top 50 restaurant market data by TIG Research

Top 50 Restaurant Market Data Perspective

Research Market Report Data for Top 50 Restaurants By TIG …

The restaurant sector continues to evolve rapidly as operators leverage self-service technologies to improve efficiency, enhance customer experience, and drive profitability. Within the top 50 U.S. restaurant brands, the adoption of kiosk ordering systems, mobile apps, digital menu boards, and AI-enabled platforms has accelerated, signaling a clear shift toward automation and data-centric operations. This convergence of hospitality and technology reflects broader trends seen across retail, travel, and entertainment—where consumers increasingly demand convenience, personalization, and speed.

Growth in self-service initiatives is being shaped by several industry forces: rising labor costs, changing consumer behavior, and heightened expectations for digital engagement. Restaurants are responding by modernizing their service models to balance cost control with a superior guest experience. According to recent market data, brands implementing integrated self-service solutions are achieving measurable gains in throughput, average ticket size, and customer satisfaction scores. Meanwhile, these technologies are providing operators with valuable real-time analytics that inform menu optimization, staffing efficiency, and targeted marketing.

While quick-service restaurants have led adoption, full-service and fast-casual brands are rapidly following suit, integrating digital ordering and contactless payment features into both on-premise and off-premise channels. The result is an increasingly hybrid service environment where physical and digital touchpoints blend seamlessly. Forward-thinking brands recognize that self-service is not a replacement for hospitality but an operational enhancement that allows staff to focus on higher-value guest interactions.

Our report examines how the top 50 restaurant brands are deploying self-service technologies to strengthen their competitive advantage. Through detailed case examples and performance insights, it highlights the strategies, results, and innovation trends shaping the next phase of restaurant technology transformation.

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Here is Top 50 from QSR Magazine in 2024

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Related Top 50 Restaurant Articles

Background

Key restaurant market data for 2025
Financial performance and spending
  • Sector size: The restaurant industry as a whole is projected to have $1.1 trillion in sales for 2025.
  • Consumer spending: American consumers collectively spent $1 million per minute at restaurants in 2024. Despite representing only 24% of all locations, the top 50 restaurant chains accounted for 61% of total restaurant spending.
  • 2024 growth: The restaurant industry saw a 2% increase in consumer spending in 2024, marking the fourth consecutive year of growth. However, this growth was not evenly distributed, with 28 of the top 50 chains experiencing dollar sales growth while 31 saw an increase in locations.
  • The power of the top three: The top three chains—McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Chick-fil-A—collectively generated over $100 billion in 2024, representing 32% of the top 50’s total dollar sales. 
Market segments and leaders
  • Dominance of QSRs: Of the 50 top-earning restaurant chains, 34 are QSRs. The top 10 chains are all quick-service establishments.
  • Top performers: While the hamburger category features 10 top-ranking chains, the QSR chicken chains demonstrated the strongest performance in 2024.
  • Casual and midscale leaders: Among the largest full-service chains, Olive Garden is the biggest casual dining restaurant, and IHOP leads the midscale category. 
Key industry trends for 2025
  • Focus on value: The prevailing theme of 2024 was value, with many chains introducing meal deals to combat high inflation. This intense value competition is expected to continue in 2025.
  • Inflation impacts: High costs for both labor and food remain a major challenge. In a 2025 survey, 99% of restaurant operators reported higher labor costs, and 84% noted an increase in food costs.
  • Technology and automation: The use of automation, including voice-AI ordering, is expanding. A 2025 study found that 42% of operators reported increased productivity from automation tools.
  • Digital ordering and delivery: Digital ordering continues to be a key market driver. A 2025 report found that 44% of diners order takeout and delivery at least once a week.
  • Menu and sustainability trends: Restaurants are responding to shifting consumer demands by adapting their menus. Approximately 42% of restaurants plan to add more locally sourced ingredients in 2025, while 40% plan to add more non-alcoholic drinks. A separate study indicated that 62% of Gen Z consumers prefer sustainable brands, even if they come at a higher price. 

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