The Top 300 Restaurant Concepts in 2018
Every major chain, ranked by estimated systemwide sales. This was the industry at the end of 2018 — before the pandemic reshaped dining, before delivery became standard, before dozens of these brands changed hands or disappeared.
| Rank | Concept | Sales | US Units | AUV | Menu Category | Service | HQ |
|---|
Top 10 control the segment
The top 10 brands accounted for 58% of all tracked systemwide sales.
Chick-fil-A's unit economics
Chick-fil-A's estimated AUV was the highest of any chicken concept.
Subway's unit count led all
Subway had more US locations than any other concept on the list.
Methodology: Rank is by estimated systemwide sales. AUV estimates are based on annual reports, franchise disclosure documents, industry press, and other sources. Sales = AUV × unit count.
Data from Restaurantchains.net · Research period ended December 31, 2018 · Rankings based on estimated systemwide sales · US units only unless noted · Copyright 2018 Restaurantdata.com
Annual sales estimates are calculated using AUV estimates multiplied by current location counts. AUV estimates represent best estimates for 2018 based on annual reports, franchise disclosure documents, industry press, and other sources plus a growth factor.
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For more historical restaurant chain rankings and growth reports, visit the Restaurant Growth Archive.