Business
Top 20 Fast Food Chains That Dominate America
If you think fast-food restaurants dominate the American landscape, then you are correct. No matter where you go, you are always within a stone’s throw of a restaurant that’s sending out order after order at breakneck speeds. Here is a list of the Top 20 Fast Food Chains That Dominate In America.
20. Whataburger
Whataburger is a regional favorite that makes up 1% of the fast-food restaurants in America. That number may seem small, but it isn’t to those who call Whataburger their favorite burger joint in the country. Anyone who wants a delicious treat should consider a vacation to one of the southern states that host a Whataburger. You will cry the entire way home since you won’t be able to enjoy a thick and juicy Whataburger in your hometown. Who knows, it might be motivation enough for you to put on a cowboy hat and move down south.
19. Five Guys
Devoted fans of Five Guys can’t imagine what life would be like without them. Their hand-cut fries are what legends are made of. If you’re the type that wouldn’t think about setting foot in another fast food joint, then you must be one of the many who continuously visit this burger chain that makes up 1% of the total volume of fast-food restaurants. Don’t expect that number to stay low forever since every day some new people are being turned on to Five Guys who will never again buy a burger anywhere else.
18. Carl’s Jr.
Everything seems bigger at Carl’s Jr. They make up 1% of the number of fast-food restaurants in America. It’s hard to believe the number is so low considering the impact they have on the industry. No one can deny that size matters when it comes to burgers, as Carl’s Jr. proves. Few fast-food restaurants come close to offering the size and abundance of flavors that Carl’s Jr. does. If you’re a fan of eating until your innards feel like they’re about to explode, then you no doubt regularly visit a Carl’s Jr. near you.
17. Panda Express
Panda Express makes up 1% of the fast-food chains. What makes this restaurant so unique is its focus on Chinese food. If you’re not in the mood for burgers, pizza, or tacos, then Panda Express is the perfect alternative. The great thing about Panda Express is they have a standardized menu and that means all of their restaurants have the same thing. That’s rarely the case when it comes to privately owned Chinese restaurants as they often cater their menu to what sells best to their small subset of customers.
16. Chipotle
Chipotle may be growing, but they’re still around the 1% mark. Everyone who enjoys a big gut bomb burrito knows all about Chipotle. They also have great bowls, tacos, and other menu items. Chipotle is the place where you go hungry and walk out satisfied. Their food is a fresh take on Mexican inspired foods that include grilled meats, freshly made hot sauces, and plenty of guacamole. You can’t walk out of the place without a side of guac and their chips. If you do, then you’ll regret it every step of the way home.
15. Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A comes in at a staggering 2%. Why is that number so staggering? It’s staggering because of the impact that Chick-fil-A has on the world of fast food. They have a loyal following like very few restaurants have. Their customers love their products so much that they are devoted to them. Their chicken sandwiches and waffle fries are only two of the things that people can’t seem to scarf down enough of. Quality is king at Chick-fil-A, and that in itself is why their name is always on the lips of those who love fast food.
14. Jack in the Box
Don’t get in between a hungry person and their Jack in the Box. This joint has a lot of fans, and that’s why they make up 2% of the total number of fast-food restaurants in America. It seems like they serve up a standard fare when it comes to fast food until you take a closer look. Those who love Jack in the Box know it’s all about the quality and the uniqueness of the product. Sure, it’s typical fast food, but nothing is typical when Jack in the Box puts it in between a bun.
13. Jimmy John’s
Jimmy John’s takes a solid 2%, and they aren’t done yet. Jimmy John’s is a sub sandwich joint that also has other types of sandwiches. But, let’s be clear, you go there for the subs. Well, those and the big chocolate chunk cookies they have. Those cookies are not only big; they’re mighty tasty as well. The perfect way to end a visit to Jimmy John’s is with one of their cookies that will hit the spot after a great meal.
12. Hardee’s
Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. are basically the same places. No, it’s not a conspiracy on their behalf to confuse the public. Anyone who walks into either Hardee’s or Carl’s Jr. will know immediately that they are the same. At 3%, you’re more likely to see a Hardee’s than a Carl’s Jr. If you have any doubt if either one is in your area, look for all the people who look like they are in a state of pure bliss. It’s impossible to feel anything other than total and utter satisfaction after finishing a hefty meal at either one of these fast-food behemoths.
11. Sonic Drive-In
Sonic Drive-In clocks in at a total of 3% of the number of restaurants in America. They are famous for hot dogs, happy hour drinks, and those two funny guys in their commercials. Those guys have been on television for years, and they are the face of Sonic Drive-In. You can’t help but think of them when you’re placing your order. Sonic Drive-In has an old-time feel to it since it still is an actual drive-in. Anyone who has never visited a drive-in should go out of their way to check out Sonic Drive-In for a real blast from the past experience. Don’t worry; you don’t have to grease your hair back or wear a poodle skirt when eating at this relic of days gone by.
10. Arby’s
Arby’s has the meats and also a hefty 3% foothold. Arby’s might be known for roast beef, but over the years, they’re working hard to add more meats. Some of you might be shocked to learn that they also have fish sandwiches. The curly fries at Arby’s are a real hidden secret. They’re obviously curly, but have the right amount of spice on them. Not enough fast food places put spices on their fries, and it’s just one of the many things that separate Arby’s from the rest. They also have unique shakes and turnovers that the other chains could only dream of selling. If you haven’t been in an Arby’s recently, now is a better time than ever since they’re continually searching for new ways to put more meat on a bun.
9. Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen’s 3% saturation is more than what it seems. Dairy Queen is the perfect marriage between fast food and ice cream. You can’t leave Dairy Queen without having some kind of frozen treat. If you’re in there, you might as well get a burger and fries too. You can see where this is going real fast. A trip to Dairy Queen is a treat in itself, and it’s impossible to walk away feeling anything but satisfied after you’re done eating there.
8. KFC
Somewhere Colonel Sanders is smiling down in surprise that his world-famous restaurant is up to 3%. Today, KFC is so much more than fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and coleslaw. The menu has grown since the Colonel was at the helm, and he probably wouldn’t recognize most of the products available. The chicken sandwiches are a hit, and so are the addition of new sides. Who would ever think that you could choose between a biscuit or cornbread when visiting KFC? See, things do change, and sometimes change is good.
7. Domino’s Pizz
The numbers are staggering when it comes to Domino’s Pizza and their 4%. This is the first entry on our list that includes pizza. Though, Domino’s Pizza isn’t only pizza as their customers know. They also have sandwiches, chicken wings, and other side dishes. If the big game is on, call Domino’s Pizza, and they’ll send over a pipping hot pizza along with some wings that will make everyone happy. Don’t forget to buy a sandwich for that one guy who’s a picky eater, and on some diet, no one can ever seem to remember what it’s called. Domino’s has him covered; they’ll have something he and everyone else can eat. That’s why they’re at a solid 4%.
6. Wendy’s
Dave Thomas would be so proud to know that Wendy’s is currently at 4%. It’s almost impossible to put into words what his impact was on the world of hamburgers. It isn’t far fetched to say that what he did is not only still impacting the industry, but it will continue on as well. The fresh, never frozen beef patties are one of the many reasons why there are so many loyal Wendy’s customers. The Classic Single is a real classic and it can go toe to toe with the likes of the Whopper or Big Mac any day of the week. If you’ve never had a Frosty, then you’ve got to treat yourself to one. A Frosty is a chocolatey creamy dessert that’s a mix between soft-serve ice cream and a milkshake. Frosty’s now come in vanilla, and that’s another reason to give one a try.
5. Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut comes in at a rock-solid 5%. The reason why Pizza Hut has such a stranglehold on pizza and fast food is because of their creativity. Who else would think of stuffing the crust of pizza with cheese and other things? If that doesn’t get you going, then their wide variety of crusts has to get your attention. If all else fails, then they are one of the few big-time pizza chains where you can sit down inside the restaurant and eat pizza while enjoying a pitcher of beer. Invite a few of your friends to eat pizza and drink beer at a place that always seems to reinvent itself every so many years. If nothing else, it’s always interesting to see what they have coming down the pike. You know one thing about Pizza Hut, and that is, they aren’t the type of company that sits around while everyone else innovates but them.
4. Taco Bell
The 5% that Taco Bell represents is far bigger than what the number may lead people to think. Taco Bell is the number one fast Mexican food restaurant in America. No one comes close to the numbers, no matter how you look at them. Some say that Taco Bell serves up the same handful of ingredients in a multitude of ways. While on some level that may be true, it’s those same ingredients that make everyone keep coming back for more. If you want cheesy, beefy, crunchy goodness, there’s only one place to go for it, and that’s Taco Bell. It’s also the place for those who like spicy food to get their bell rung with a variety of sauces that are sure to set your mouth ablaze.
3. Burger King
Burger King is truly royalty in the kingdom of fast food. They come in at 6%, and the numbers are growing steadily over the years. No one can deny that Burger King plays a vital role in fast food and burgers in general. They have made some serious inroads over the past few years with new products that have changed the way the dining public eats. The flame-broiled Whoppers they keep selling are one of the many reasons why Burger King is a favorite among burger lovers. It is a whopper of a sandwich, and it tastes like it was grilled up in your backyard. That king dude may look creepy, but he sure knows how to flame broil a burger. No one will ever doubt his ability to grill up a burger or dish out delicious hot fries.
2. McDonald’s
McDonald’s is everywhere, and that’s why it should be no surprise that they come in at 11%. You can’t go anywhere in America and not be near a McDonald’s. It would also be correct to say that you’re always near a McDonald’s no matter where in the world you are. Their Big Mac sandwich is enormous, and it’s famous for its special secret sauce. The fries at McDonald’s are some of the best you’ll find, and the same thing can be said about their Coca Cola. Did you know that their Coca Cola tastes different because the pay special attention to how their fountains produce the soda pop? Also, the Coca Cola company ships their syrup to McDonald’s in metal contains, and that too has an impact on its flavor as well. It’s not just you if you think that their Coke tastes better than the rest. The reason for that is all the hard work and money they’ve invested in delivering the best tasting Coca Cola of any fast food restaurant.
1. Subway
Are you sitting down for this? The number one fast-food chain in America is Subway. They make up 19% of all the fast-food restaurants in the entire country. Let that sink in for just a few moments while you think back to all of your fond Subway memories. It doesn’t matter where you go; there’s a Subway restaurant near by. You might go to a gas station, Walmart, or a strip mall and you see the famous Subway sign. You know they have their famous fresh baked bread along with all the fixings a sandwich could ever want. Subway has so many different sandwiches to choose from; it’s impossible to make up your mind if you’re starving. Let’s not forget they have all those bags of chips there begging for you to eat them. If that wasn’t enough, then they have the cookies near the register. How can you resist buying a delicious cookie on your way out? Admit it, you buy more than one cookie, and they might be the reason why you go to Subway in the first place. A freshly baked cookie is the best way to end a healthy, satisfying meal at Subway.