Box

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

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

Franchised stores: 0

Company stores: 8

2021 Total Units: 8

Total change in units from 2020: –2

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

49. Sauce on the Side

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

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,053

Franchised stores: 6

Company stores: 3

2021 Total Units: 9

Total change in units from 2020: 1

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

50. Mici Italian

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

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,204

Franchised stores: 0

Company stores: 7

2021 Total Units: 7

Total change in units from 2020: 2

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