The restaurant industry is one of the most dynamic and diverse sectors in the global economy. It encompasses a wide range of food service establishments, from fast-food chains to fine dining restaurants, from cafes to cloud kitchens, from food aggregators to food delivery platforms. The restaurant industry is also a major source of employment, revenue, and innovation, as well as a reflection of the cultural and culinary diversity of the world.
According to the National Restaurant Association, the restaurant industry is projected to generate $997 billion in sales in 2023, employing 15.5 million people in the United States alone. The industry is also highly competitive, with hundreds of thousands of independent and chain restaurants vying for customers’ attention and loyalty. Some of the factors that influence the success of restaurant companies include location, menu, service, quality, price, convenience, and brand recognition.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the latest statistics and trends in the restaurant industry, and rank the top ten restaurant companies by revenue as of 2022.
| Rank | Company | Revenue (in billion USD) |
| 1 | McDonald’s | 21.1 |
| 2 | Starbucks | 19.2 |
| 3 | Yum! Brands | 17.3 |
| 4 | Restaurant Brands International | 12.9 |
| 5 | Chipotle Mexican Grill | 6.2 |
| 6 | Domino’s Pizza | 5.9 |
| 7 | Darden Restaurants | 5.7 |
| 8 | Inspire Brands | 5.4 |
| 9 | Dunkin’ Brands Group | 4.9 |
| 10 | Bloomin’ Brands | 4.1 |
Source: [Statista]
McDonald’s
McDonald’s is the world’s largest fast-food restaurant chain, serving over 69 million customers daily in over 100 countries and U.S. territories. It is best known for its hamburgers, cheeseburgers and french fries, although its menu also includes other items like chicken, fish, fruit, and salads. It was founded in 1940 by Richard and Maurice McDonald in San Bernardino, California, United States.
Starbucks
Starbucks is an American company that is the largest coffeehouse chain and one of the most recognizable brands in the world. It offers a variety of coffee, tea, and other beverages, as well as baked goods, sandwiches, and snacks. It was founded in 1971 by Jerry Baldwin, Gordon Bowker, and Zev Siegl in Seattle, Washington, United States.
Yum! Brands
Yum! Brands is an American multinational fast food corporation that operates the brands KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and The Habit Burger Grill. It has more than 55,000 restaurants in 155 countries and territories. It was created in 1997 as a spin-off of PepsiCo and is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, United States.
Restaurant Brands International
Restaurant Brands International is a Canadian-American multinational fast food holding company that owns and franchises the brands Tim Hortons, Burger King, Popeyes, and Firehouse Subs. It has more than 28,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries and regions. It was formed in 2014 by the merger between Burger King and Tim Hortons and is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle Mexican Grill is an American chain of fast casual restaurants specializing in bowls, tacos and Mission burritos made to order in front of the customer. It uses fresh ingredients, customizable menu options, and social and environmental responsibility practices. It was founded in 1993 by Steve Ells in Denver, Colorado, United States. It has more than 2,800 restaurants in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, and Germany.
Domino’s Pizza
Domino’s Pizza is an American multinational pizza restaurant chain that offers delivery and carryout services. It is known for its wide range of pizzas, sides, desserts, and beverages. It was founded in 1960 by Tom Monaghan and James Monaghan in Ypsilanti, Michigan, United States. It has more than 18,000 locations in over 90 countries and territories.
Darden Restaurants
Darden Restaurants is an American restaurant holding company that owns several casual dining restaurant chains. Its brands include Olive Garden Italian Restaurant , LongHorn Steakhouse , Bahama Breeze , Seasons 52 , Yard House , The Capital Grille , Eddie V’s , Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen , and Ruth’s Chris Steak House . It was established in 1988 by William Darden in Tampa , Florida , United States . It has more than 1 ,800 restaurants throughout 47 states , Guam , and 13 countries
Inspire Brands
Inspire Brands is an American holding company and the owner and franchisor of several fast food restaurant chains . Its brands include Arby’s , Baskin-Robbins , Buffalo Wild Wings , Dunkin’ Donuts , Jimmy John’s , Mister Donut , Sonic Drive-In , and Firehouse Subs . It was formed in 2018 by the merger between Arby’s Restaurant Group and Buffalo Wild Wings and is owned by Roark Capital Group . It is headquartered in Atlanta , Georgia , United States . It has more than 32 ,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries
Bloomin’ Brands
Bloomin’ Brands is an American restaurant holding company that owns several casual dining restaurant chains . Its brands include Outback Steakhouse , Carrabba’s Italian Grill , Bonefish Grill , Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar , Abbraccio ( Brazil only ) , Aussie Grill by Outback . It was founded in 1988 by Tim Gannon , Bob Basham , Chris Sullivan , and J . Timothy Gannon in Tampa , Florida , United States . It has more than 1 ,450 restaurants throughout 47 states , Guam , and 13 countries
Reference from: 1. restaurant.org 2. investopedia.com 3. forbes.com 4. companiesmarketcap.com 5. forbes.com
