11 Key Stats: Quick Service Restaurants Compared

Conclusion: What these 11 stats mean for operators and observers

These eleven statistics together sketch a market that’s large, fast-growing, and in the middle of operational change. The U.S. QSR sector sits on a sizable revenue base and faces a projected decade of above-average growth driven by digital ordering, automation, and shifting service mixes. For independent operators, the data are a reminder to sharpen local strengths and selectively invest in digital tools that improve pickup and delivery economics. For chains, the case for automation and consistent digital experience is clear: those investments are tied directly to growth forecasts and efficiency gains. Investors and managers should also watch service-type dynamics — takeaway and delivery continue to claim larger shares — and keep an eye on evolving menu categories that can add incremental growth. Finally, these numbers are snapshots from reputable industry sources; they work best when used as benchmarks rather than absolutes. If you manage a QSR business, use these stats to stress-test pricing, staffing, and channel strategies, and revisit them quarterly since the sector is changing quickly. For readers who want to dig deeper, the primary sources cited here provide further breakdowns and methodology notes to help with planning and comparison.