Let’s face it: fast food is a popularity contest.
Word tends to spread quickly when it comes tolow-quality food, rude staff, and othercustomer criticisms.
Public sentiment, of course, is constantly evolving and far from static.
Photos: The brands. Design: Eat This, Not That!
What was popular yesterday may not be as sought after today.
This most recent edition of the dining brands coverage ranked restaurants according to nationally representative popularity percentage scores.
Data is collected daily, and reports are updated quarterly.
Einstein Bros.
In this list:
50.
Jack in the Box43.
Church’s Texas Chicken38.
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Jersey Mike’s Subs21.
A&W Restaurants12.
Close to 700 domestic locations also offer a variety ofadditionalbreakfast sandwich and coffee options.
Photo: Shutterstock
Panera vs. Einstein Bros: Which Has the Better Bagels?
Today, there are 55 Big Boy locations in the United States.
There are over 300 locations domestically and close to 200 additional Shake Shack locations internationally.
Photo: Kaley Roberts / Eat This, Not That!
Raising Cane’s
Who says fast food has to be all about burgers?
Enter Raising Cane’s, the celebrated fast-food chain that serves only chicken fingers.
Jump ahead to 2024, and there are close to 750 Raising Cane’s locations.
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Raising Cane’s vs. Popeyes: Which Has the Best Chicken Tenders?
and grind the meat directly in front of the customers.
Nowadays, there are over 400 domestic Steak ‘n Shake restaurants.
Wingstop / Facebook
Whataburger enjoys a presence in over a dozen U.S. states.
There are also more Hardee’s locations than Carl’s Jr. (over 1,600 versus over 1,000).
In just the United States alone, the brand boasts an incredible footprint of over 2,000 locations.
Jack in the Box / Facebook
Boston Market began 2023 with over 300 restaurants beforefiling for bankruptcyin December.
According toRestaurant Business, the chain is now down to just 27 locations.
The chain justannounceda fantastic new deal for 10 cheese sliders priced at just $7.99 as well.
Photo: Long John Silver’s
Also known for myriad dips and its signature lemonade, Auntie Anne’s operates over 1,300 U.S. locations.
Ice cream prepared on a frozen granite stone, of course.
Specializing in baked goods, salads, soups, and sandwiches, Panera actually started out as theSt.
Quiznos / Facebook
Louis Bread Companybefore officially switching names in 1997.
Subway
It doesn’t get any bigger than Subway.
restaurant chains still in business today.
Steak ‘n Shake / Facebook
It’s safe to say that Mom made her money back ten-fold.
Nowadays, the DQ brand offers consumers far more than dessert.
The menu is stacked with additional options like Chicken Finger Baskets and Signature Stackburgers.
Farknot Architect / Shutterstock
Church’s Chicken / Facebook
Photo: Culver’s/Facebook
Whataburger / Facebook
Orange Julius / Facebook
Firehouse Subs / Facebook
Hardee’s / Facebook
Panda Express
@jimmyjohns / Instagram
Photo: Susan Montgomery / Shutterstock
Photo: Nathan’s Famous / Facebook
In-N-Out Burger / Facebook
Photo: White Castle / Facebook
Auntie Anne’s / Facebook
Chipotle / Facebook
Courtesy of Five Guys/Facebook
Photo: Mrs. Fields / Facebook
Photo: Sonic Drive-In/Facebook
Jersey Mike’s Subs / Facebook
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Popeyes
Papa John’s Pizza / Facebook
Arby’s
SrideeStudio / Shutterstock
Panera Bread
Subway
A&W
Little Caesars / Facebook
Pizza Hut / Facebook
Chick-fil-A
Domino’s Pizza / Facebook
KULLAPONG PARCHERAT/Shutterstock
Dunkin’ / Facebook
Courtesy of Taco Bell
SIN1980 / Shutterstock
Cinnabon / Facebook
Wendy’s / Facebook
Baskin-Robbins / Facebook
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