As the fast-food industry continues to shape the American dining landscape, certain chains have risen to dominate the market.

From iconic brands with decades of history to innovative newcomers, these giants boast the highest number of locations across the country. In this slideshow, we’ll explore which chains have scaled their operations to reach millions of customers every day, driving convenience, consistency, and fast food culture to every corner of the U.S.

Here’s a look at the 20 biggest U.S. quick-service chains in terms of store count.

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GO TO THE QSR 50 CHART

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Note: The unit counts are by U.S. restaurants as of 2023 year end.

If viewing on desktop, click arrows in picture to see the next slide. * Indicates estimate by QSR.

2023 Total Units: 20,133

Franchised stores: 20,133

Company stores: 0

Total change in units from 2022: –443

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $9,925

Average sales per unit (thousands): $493

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2023 Total Units: 16,346

Franchised stores: 6,701

Company stores: 9,645

Total change in units from 2022: 473

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $28,700

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,820

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2023 Total Units: 13,457

Franchised stores: 12,772

Company stores: 685

Total change in units from 2022: 13

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $53,135

Average sales per unit (thousands): $4,001

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2023 Total Units: 9,580

Franchised stores: 9,548

Company stores: 32

Total change in units from 2022: 210

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $11,918

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,300

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2023 Total Units: 7,405

Franchised stores: 6,922

Company stores: 483

Total change in units from 2022: 207

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $15,000

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

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2023 Total Units: 6,854

Franchised stores: 6,566

Company stores: 288

Total change in units from 2022: 168

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $9,026

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

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2023 Total Units: 6,778

Franchised stores: 6,640

Company stores: 138

Total change in units from 2022: –264

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $10,957

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,642

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2023 Total Units: 6,593

Franchised stores: 6,586

Company stores: 7

Total change in units from 2022: 32

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $5,600

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,015

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2023 Total Units: 6,030

Franchised stores: 5,627

Company stores: 403

Total change in units from 2022: 36

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $12,285

Average sales per unit (thousands): $2,060

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2023 Total Units: 4,254

Franchised stores: 4,252

Company stores: 2

Total change in units from 2022: –53

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $4,968

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,168

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2023 Total Units: 4,217

Franchised stores: 3,642

Company stores: 575

Total change in units from 2022: 44

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $3,365

Average sales per unit (thousands): $798

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2023 Total Units: 3,791

Franchised stores: 3,745

Company stores: 46

Total change in units from 2022: –127

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $5,200

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,386

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2023 Total Units: 3,521

Franchised stores: 3,195

Company stores: 326

Total change in units from 2022: –25

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $5,534

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

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2023 Total Units: 3,437

Franchised stores: 0

Company stores: 3,437

Total change in units from 2022: 271

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $9,872

Average sales per unit (thousands): $3,018

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2023 Total Units: 3,413

Franchised stores: 2,316

Company stores: 1,097

Total change in units from 2022: –2

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $4,617

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

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2023 Total Units: 3,220

Franchised stores: 2,689

Company stores: 531

Total change in units from 2022: 40

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $3,846

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,231

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2023 Total Units: 3,076

Franchised stores: 3,035

Company stores: 41

Total change in units from 2022: 130

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $5,511

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,897

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2023 Total Units: 2,684

Franchised stores: 2,665

Company stores: 19

Total change in units from 2022: 287

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $3,342

Average sales per unit (thousands): $1,300

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2023 Total Units: 2,644

Franchised stores: 2,604

Company stores: 40

Total change in units from 2022: 7

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $2,551

Average sales per unit (thousands): $936

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2023 Total Units: 2,552

Franchised stores: 2,494

Company stores: 58

Total change in units from 2022: 141

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $21,586

Average sales per unit (thousands): $7,450

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