The restaurant industry has made a strong comeback from the pandemic, with America’s largest chains not only recovering but expanding. According to Datassential’s latest Top 500 Report, the country’s biggest chains grew in both units and sales in 2022, demonstrating industry stability and consumer demand.

Industry Growth at a Glance

In 2022, the Top 500 restaurant chains expanded to 232,937 units, marking a 1.1% increase from 2021. More significantly, sales surged 8.6% to $389.07 billion, with price increases playing a major role. Chain restaurants, particularly quick-service restaurants (QSRs), were able to raise prices more aggressively than independent establishments without deterring customers.
While Subway remains the largest U.S. chain by number of locations (20,576 units) and McDonald’s leads in sales ($48.67 billion), the real story is in the brands making the biggest gains.

America’s Fastest-Growing Restaurant Chains

Top Growth by Units

Some restaurant brands are experiencing explosive expansion, with mochi donuts, specialty coffee, and Korean BBQ leading the charge. The following chains saw the highest 1-year unit growth:

1. 7 Brew – +373.7% (Drive-thru coffee concept)
2. The Peach Cobbler Factory – +358.3% (Dessert-focused chain)
3. KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot – +275.0% (All-you-can-eat Korean BBQ & hot pot)
4. Foxtail Coffee Co. – +176.2% (Specialty coffee brand)
5. Just Love Coffee Café – +136.8% (Coffee and brunch)
6. Cupbop – +134.8% (Korean BBQ in a cup)
7. Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken – +131.8% (Spicy Nashville-style chicken)
8. The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill – +130.0% (Fast-casual Mediterranean)
9. Nautical Bowls – +125.0% (Acai and superfood bowls)
10. Ellianos Coffee Co. – +114.3% (Drive-thru coffee concept)

Top Growth by Sales

Sales growth tells a similar story, with hot chicken, dessert, and global flavors attracting droves of new customers. These chains had the highest 1-year sales growth:

1. Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken – +339.6%
2. The Peach Cobbler Factory – +332.5%
3. 7 Brew – +267.3%
4. Pizza King Inc – +264.7%
5. Cupbop – +207.2%
6. Playa Bowls – +153.5%
7. Nautical Bowls – +152.2%
8. KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot – +152.0%
9. Just Love Coffee Cafe – +140.5%
10. Ellianos Coffee Co. – +139.9%

Key Takeaways

Coffee and Specialty Drinks Are Booming: Brands like 7 Brew, Foxtail Coffee Co., and Ellianos Coffee Co. show that consumers continue to crave high-quality, convenient caffeine fixes.

Sweet and Indulgent Concepts Drive Growth: From The Peach Cobbler Factory to Playa Bowls, dessert brands are thriving.

Global Flavors Still Win: Korean BBQ, hot chicken, and Mediterranean cuisine are making waves with chains like KPOT, Cupbop, and The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill.

Looking Ahead

The restaurant landscape is shifting, and these fast-growing chains highlight where the industry is headed. Whether it’s premium coffee, global comfort foods, or tech-driven fast food, brands that innovate and meet changing consumer demands will continue to thrive.

Datassential will publish its 2025 Top 500 Report this spring, so check back here for the latest stories emerging in this dynamic industry.