{"id":1138,"date":"2015-08-10T12:09:32","date_gmt":"2015-08-10T19:09:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/re-tales.net\/?p=1138"},"modified":"2015-08-10T12:09:32","modified_gmt":"2015-08-10T19:09:32","slug":"the-top-20-fast-food-chains","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/re-tales.net\/?p=1138","title":{"rendered":"The Top 20 Fast Food Chains"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

No real surprises here, especially who is still leading the pack. \u00a0 The Burger Kings in my area ALL closed earlier this year, I heard\u00a0\u00a0there was one franchise owner for the whole area and he bailed so they all closed and at least one has already been replaced by another restaurant. \u00a0\u00a0The stores closed were in\u00a0Rancho Santa Margarita, Dana Point, Aliso Viejo, Orange and Huntington Beach which covers most of South Orange County. \u00a0Not that I’ll miss them, but it seems odd that the company would give up on such a large populated area.<\/p>\n

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QSR Magazine recently released its annual QSR 50 report<\/a> of the top brands in the quick service and fast casual industries.<\/em><\/p>\n

The chains are ranked by systemwide sales in the United States in 2014.<\/em><\/p>\n

Check out the companies that raked in the most cash last year.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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20. Papa John’s<\/em><\/h3>\n
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\"20.<\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

2014 U.S. systemwide sales:\u00a0<\/strong>$2.7 billion<\/em><\/p>\n

Why it’s hot: <\/strong>Despite rising food prices last year<\/a>, <\/strong>Papa John’s managed to stay on top. The brand partnered with influential celebrities and athletes, like Peyton Manning<\/a>,\u00a0which contributed to its success.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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19. Jack in the Box<\/em><\/h3>\n
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\"19.<\/em><\/div>\n

Facebook\/Jack in the Box<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

2014 U.S. systemwide sales:\u00a0<\/strong>$3.2 billion<\/em><\/p>\n

Why it’s hot: <\/strong>The chain is known for selling breakfast all-day<\/a>, which many other fast food chains are not able to do. Last year, Jack in the Box increased sales by capitalizing on late-night snackers<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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18. Arby’s<\/em><\/h3>\n
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\"18.<\/em><\/div>\n

Facebook\/Arby’s<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

2014 U.S. systemwide sales:\u00a0<\/strong>$3.2 billion<\/em><\/p>\n

Why it’s hot: <\/strong>Arby’s achieves its success by\u00a0keeping its menu consistent and\u00a0investing in\u00a0heavier\u00a0customer service training.\u00a0“We stepped back and made a conscious decision to differentiate ourselves in the marketplace,” the company’s CEO, Paul Brown, told Business Insider<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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17. Dairy Queen<\/em><\/h3>\n
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\"17.<\/em><\/div>\n

Flickr\/Shinya Suzuki<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

2014 U.S. systemwide sales:\u00a0<\/strong>$3.2 billion<\/em><\/p>\n

Why it’s hot: <\/strong>The company has nearly 7,000 locations<\/a> throughout the world. Last month it released a new line of\u00a0oven-baked sandwiches; Subway insiders<\/a> accused the chain of ripping of their products. Despite the controversy the chain is still doing well.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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16. Little Caesars<\/em><\/h3>\n
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\"16.<\/em><\/div>\n

By mastermaq on Flickr<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

2014 U.S. systemwide sales:\u00a0<\/strong>$3.2 billion<\/em><\/p>\n

Why it’s hot: <\/strong>Little Caesars received a top ranking from\u00a0Sandelman & Associates\u00a0for its ‘value and affordability’\u00a0when compared to\u00a0148 food chains in the Quick-Track 2014 Study Annual Awards of Excellence<\/a>.\u00a0<\/strong>Little Caesars, “has seen its market share among the largest concepts more than double over the past five years,” according to Nation’s Restaurant News<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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15. Carl’s Jr.\/Hardee’s<\/em><\/h3>\n
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\"15.<\/em><\/div>\n

By i-saint on Flickr<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

2014 U.S. systemwide sales:\u00a0<\/strong>$3.6 billion<\/em><\/p>\n

Why it’s hot:\u00a0<\/strong>Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s are known for their provocative and racy advertising campaigns. These ads attract a lot of attention to the companies and bring in franchisees.\u00a0
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14. Chipotle<\/em><\/h3>\n
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\"14.<\/em><\/div>\n

Flickr\/Michael Saechang<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

2014 U.S. systemwide sales:\u00a0<\/strong>$4 billion<\/em><\/p>\n

Why it’s hot: <\/strong>Chipotle is known for its fresh ingredients. The company recently took Subway’s spot as America’s healthy fast food of choice<\/a>. People\u00a0obsess over the chain.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

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13. Sonic Drive-In<\/em><\/h3>\n
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\"13.<\/em><\/div>\n

Flickr\/Bob B. Brown<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

2014 U.S. systemwide sales:\u00a0<\/strong>$4.1 billion<\/em><\/p>\n

Why it’s hot: <\/strong>Last year\u00a0Sonic announced its plan to open 1,000 new locations<\/a> over the next decade. People love the chain and keep coming back because its convenient and has a unique\u00a0ordering system.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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12. Domino’s<\/em><\/h3>\n
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\"12.<\/em><\/div>\n

Facebook\/Domino’s Pizza<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

2014 U.S. systemwide sales:\u00a0<\/strong>$4.1 billion<\/em><\/p>\n

Why it’s hot: <\/strong>Domino’s opened many new locations worldwide in the last year and improved its marketing campaigns<\/a>. The chain also reinvented\u00a0its menu by adding new items and modifying existing plates, which helped to increase sales.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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11. KFC<\/em><\/h3>\n
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\"11.<\/em><\/div>\n

REUTERS\/Kim Kyung-Hoon<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

2014 U.S. systemwide sales:\u00a0<\/strong>$4.2 billion<\/em><\/p>\n

Why it’s hot: <\/strong>In the last year, KFC worked to improve its international sales by revamping its marketing campaigns and attempting to improve its\u00a0reputation after it had been tarnished due\u00a0to a food safety scare<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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10. Panera Bread<\/em><\/h3>\n
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\"10.<\/em><\/div>\n

Facebook\/Panera Bread<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

2014 U.S. systemwide sales:\u00a0<\/strong>$4.5 billion<\/em><\/p>\n

Why it’s hot: <\/strong>Panera Bread has created new positions<\/a> and altered operational produres in stores in the last year. The chain also rolled out its mobile app.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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9. Pizza Hut<\/em><\/h3>\n
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\"9.<\/em><\/div>\n

Facebook\/Pizza Hut<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

2014 U.S. systemwide sales:\u00a0<\/strong>$5.5 billion<\/em><\/p>\n

Why it’s hot: <\/strong>Pizza Hut conducted a huge brand overhaul last year in order to appeal to millenials. However, many were not happy with the weak results of the turnaround plan<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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8. Chick-fil-A<\/em><\/h3>\n
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\"8.<\/em><\/div>\n

Flickr\/Chris Harrison<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

2014 U.S. systemwide sales:\u00a0<\/strong>$5.8 billion<\/em><\/p>\n

Why it’s hot: <\/strong>Factors like its popular breakfast menu and planned expansion\u00a0contribute to the success of Chick-fil-A. The company\u00a0is planning to open multiple locations in the Northeast in the coming months.\u00a0People also can’t get enough of the chain’s\u00a0classic men<\/a>u items<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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7. Dunkin’ Donuts<\/em><\/h3>\n
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\"7.<\/em><\/div>\n

Flickr\/Mike Mozart<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

2014 U.S. systemwide sales:\u00a0<\/strong>$7.2 billion<\/em><\/p>\n

Why it’s hot:\u00a0<\/strong>Dunkin’ Brands CEO Nigel Travis\u00a0announced plans for major expansion last year. He\u00a0wants to open 200 locations\u00a0in California in the next five years and focus on international growth as well.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

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6. Taco Bell<\/em><\/h3>\n
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\"6.<\/em><\/div>\n

Facebook\/Taco Bell<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

2014 U.S. systemwide sales:\u00a0<\/strong>$8.2 billion<\/em><\/p>\n

Why it’s hot: <\/strong>Taco Bell launched its first mobile ordering app<\/a> last year. The company also introduced an upscale restaurant<\/a> and launched promotional contests<\/a> to generate buzz around the company.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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5. Wendy’s<\/em><\/h3>\n
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\"5.<\/em><\/div>\n

Facebook\/Wendy’s<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

2014 U.S. systemwide sales:\u00a0<\/strong>$8.5 billion<\/em><\/p>\n

Why it’s hot: <\/strong>Wendy’s embraced a different strategy<\/a> to boost sales in 2014- targeting millenials. The company unveiled new, healthier\u00a0menu items and revamped its digital media presence.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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4. Burger King<\/em><\/h3>\n
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\"4.<\/em><\/div>\n

Flickr \/ yamada kiyohero<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

2014 U.S. systemwide sales:\u00a0<\/strong>$8.6 billion<\/em><\/p>\n

Why it’s hot: <\/strong>In the last five years, the chain pulled off a major turnaround<\/a>\u00a0by outsourcing the\u00a0operations part of its business, expanding internationally and updating operational equipment among other changes.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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3. Subway<\/em><\/h3>\n
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\"3.<\/em><\/div>\n

Flickr\/s.yume<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

2014 U.S. systemwide sales:\u00a0<\/strong>$11.9 billion<\/em><\/p>\n

Why it’s hot:\u00a0<\/strong>Despite the recent controversy<\/a>\u00a0surrounding the brand, the chain remains one of the leading sandwich chains. The company, which is continuously expanding across the globe, started making its menu healthier in recent years, which is helping to attract customers.\u00a0
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2. Starbucks<\/em><\/h3>\n
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\"2.<\/em><\/div>\n

Flickr\/wEnDy<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

2014 U.S. systemwide sales:\u00a0<\/strong>$12.7 billion<\/em><\/p>\n

Why it’s hot: <\/strong>Starbucks is the leading coffee chain in the world.\u00a0Last year it announced a\u00a0five-year plan<\/a>\u00a0that\u00a0included plans to grow in its\u00a0China and Asia-Pacific region and the launch of its mobile payment plan.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/div>\n
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1. McDonald’s<\/em><\/h3>\n
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\"1.<\/em><\/div>\n

Flickr\/yum9me<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

2014 U.S. systemwide sales:\u00a0<\/strong>$35.4 billion<\/em><\/p>\n

Why it’s hot:\u00a0<\/strong>McDonald’s is one of the most popular fast-food chains and\u00a0one of the top franchises in the world<\/a>. It recently unveiled its updated ‘restaurant of the future<\/a>‘.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

No real surprises here, especially who is still leading the pack. \u00a0 The Burger Kings in my area ALL closed earlier this year, I heard\u00a0\u00a0there was one franchise owner for the whole area and he bailed so they all closed and at least one has already been replaced by another restaurant. \u00a0\u00a0The stores closed were Read More…<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8,11],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1138","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-retail-companies","category-retail-trends"],"post_mailing_queue_ids":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/re-tales.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1138","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/re-tales.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/re-tales.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/re-tales.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/re-tales.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1138"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/re-tales.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1138\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1145,"href":"http:\/\/re-tales.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1138\/revisions\/1145"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/re-tales.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1138"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/re-tales.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1138"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/re-tales.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1138"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}