US Fast Food & Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) Market 2024–2033

Reports Description

As per the current market research conducted by Custom Market Insight Market Research Team, the global US Fast Food & Quick Service Restaurant Market is expected to record a CAGR of 5.60% from 2023 to 2030. In 2023, the market size is projected to reach a valuation of USD 293.8 billion. By 2030, the valuation is anticipated to reach US$ 454.3 billion.

Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) are known for providing fast food items that require minimal preparation time and quick delivery services. These restaurants implement efficient, modular, and standardized procedures that help to reduce order fulfilment lead time. They typically offer a limited menu with minimum variations, allowing for quick preparation and delivery.

The rapid urbanization observed in developing nations and the increasing disposable income of the population are crucial factors driving market growth. For instance, an article published by Trading Economics reported that the average disposable income of the US population rose from USD 18,296.5 in April 2022 to USD 19,595.6 in January 2023.

Additionally, the expanding working population in countries like the US, UK, India, and Germany is expected to further fuel market growth. For example, according to the European Commission’s November 2022 data, Germany’s working population stood at 45.5 million as of February 2022, reflecting a 1.3% increase from the previous year.

US Fast Food & Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) Market – Significant Growth Factors

The US fast food and quick-service restaurant (QSR) market has witnessed significant growth in recent years, driven by several key factors, including:

• Convenience: Quick-service restaurants provide customers with convenient options for grabbing a meal on the go. This is particularly appealing to busy professionals and families who don’t have the time or inclination to cook at home.

• Changing Lifestyles: The busy lifestyles of young adults and adults have resulted in a preference for fast food that can be consumed quickly and easily. Additionally, the increasing number of dual-income households has resulted in a greater demand for convenience food options.

• Affordable Prices: Fast food and QSRs offer affordable food options that are priced lower than traditional restaurants. This makes them an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.

• Globalization: The expansion of QSRs across the globe has also contributed to the growth of the US fast food and QSR market. Brands like McDonald’s, Subway, and KFC have a strong presence in international markets, which has helped to drive their growth in the US market as well.

• Technological Advancements: The incorporation of technology in the fast food industry, such as mobile ordering, digital kiosks, and delivery services, has made it easier for customers to order and receive their food quickly and efficiently.

• Health-Conscious Consumers: With the rising awareness of health and wellness, QSRs have been incorporating healthier options on their menus, such as salads, grilled options, and vegetarian and vegan choices, to attract health-conscious customers.

Overall, the US fast food and QSR market’s growth is driven by a combination of convenience, affordability, changing lifestyles, technological advancements, globalization, and health-conscious consumer trends.

US Fast Food & Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) Market – Mergers and Acquisitions

The US fast food and quick-service restaurant (QSR) market has seen numerous mergers and acquisitions in recent years as companies seek to expand their market share, improve efficiencies, and diversify their offerings. Some significant mergers and acquisitions in the US fast food and QSR market include:

• Restaurant Brands International (RBI) Acquisition of Popeyes: In 2017, RBI, the parent company of Burger King and Tim Hortons, acquired Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen for $1.8 billion. The acquisition helped RBI expand its brand portfolio and increase its presence in the chicken segment.

• Inspire Brands Acquisition of Sonic: Inspire Brands, which owns Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Rusty Taco, acquired Sonic for $2.3 billion in 2018. The acquisition helped Inspire Brands to diversify its brand portfolio and expand its presence in the fast-food segment.

• Yum! Brands Spin-Off of Yum China: In 2016, Yum! Brands, the parent company of KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut, spun off its Chinese operations into a separate publicly traded company, Yum China Holdings Inc. The move helped Yum! Brands to focus on its core markets and allowed Yum China to pursue growth opportunities in China’s rapidly growing QSR market.

• JAB Holdings Acquisition of Panera Bread: In 2017, JAB Holdings, a private investment firm, acquired Panera Bread for $7.5 billion. The acquisition helped JAB Holdings to diversify its brand portfolio and expand its presence in the bakery-cafe segment.

• McDonald’s Acquisition of Dynamic Yield: In 2019, McDonald’s acquired Dynamic Yield, a technology company that provides personalized recommendations to customers, for $300 million. The acquisition helped McDonald’s to improve its drive-thru experience and enhance its digital capabilities.

These mergers and acquisitions have helped companies in the US fast food and QSR market to expand their market share, diversify their brand portfolio, and improve their operational efficiencies, ultimately leading to growth and increased profitability.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE RELATED MARKET

US Fast Food & Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) Market – Significant Threats

While the US fast food and quick-service restaurant (QSR) market has experienced significant growth over the years, it also faces several significant threats. Some of the most significant threats to the US fast food and QSR market include:

Health and Wellness Trends:

With increasing concerns about obesity and other health-related issues, consumers are becoming more health-conscious and seeking healthier food options. This trend poses a significant threat to fast food and QSR chains that rely heavily on high-calorie, high-fat menu items.

Economic Downturns:

The US fast food and QSR market is highly sensitive to economic downturns. During times of economic hardship, consumers are more likely to cut back on discretionary spending, which can lead to a decline in sales for fast food and QSR chains.

Competition:

The fast food and QSR market is highly competitive, with many established players and new entrants vying for market share. This competition can lead to pricing pressures and increased marketing costs, which can impact profitability.

Labour Costs:

Rising labour costs, including minimum wage increases and healthcare expenses, can impact profitability for fast food and QSR chains, particularly those with large workforces.

Consumer Preferences:

Changing consumer preferences and tastes can also pose a threat to fast food and QSR chains. As consumers become more diverse and demand more varied food options, fast food and QSR chains must adapt and evolve their menus to stay relevant.

Overall, the US fast food and QSR market face several significant threats, including health and wellness trends, economic downturns, competition, labor costs, and changing consumer preferences. Fast food and QSR chains that can adapt to these challenges are more likely to succeed in the long run.

Report Scope

Category-Wise Insights

Chain Restaurants:

Chain restaurants are part of a larger brand and have multiple locations across different regions. These restaurants are known for their standardized menu offerings, branding, and efficient operations. Some of the key advantages of chain restaurants include their ability to leverage economies of scale, offer consistent food quality, and benefit from established brand recognition.

The chain restaurant segment dominates the fast food and Global QSR Market, with large players such as McDonald’s, Subway, and KFC holding significant market share. The success of these chains can be attributed to their ability to offer affordable, convenient, and consistent food options, catering to the needs of busy consumers.

Independent Restaurants:

Independent restaurants, also known as mom-and-pop restaurants, are privately owned and operated. These restaurants typically have a more localized focus, offering unique menu items and a more personalized dining experience. Some of the key advantages of independent restaurants include their ability to offer more flexibility and creativity in menu offerings, a more personalized dining experience, and a stronger connection with the local community.

While the independent restaurant segment has a smaller market share compared to chain restaurants, it still plays a significant role in the fast food and QSR market. Independent restaurants often cater to niche markets or offer specialized menu items that chain restaurants may not provide. These restaurants can also be more responsive to changing consumer preferences and adapt to new trends quickly.

Market By Cuisine

American Cuisine:

American cuisine is the most popular segment of the fast food and QSR market, with chains like McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s dominating the space. American cuisine is known for its burgers, fries, and other fast-food staples that are convenient, affordable, and appeal to a wide range of consumers.

The success of American cuisine can be attributed to its ability to cater to busy lifestyles, offer consistent food quality, and provide affordable menu options. However, the segment has also faced criticism for its high-calorie, high-fat menu items, which can contribute to health-related issues like obesity.

Turkish & Lebanese Cuisine:

Turkish and Lebanese cuisine is a growing segment of the fast food and QSR market, with restaurants like Halal Guys and Naf Naf Grill gaining popularity. These restaurants offer Mediterranean-inspired menu items like shawarma, falafel, and hummus, which are perceived as healthier and more exotic compared to traditional American cuisine.

The success of Turkish and Lebanese cuisine can be attributed to the growing interest in healthy and diverse food options, particularly among younger consumers. These restaurants also cater to niche markets, including halal and vegetarian consumers.

US Fast Food & Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) Market – Regional Analysis

The US fast food and quick service restaurant (QSR) market can be analyzed regionally to understand the variations in consumer preferences and market trends across different parts of the country.

Northeast Region:

The Northeast region of the US includes states such as New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. This region is known for its diverse population and cosmopolitan cities, which provide a large market for fast food and QSR chains. However, the market is also highly competitive, with several local and national chains vying for customers’ attention. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in healthier food options, which has led to the introduction of plant-based menus and low-calorie options in many fast-food chains.

Midwest Region:

The Midwest region of the US includes states such as Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan. This region is known for its strong agricultural industry and meat-centric cuisine, which has traditionally favored fast food chains offering burgers and fried chicken. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in ethnic cuisine, which has led to the introduction of menu items inspired by Mexican and Asian cuisines in many fast-food chains.

South Region:

The South region of the US includes states such as Texas, Florida, and Georgia. This region is known for its love for fast food and fried foods, with several local and national chains offering Southern-inspired menu items like fried chicken and biscuits. However, there has also been a growing interest in healthier food options, which has led to the introduction of salads, grilled chicken, and other low-calorie options in many fast-food chains.

West Region:

The West region of the US includes states such as California, Washington, and Colorado. This region is known for its health-conscious population and diverse cuisine, which has led to the introduction of plant-based and vegan menu items in many fast-food chains. Additionally, the West region has a large Hispanic population, which has led to the introduction of Mexican-inspired menu items in many fast-food chains.

Competitive Landscape – US Fast Food & Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) Market

The US fast food and quick service restaurant (QSR) market is highly competitive and includes both national and international chains as well as local independent operators. The US QSR Market is characterized by intense competition, changing consumer preferences, and evolving industry trends.

Some of the major players in the US fast food and QSR market include:

• McDonald’s – One of the largest and most well-known fast-food chains in the world, McDonald’s operates more than 14,000 locations in the US alone.
• Subway – Subway is the largest fast-food chain in the world by number of locations, with more than 23,000 locations in the US alone.
• Starbucks – While primarily known for its coffee, Starbucks has expanded into the fast-food market with its breakfast sandwiches and other food items.
• Yum! Brands – Yum! Brands are the parent company of several major fast-food chains, including KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut.
• Wendy’s – Wendy’s is a fast-food chain known for its square burgers and signature Frosty dessert.
• Burger King – Burger King is another major fast-food chain, known for its flame-grilled burgers and Whopper sandwich.
• Chick-fil-A – Chick-fil-A is a popular fast-food chain that specializes in chicken sandwiches and nuggets.
• Domino’s Pizza – Domino’s Pizza is one of the largest pizza chains in the world, with more than 5,000 locations in the US.
• Dunkin’ – Dunkin’ (formerly known as Dunkin’ Donuts) is a popular chain of coffee and baked goods shops, known for its doughnuts, bagels, and breakfast sandwiches.
• Panera Bread – Panera Bread is a fast-casual chain that offers a variety of sandwiches, soups, salads, and bakery items.

These companies compete based on several factors, including menu innovation, pricing strategies, marketing campaigns, store design, and customer service. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in healthier food options, which has led many fast foods and QSR chains to introduce plant-based and low-calorie menu items. Moreover, the increasing popularity of online food delivery platforms such as Uber Eats, Grubhub, and DoorDash has led many fast foods and QSR chains to partner with these platforms to increase their reach and customer base. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards online ordering and delivery, with many fast foods and QSR chains investing in digital technology and contactless payment systems.

Overall, the US fast food and QSR market are highly competitive, with companies vying for market share through menu innovation, pricing strategies, and marketing campaigns while adapting to changing consumer preferences and industry trends.

The US fast food and QSR Market is segmented as follows:

Type Outlook 

• Chain
• Independent

Cuisine Outlook 

• American
• Chinese
• Italian
• Mexican
• Japanese
• Turkish & Lebanese
• Others

By Product Type:

• Burgers
• Sandwiches
• Pizza
• Fried Chicken
• Others

By Service Type:

• Dine-In
• Takeout
• Delivery
• Drive-Thru

By Distribution Channel:

• Online Ordering Platforms
• Mobile Applications
• Direct-To-Consumer Sales

By End User:

• Millennials
• Families
• Working Professionals

On the basis of US Geography

• Northeast Region
• Southeast Region
• Midwest Region
• West Coast Region
• Southwest Region
• Mountain States