• by Teresa Buyikian , April 2, 2026

McDonald’s, Starbucks and Chick-fil-A lead the pack in terms of sales of all U.S. restaurants, according to the most recent study from market research and tech firm Circana using 2025 data.

The 2026 Definitive U.S. Restaurant Ranking Report ranked the top 50 restaurants, which included 35 quick-service restaurants, 10 casual dining establishments, and five midscale chains. Overall, consumer dining spending grew by 3% year over year, with consumers shelling out more than $1 million at restaurants per minute. 99.7% of the U.S. adult population visited a top 50 restaurant during the year.

McDonald’s, Starbucks and Chick-fil-A comprised the top three, respectively, holding the same positions as in the last study. But total consumer spend for the three increased to more than $107 billion, up from $100 billion in the last study. This time the top three’s total made up almost a third -- 32% -- of the top 50’s total spend.

The top 10 is rounded out by (in order), Taco Bell, Dunkin', Wendy’s, Chipotle, Burger King, Domino’s and Subway, respectively. Those are the same chains as last study, with only Domino’s and Subway swapping the #9 and #10 positions. 

“Restaurant operators proved they are highly adaptable and innovative in navigating the widespread uncertainty of 2025,” said David Portalatin, senior vice president and food industry advisor for Circana. “Those who maintain that forward-thinking, resilient mindset in 2026 will continue to find success and drive industry growth.”

Chili’s 11^th position was also significant, jumping eight spots to become the highest ranking casual dining chain, overtaking Olive Garden, which is #16 this time, jumping up from #18 in the last study. IHOP came in as the highest ranking midscale chain at #32, dropping two spots. Shake Shack was a new addition to the list, coming in at #47. Wingstop also gained momentum, jumping five spots from 22^nd to 17^th this study.

As for coffee chains, Dutch Bros. makes its second appearance on the report, jumping up three spots to #40.

And while chicken chains saw the most growth in the last report, this time success was more evenly spread across categories. QSR hamburger chains held 11 spots in the list, the most prominent category.

Restaurants had to bring in an annual consumer spend of more than $1.41 billion to qualify for the list. The top 50 restaurants may only be 24% of all restaurants in the U.S., but account for 61% of the entire consumer spend on restaurants.