11 Key Stats: Quick Service Restaurants Compared

7. Delivery channel growth — projected 13.73% CAGR through 2030

Delivery is one of the fastest-growing segments within quick service, with forecasts placing it at about a 13.73% compound annual growth rate through 2030 (Mordor Intelligence, 2025). The growth is fueled by platform convenience, evolving consumer expectations, and partnerships between operators and delivery providers. From a margin perspective, delivery brings higher ticket counts but also commission costs and packaging expenses that can press net profitability. Operators are responding with delivery-optimized menus, ghost kitchens, and in-house delivery pilots to retain revenue. Regional differences matter: dense urban centers show the strongest delivery economics, while rural and suburban areas often favor pickup or drive-thru. For strategy, the takeaway is to model delivery economics carefully and consider blended approaches that balance reach with per-order profitability. Source: Mordor Intelligence (2025).