Franchising News
Top Restaurant Chains Report Significant Growth
Written by Tim Morral
Published: 3/23/2012
In 2011, the top 500 restaurant chains doubled previous year growth figures as limited-service restaurants take a leadership role.
According to a recent report by foodservice researcher, Technomic, the top 500 restaurant chains reported 3.4% annual growth in 2011 -- nearly double the 1.8% growth rate reported in 2010. In terms of sales volume, nationwide sales for the top 500 chains totaled $242 billion in 2011, up more than $8 billion from the previous year's sales figures.
"It is certainly encouraging to see overall industry growth rates nearly double in one year," said Ron Paul, President of Technomic. "On a chain-by-chain basis, however, performance varied substantially, reflecting the fact that many organizations are still redefining their value propositions for today's economy and tackling various industry challenges."
Limited-service restaurants (e.g. Starbucks, Subway, Chipotle) saw the most aggressive growth in 2011 at 3.7%, significantly outpacing the 2.8% growth rate of their full-service counterparts. McDonalds continues to be the largest limited-service chain in the U.S., and is followed by Subway, Starbucks, Wendy's and Burger King.
The top 10 fastest growing restaurant chains (over $200 million) accounted for $8.2 billion of industry revenue and include:
- 1. Five Guys Burgers and Fries
- 2. Chipotle Mexican Grill
- 3. Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwich Shop
- 4. Yard House
- 5. Firehouse Subs
- 6. BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse
- 7. Buffalo Wild Wings
- 8. Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers
- 9. Noodles & Company
- 10. Wingstop
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