Whataburger Appoints Ryan Moore as CFO
Whataburger welcomes financial veteran Ryan Moore as its new CFO, signaling a strategic focus on national expansion and sustainable growth for the iconic brand.
Jul 29, 2026
Whataburger welcomes financial veteran Ryan Moore as its new CFO, signaling a strategic focus on national expansion and sustainable growth for the iconic brand.
Jul 29, 2026
DoorDash is changing how it calculates delivery and service fees, with longer-distance orders likely to cost more and shorter, larger orders set to stay the same or decrease.
Jul 29, 2026
Improve kitchen ticket times with practical strategies for better preparation, smoother workflows, stronger communication, smarter staffing, and effective restaurant technology.
Jul 27, 2026
TGI Fridays emerges from Chapter 11 bankruptcy under new ownership, focused on growth and stability. Discover what's next for the iconic chain and its global operations.
Jul 28, 2026
PopUp Bagels welcomes industry veteran Mike Smith as Chief Operating Officer to lead their next phase of growth, putting quality and guest experience at the forefront.
Jul 28, 2026
Learn how restaurant owners can manage payroll accurately, track labor costs, reduce errors, maintain compliance, and improve workforce profitability efficiently.
Jul 27, 2026
Veteran restaurant executive David Deno assumes the helm at Cracker Barrel, signaling a pivotal moment for the brand’s revitalization. Learn what this means for operators, staff, and industry leaders.
Jul 27, 2026
Noodles & Company achieves historic sales growth and operational turnaround in 2026, sharing critical lessons for restaurant owners on boosting traffic, innovation, and team culture.
Jul 27, 2026
Cicis Pizza’s systemwide sales have surged over 50%, fueled by digital innovation, modern operations, and a revamped franchise strategy. Learn what restaurant owners can take away from Cicis’ transformation.
Jul 24, 2026
Fogo de Chão has announced Daniel Duran as its new CFO, marking a strategic leadership transition designed to enhance global growth and financial innovation for the renowned restaurant brand.
Jul 24, 2026
Discover the impressive sales and growth of the top 50 restaurant chains in America in 2023. Learn about the newcomers and industry leaders driving the restaurant market.
Photo by Luca Bravo
Photo by Luca Bravo
The annual unveiling of the Top 500 biggest restaurants in America by Nation’s Restaurant News is always a highly anticipated event. These rankings provide a comprehensive look at the industry's performance and give us insights into the key players that shape the restaurant landscape each year.
Among the top 500, the spotlight shines brightest on the 50 largest restaurant chains in the country. These giants not only contribute significantly to the economy but also set the standards for success and innovation in the foodservice sector. The data reveals their impressive systemwide sales and unit counts for 2023, showcasing their dominance in the market.
With a combined revenue of over $322 billion from 163,473 operating units, the top 50 restaurant chains demonstrated remarkable success in the previous fiscal year. What makes their achievement even more notable is the fact that 47 of these chains experienced growth in systemwide sales, signaling their ability to adapt and thrive in a competitive market.
A noteworthy aspect of the top 50 chains is their focus on expansion. Despite their already substantial presence, 35 of these leading brands added net new units, indicating a continued commitment to growth and market penetration. This proactive approach to expansion plays a crucial role in maintaining their competitive edge and sustaining long-term success.
Photo by Luca Bravo
While established names dominate the list, there are always new entrants that make a significant impact. This year, Dutch Bros, a prominent coffee player, made its debut on the top 50 list. With an impressive sales growth of 24.2% and a unit increase of 23.8%, Dutch Bros quickly rose to prominence, exemplifying the potential for newcomers to disrupt the industry.
As the restaurant landscape continues to evolve, staying informed about industry trends, growth patterns, and key players is essential for stakeholders. By following updates on NRN.com and accessing the complete Technomic Top 500 report, industry professionals can gain valuable insights to inform strategic decisions and stay ahead of the curve.