These Are the 27 Fastest Growing QSR Brands in the U.S.

See which quick-service restaurants made the list.

October 11, 2021

Starbucks Employee Pouring Coffee

ALEXANDRIA, Va.—QSR Magazine has listed the U.S.’s top 27 fastest growing quick-service restaurants in 2020.

Topping the list is Starbucks, with 287 mores stores since 2019 and 15,328 total units. Even though the Seattle-based company shut down 800 stores in 2020, it used the closings to focus on developing new, more efficient retail store formats “that cater to the customers’ increasing desire for convenience,” according to Starbucks. The refocused stores include Starbucks Pickup locations, drive-thru, stores without seating and more.

Domino’s comes in second with 229 more locations since 2019 and 6,355 total units. According to QSR Magazine, the pizza chain was generating 70% of its sales through digital channels at the beginning of 2020, and that number rose to 75% ahead of 2021. Domino’s also plans to continue a first-party delivery model instead of using third party, and it’s planned to minimize its delivery radiuses to emphasize carryout and is pushing carside carryout, which CEO Ritch Allison said is a “critical weapon” moving forward.

No. 3 is Jersey Mikes with 189 more stores since 2019 and 1,856 total units. In early 2020, the franchise-model restaurant said it would pay for all franchisees’ upcoming retrofits at $75,000 per store, roughly a $150 million investment. It also introduced the Coach Rod Smith Ownership Program, which gives Jersey Mike’s managers the opportunity to become store owners with financial and training support. This company also invested in small-box catering and app improvements.

Over the summer, McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski said that on-premise dining isn’t going anywhere, even as digital ordering and drive-thru sales continue to grow across the quick-service industry.

Here are the remaining 24 fastest-growing QSRs.

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