United States Quick Service Restaurants Market Size and Share

United States Quick Service Restaurants Market (2025 - 2030)
Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

United States Quick Service Restaurants Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The United States quick service restaurants market size is valued at USD 447.20 billion in 2025 and is forecast to reach USD 731.60 billion by 2030, advancing at a 10.35% CAGR. Brands are leveraging digital ordering, AI-driven kitchens, and rapid franchise expansions to boost revenue and attract more customers. With the help of robotics and voice AI, brands are not only shortening service times but also expanding their delivery reach through ghost kitchens and enhancing sales with data-driven menu boards. As minimum wages rise and food prices climb, operators are increasingly turning to automation. Meanwhile, private-label loyalty programs are fostering repeat visits. The competitive landscape reveals a growing divide: technology-savvy chains are pulling ahead of their resource-limited independent counterparts. Yet, with localized menus and a strong community focus, smaller operators still find opportunities to flourish.

Key Report Takeaways

  • By cuisine, meat-based concepts led with 38.24% revenue share in 2024; ice cream is expected to post a 12.73% CAGR through 2030.
  • By outlet, independent outlets held 57.62% of the United States quick service restaurants market share in 2024, while chained outlets are forecast to expand at a 10.65% CAGR to 2030.
  • By location, standalone sites captured 71.27% share of the United States quick service restaurants market size in 2024, and lodging-based venues are advancing at a 13.45% CAGR through 2030.
  • By service type, takeaway contributed 46.35% share in 2024; delivery channels are set to grow at a 13.73% CAGR to 2030.

Segment Analysis

By Cuisine: Meat-Based Dominance Drives Innovation

In 2024, meat-based cuisines dominate the market with a 38.24% share, underscoring the American palate's preference for protein-rich options, particularly in burgers, chicken, and specialty meats. Ice cream, positioning itself as a premium dessert, is the fastest-growing segment, boasting a 12.73% CAGR through 2030, thanks to strategies that extend its operating season. While burger concepts are integrating plant-based alternatives and premium ingredients, pizza segments are harnessing delivery optimizations and customization technologies. Bakeries are capitalizing on breakfast expansions and coffee pairings, boosting both transaction frequency and average order values.

Menu development is shaped by the regulatory landscape, with FDA nutritional labeling mandates pushing for ingredient transparency across all cuisines. Meanwhile, other QSR offerings, spanning ethnic and fusion cuisines, are thriving. They tap into cultural diversity trends and experiential dining, setting themselves apart from conventional American dishes. This trend mirrors a demographic shift: younger consumers are gravitating towards authentic flavors and visually appealing presentations, amplifying their social media engagement and brand loyalty.

United States Quick Service Restaurants Market: Market Share by Cuisine Type
Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

Get Detailed Market Forecasts at the Most Granular Levels
Download PDF

By Outlet: Independent Resilience Challenges Chain Efficiency

In 2024, independent outlets hold a commanding 57.62% market share, showcasing an entrepreneurial adaptability and responsiveness to local markets that larger chains find challenging to emulate. Yet, chained outlets are outpacing them with a robust growth rate of 10.65% CAGR. These chains harness operational standardization, invest in technology, and capitalize on supply chain economies, carving out sustainable competitive advantages. Meanwhile, the evolving franchise model is increasingly integrating digital transformation and automation, favoring those operators with deep pockets and technical know-how.

Independent operators grapple with mounting pressures from escalating labor costs and stringent regulatory compliance. These challenges hit harder on smaller businesses, which often lack dedicated administrative resources. In contrast, chained outlets enjoy the luxury of corporate backing, enabling them to wield bulk purchasing power and implement standardized training. This not only simplifies operations but also enhances consistency. The competitive landscape hints at a trend towards market consolidation. Successful independent concepts are either scaling up through franchising or becoming prime targets for acquisition by larger restaurant groups. These giants are on the lookout for deeper local market penetration and opportunities to diversify their menus.

By Location: Standalone Strength Meets Lodging Growth

In 2024, standalone locations command a dominant 71.27% share of the market, underscoring the traditional QSR preference for sites that boast high visibility, easy accessibility, dedicated parking, and drive-thru capabilities. Meanwhile, lodging-based operations are on an impressive growth trajectory, expanding at a 13.45% CAGR. They are effectively tapping into their captive customer bases and leveraging extended operating hours to boost revenue per square foot. Travel-centric locations enjoy a steady stream of customers and the ability to command premium pricing. In contrast, retail-integrated concepts are capitalizing on the advantages of foot traffic and shared infrastructure costs.

Our analysis of location segmentation uncovers strategic openings in markets that remain underserved. Here, traditional standalone developments grapple with real estate challenges and zoning restrictions. QSR operations centered around leisure are nimble, adjusting to seasonal demand shifts. They employ flexible staffing and tweak menus to resonate with both recreational activities and the tastes of tourists. It's noteworthy that regulatory compliance isn't one-size-fits-all. Different location types face distinct challenges. For instance, venues in travel and lodging are often under heightened scrutiny, facing stricter health department regulations and accessibility mandates. These factors play a pivotal role in shaping their operational strategies and determining where they channel their capital investments.

United States Quick Service Restaurants Market: Market Share by Location
Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

Get Detailed Market Forecasts at the Most Granular Levels
Download PDF

By Service Type: Delivery Acceleration Reshapes Operations

In 2024, takeaway services dominate the market with a 46.35% share, underscoring ingrained consumer habits and operational efficiencies that boost throughput while reducing labor needs. Delivery channels, boasting a robust 13.73% CAGR, are reshaping QSR economics. This transformation is driven by collaborations with third-party platforms and strategic investments in proprietary logistics, broadening their geographic footprint. Meanwhile, dine-in services are evolving, enhancing ambiance and integrating technology. These upgrades, coupled with unique experiential elements, not only justify premium pricing but also encourage longer patron visits.

This evolution in service types underscores lasting behavioral changes, many of which were hastened by pandemic-era shifts. Today, convenience and safety remain paramount in shaping ordering habits. Ghost kitchens, on the other hand, are honing in on delivery efficiency. These kitchens prioritize operational efficiency over customer experience, setting up specialized facilities for this very purpose. Furthermore, food safety standards, dictated by the FDA and local health departments, vary across service types. Notably, delivery operations face stricter mandates, necessitating precise temperature control and packaging. These requirements, in turn, impact both operational costs and menu design choices.

Geography Analysis

Regional performance variations in the U.S. QSR market stem from demographic density, economic conditions, and cultural preferences, leading to distinct growth opportunities across geographic segments. States in the Southeast are witnessing rapid expansion, fueled by population growth, a favorable business climate, and lower operational costs. These factors not only attract franchise investments but also spur corporate expansion initiatives. With a younger demographic profile resonating with QSR target markets and a robust tourism infrastructure, the Southeast is diversifying its QSR locations beyond traditional standalone formats.

Western markets, especially California, grapple with challenges stemming from regulatory compliance, notably the AB 1228 wage legislation and stringent environmental standards. These regulations heighten operational complexities and costs. Yet, California's markets present premium pricing opportunities. Moreover, the region's early embrace of technological innovations offers a competitive edge to operators who invest in advanced systems. Driven by a health-conscious consumer base, California's QSRs are diversifying menus to include plant-based alternatives and organic ingredients, which, despite their higher sourcing costs, yield better margins.

Metropolitan areas in the Northeast boast dense customer bases and a well-established delivery infrastructure, making them prime locations for ghost kitchen expansions and virtual restaurant concepts. However, the Northeast's mature QSR market demands differentiation strategies and premium positioning for growth. Operators are prioritizing convenience, quality, and brand experience over price competition. Furthermore, the influence of state and local authorities on regulations means compliance frameworks vary widely across jurisdictions. This variability necessitates operational flexibility and legal expertise, a challenge more easily navigated by larger chains with dedicated administrative resources.

Competitive Landscape

In the US QSR market, established leaders hold a significant market share, while emerging disruptors harness technology and innovative service models to seize growth opportunities. McDonald's Corporation and Starbucks Corporation, through their operational scale, brand recognition, and consistent investments in innovation, have erected barriers that challenge smaller competitors.

Operators with robust capital resources are increasingly favoring AI automation, digital ordering platforms, and optimized delivery systems, enhancing both efficiency and customer experience. Major players are pivoting towards franchise expansion, technology integration, and menu diversification as their primary growth strategies. There's untapped potential in geographic markets that remain underserved, in emerging cuisine categories, and in novel service formats like ghost kitchens, which lower traditional entry barriers.

Patent filings in food automation and digital ordering systems highlight a surge in intellectual property development, hinting at future competitive edges for tech-savvy operators. Compliance with regulations from the FDA and state health departments not only sets operational standards but also demands continuous investment and expertise. This dynamic not only fortifies established players with a compliance infrastructure but also poses a significant hurdle for newcomers.

United States Quick Service Restaurants Industry Leaders

  1. Doctor's Associates, Inc.

  2. Domino's Pizza Inc.

  3. Inspire Brands, Inc.

  4. McDonald's Corporation

  5. Yum! Brands, Inc.

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
United States Quick Service Restaurants Market
Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.
Need More Details on Market Players and Competitors?
Download PDF

Recent Industry Developments

  • October 2024: Chipotle Mexican Grill announced expansion to 7,000+ locations by 2030, representing an aggressive growth strategy supported by digital sales comprising 37% of total revenue and continued automation investments, including Hyphen robotic systems for bowl assembly operations.
  • September 2024: Starbucks Corporation launched a USD 3 billion Reinvention Plan focusing on mobile order optimization, equipment upgrades, and store experience enhancements to address operational challenges and improve customer satisfaction metrics across its network.
  • August 2024: McDonald's Corporation expanded partnership agreements with DoorDash and Uber Eats, integrating loyalty programs and promotional strategies to capture increased delivery market share while optimizing third-party platform relationships.
  • July 2024: Nathan's Famous announced 100 new ghost kitchen locations, primarily within Walmart stores, demonstrating innovative real estate strategies that leverage existing retail infrastructure for virtual restaurant expansion.

Table of Contents for United States Quick Service Restaurants Industry Report

1. INTRODUCTION

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS

  • 4.1 Number of Outlets
  • 4.2 Average Order Value
  • 4.3 Regulatory Framework

5. MARKET DYNAMICS

  • 5.1 Market Overview
  • 5.2 Market Drivers
    • 5.2.1 AI-Driven Automation and Smart Kitchens
    • 5.2.2 Expansion of Online Food Delivery and Contactless Services
    • 5.2.3 Drive-Thru and Self-Service Kiosks Enhancements
    • 5.2.4 Expansion of Innovative Service Models like Cloud Kitchens
    • 5.2.5 Menu Diversification and Plant-Based Alternatives
    • 5.2.6 Strategic Franchise and Footprint Expansion
  • 5.3 Market Restraints
    • 5.3.1 Changing Consumer Preferences and Dietary Trends
    • 5.3.2 Regulatory Compliance Challenges
    • 5.3.3 Supply-Chain Volatility for Key Commodities
    • 5.3.4 Rising Food and Labor Costs
  • 5.4 Technological Outlook
  • 5.5 Consumer Behavior Analysis
  • 5.6 Porter’s Five Forces
    • 5.6.1 Threat of New Entrants
    • 5.6.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • 5.6.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 5.6.4 Threat of Substitute Products
    • 5.6.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

6. MARKET SIZE AND GROWTH FORECASTS (VALUE)

  • 6.1 Cuisine
    • 6.1.1 Bakeries
    • 6.1.2 Burger
    • 6.1.3 Ice Cream
    • 6.1.4 Meat-based Cuisines
    • 6.1.5 Pizza
    • 6.1.6 Other QSR Cuisines
  • 6.2 Outlet
    • 6.2.1 Chaines Outlets
    • 6.2.2 Independent Outlets
  • 6.3 Location
    • 6.3.1 Leisure
    • 6.3.2 Lodging
    • 6.3.3 Retail
    • 6.3.4 Standalone
    • 6.3.5 Travel
  • 6.4 Service Type
    • 6.4.1 Dine-in
    • 6.4.2 Takeaway
    • 6.4.3 Delivery

7. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 7.1 Market Concentration
  • 7.2 Strategic Moves
  • 7.3 Market Share Analysis
  • 7.4 Company Profiles (includes Global level Overview, Market level overview, Core Segments, Financials, Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share, Products and Services, Recent Developments)
    • 7.4.1 McDonald's Corporation
    • 7.4.2 Starbucks Corporation
    • 7.4.3 Chick-fil-A, Inc.
    • 7.4.4 Doctor’s Associates Inc.
    • 7.4.5 Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc.
    • 7.4.6 Domino's Pizza Inc.
    • 7.4.7 Papa John's International Inc.
    • 7.4.8 Jimmy John’s Franchise, LLC
    • 7.4.9 Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers
    • 7.4.10 Wingstop Inc.
    • 7.4.11 Inspire Brands Inc.
    • 7.4.12 Jack in the Box Inc.
    • 7.4.13 The Wendy’s Company
    • 7.4.14 JAB Holding Company
    • 7.4.15 Ilitch Holdings Inc.
    • 7.4.16 Restaurant Brands International Inc.
    • 7.4.17 Zaxby's Operating Company L.P.
    • 7.4.18 Whataburger, Inc.
    • 7.4.19 Papa Murphy's Holdings
    • 7.4.20 Culver Franchising System, Inc.

8. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS

You Can Purchase Parts Of This Report. Check Out Prices For Specific Sections
Get Price Break-up Now

United States Quick Service Restaurants Market Report Scope

Bakeries, Burger, Ice Cream, Meat-based Cuisines, Pizza are covered as segments by Cuisine. Chained Outlets, Independent Outlets are covered as segments by Outlet. Leisure, Lodging, Retail, Standalone, Travel are covered as segments by Location.
Cuisine
Bakeries
Burger
Ice Cream
Meat-based Cuisines
Pizza
Other QSR Cuisines
Outlet
Chaines Outlets
Independent Outlets
Location
Leisure
Lodging
Retail
Standalone
Travel
Service Type
Dine-in
Takeaway
Delivery
Cuisine Bakeries
Burger
Ice Cream
Meat-based Cuisines
Pizza
Other QSR Cuisines
Outlet Chaines Outlets
Independent Outlets
Location Leisure
Lodging
Retail
Standalone
Travel
Service Type Dine-in
Takeaway
Delivery
Need A Different Region or Segment?
Customize Now

Market Definition

  • FULL-SERVICE RESTAURANTS - A foodservice establishment where customers are seated at a table, give their order to a server and are served food at a table.
  • QUICK SERVICE RESTAURANTS - A foodservice establishment that provides customers convenience, speed, and food offerings at lower prices. Customers usually help themselves and carry their own food to their tables.
  • CAFES & BARS - A type of foodservice business that include bars and pubs that are licensed to serve alcoholic drinks for consumption, cafes that serve refreshments and light food items, as well as specialty tea and coffee shops, dessert bars, smoothie bars, and juice bars.
  • CLOUD KITCHEN - A foodservice business that utilizes a commercial kitchen for the purpose of preparing food for delivery or takeout only, with no dine-in customers.
Keyword Definition
Albacore Tuna It is one of the smallest species of tuna found in the six distinct stocks known globally in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea.
Angus beef It is beef derived from a specific breed of cattle indigenous to Scotland. It requires certification from the American Angus Association to receive the "Certified Angus Beef" quality mark.
Asian cuisine It includes full-service offerings in restaurants that serve cuisines from cultures such as Chinese, Indian, Korean, Japanese, Bengali, Southeast Asian, etc.
Average Order Value It is the average value of all orders made by the customers at a foodservice establishment.
Bacon It is salted or smoked meat that comes from the back or sides of a pig.
Bars & Pubs It is a drinking establishment that is licensed to serve alcoholic drinks for consumption on the premises.
Black Angus It is beef derived from a black-hided breed of cows that don't have horns.
BRC British Retail Consortium
Burger It is a sandwich consisting of one or more cooked beef patties, placed inside a sliced bread roll or bun roll.
Café It is a foodservice establishment serving various refreshments (mainly coffee) and light meals.
Cafes & Bars It is a type of foodservice business that include bars and pubs that are licensed to serve alcoholic drinks for consumption, cafes that serve refreshments and light food items, as well as specialty tea and coffee shops, dessert bars, smoothie bars, and juice bars.
Cappuccino It is an Italian coffee drink that is traditionally prepared with equal parts double espresso, steamed milk, and steamed milk foam.
CFIA Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Chained Outlet It refers to a foodservice establishment that shares brands, operates in several locations, has central management, and standardized business practices.
Chicken Tender It refers to chicken meat prepared from the pectoralis minor muscles of a chicken bird.
Cloud Kitchen It is a foodservice business that utilizes a commercial kitchen for the purpose of preparing food for delivery or takeout only, with no dine-in customers.
Cocktail It is an alcoholic mixed drink made with either a single spirit or a combination of spirits, mixed with other ingredients such as juices, flavored syrups, tonic water, shrubs, and bitters.
Edamame It is a Japanese dish prepared with soybeans (harvested before they ripen or harden) and cooked in its pod.
EFSA European Food Safety Authority
ERS Economic Research Service of the USDA
Espresso It is a concentrated form of coffee, served in shots.
European cuisine It includes full-service offerings in restaurants that serve cuisines from cultures such as Italian, French, German, English, Dutch, Danish, etc.
FDA Food and Drug Administration
Fillet Mignon It is a cut of meat taken from the smaller end of the tenderloin.
Flank Steak It is a cut of beef steak taken from the flank, which lies forward of the rear quarter of a cow.
Foodservice It refers to the part of the food industry which includes businesses, institutions, and companies which prepare meals outside the home. It includes restaurants, school and hospital cafeterias, catering operations, and many other formats.
Franks Also known as frankfurter or Würstchen, it is a type of highly seasoned smoked sausage popular in Austria and Germany.
FSANZ Food Standards Australia New Zealand
FSIS Food Safety and Inspection Service
FSSAI Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
Full service restaurant It refers to a foodservice establishment where customers are seated at a table, give their order to a server, and are served food at a table.
Ghost Kitchen It refers to a cloud kitchen.
GLA Gross Leasable Area
Gluten It is a family of proteins found in grains, including wheat, rye, spelt, and barley.
Grain-fed beef It is beef derived from cattle that have been fed a diet supplemented with soy and corn and other additives. Grain-fed cows can also be given antibiotics and growth hormones to fatten them up more quickly.
Grass-fed beef It is beef derived from cattle that have only been fed grass as feed.
Ham It refers to the pork meat taken from the leg of a pig.
HoReCa Hotels, Restaurants and Cafes
Independent Outlet It refers to a foodservice establishment that operates with a single outlet or is structured as a small chain with no more than three locations.
Juice It is a drink made from the extraction or pressing of the natural liquid contained in fruit and vegetables.
Latin American It includes full-service offerings in restaurants that serve cuisines from cultures such as Mexican, Brazilian, Argentinian, Colombian, etc.
Latte It is a milk-based coffee that is made up of one or two shots of espresso, steamed milk, and a thin layer of frothed milk.
Leisure It refers to foodservice offered as a part of a recreation business, such as sports arenas, zoos, movie theaters, and museums.
Lodging It refers to foodservice offerings at hotels, motels, guesthouses, holiday homes, etc.
Macchiato It is an espresso coffee drink with a small amount of milk, usually foamed.
Meat-based cuisines This inlcudes food items like fried chicken, steak, ribs, etc. where meat is the primary ingredient for the dish.
Middle Eastern cuisine It includes full-service offerings in restaurants that serve cuisines from cultures such as Arabic, Lebanese, Iranian, Israeli, etc.
Mocktail It is an non-alcoholic mixed drink.
Mortadella It is a large Italian sausage or luncheon meat made of finely hashed or ground heat-cured pork, which incorporates at least 15% small cubes of pork fat.
North American It includes full-service offerings in restaurants that serve cuisines from cultures such as American, Canadian, Caribbean, etc.
Pastrami It refers to a highly seasoned smoked beef, typically served in thin slices.
PDO Protected Designation of Origin: It is the name of a geographical region or specific area that is recognized by official rules to produce certain foods with special characteristics related to location.
Pepperoni It is an American variety of spicy salami made from cured meat.
Pizza It is a dish made typically of flattened bread dough spread with a savory mixture usually including tomatoes and cheese and often other toppings and baked.
Primal cuts It refers to the major sections of the carcass.
Quick service restaurant It refers to a foodservice establishment that provides customers convenience, speed, and food offerings at lower prices. Customers usually help themselves and carry their own food to their tables.
Retail It refers to a foodservice outlet inside a mall. shopping complex or a commercial real estate building, where there are other businesses operating as well.
Salami It is a cured sausage consisting of fermented and air-dried meat.
Saturated fat It is a type of fat in which the fatty acid chains have all single bonds. It is generally considered unhealthy.
Sausage It is a meat product made of finely chopped and seasoned meat, which may be fresh, smoked, or pickled and which is then usually stuffed into a casing.
Scallop It is an edible shellfish that is a mollusk with a ribbed shell in two parts.
Seitan It is a plant-based meat substitute made out of wheat gluten.
Self-service kiosk It refers to a self-order point-of-sale (POS) system through which customers place and pay for their own orders at kiosks, enabling totally contactless and frictionless service.
Smoothie It is a beverage made by placing all the ingredients in a container and processing them together, without removing the pulp.
Specialty coffee & tea shops It refers to a foodservice establishment that serves only various types of tea or coffee.
Standalone It refers to a restaurants that have an independent infrastructure setup and not connected to any other business.
Sushi It is a Japanese dish of prepared vinegared rice, usually with some sugar and salt, accompanied by a variety of ingredients, such as seafood—often raw—and vegetables.
Travel It refers to foodservice offerings such as airplane food, dining on long-distance trains, and foodservice on cruise ships.
Virtual Kitchen It refers to a cloud kitchen.
Wagyu Beef It is beef derived from any of four strains of a breed of black or red Japanese cattle that are valued for their highly marbled meat.
Need More Details on Market Definition?
Ask a Question

Research Methodology

Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.

  • Step-1: Identify Key Variables: In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step 1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for the market forecast are set, and the model is built on the basis of these variables.
  • Step-2: Build a Market Model: Market size estimations for the forecast years are in nominal terms. Inflation is considered for average order value, and it is forecasted as per predicted inflation rates in the countries.
  • Step-3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables, and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.
  • Step-4: Research Outputs: Syndicated Reports, Custom Consulting Assignments, Databases & Subscription Platforms
research-methodology
Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.
Get More Details On Research Methodology
Download PDF