Number of quick service restaurant franchise establishments in the U.S. 2007-2024

The number of quick service restaurant (QSR) franchise establishments fluctuated in the United States from 2007 to 2023. In 2023, it was estimated that there were 195,507 quick service restaurant franchise establishments in the country. Quick service restaurants include limited-service eating places, cafeterias, fast-food restaurants, beverage bars, ice cream parlors, pizza-delivery establishments, carryout sandwich shops, and carryout service shops with on-premises baking of donuts, cookies, and bagels. 

What level of customer service do consumers experience in QSR drive-thrus in the U.S.?

The level of customer service experienced in fast food drive-thrus in the U.S. fluctuates depending on the restaurant. As of July 2022, Chick-fil-A's drive-thru was rated as "friendly" by approximately 88 percent of respondents in a survey of selected restaurant chains. No other restaurant included in the survey received a higher rating than Chick-fil-A.

How many employees are there in the QSR franchise industry in the U.S.?

Employment in the quick service restaurant (QSR) franchise industry in the United States gradually increased from 2007 to 2019. In 2020, the number of employees in this sector decreased for the first time in ten years as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. That year, there were an estimated 3.54 million employees in the QSR franchise industry in the United States. This figure showed a decrease of 8.7 percent when compared to the previous year's total of 3.88 million. In 2022, employment in the QSR sector was estimated at 3.8 million.