Food News Media, parent company of restaurant industry magazines QSR and FSR, announced the release of each magazine's signature annual report, surveying the top 50 brands in both the quick-service and full-service restaurant segments based on annual revenues for the most recently completed fiscal year.
The QSR 50, reporting on the top brands from the quick-service restaurant industry, found that McDonald's remained No. 1 with $35.9 billion in 2013 sales, followed by No. 2 Subway with $12.7 billion and No. 3 Starbucks with $11.7 billion. Those brands were trailed in the top 10 by Wendy's, Burger King, Taco Bell, Dunkin' Donuts, Pizza Hut, Chick-fil-A, and KFC.
"Some interesting trends emerged in the QSR 50 this year," says QSR editor Sam Oches. "Long-time No. 1 McDonald's seems to have stalled in sales growth compared with brands like Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, and Chipotle. In addition, it's interesting to note how Starbucks has closed the gap on Subway for the industry's runner-up spot, while fast casuals Panera Bread and Chipotle are on the verge of joining the industry's elite in the top 10."
The FSR 50 took a similar performance snapshot of the leaders in full-service restaurants. Applebee's topped the industry, with $4.5 billion in sales, followed by Chili's Grill & Bar at $3.8 billion and Olive Garden at $3.6 billion. Rounding out the top 10 were IHOP, Outback Steakhouse, Red Lobster, Denny's, Cracker Barrel, Cheesecake Factory, and TGI Fridays.
"Although the list is dominated by casual-dining chains, for the most part those companies are struggling to maintain relevancy and revenues, and most casual-dining brands experienced flat or negative year-over-year growth," says FSR editor Connie Gentry. "There were some exceptions among the casual-dining segment. However, as a rule, family-dining and upscale-casual brands out-performed the casual-dining segment."
For more information on the top 50 quick-service brands and to access the full QSR 50 report, visit http://www.QSRmagazine.com/QSR50 or contact Sam Oches at Sam@qsrmagazine.com. For more information on the top 50 full-service brands and to access the full FSR 50 report, visit http://www.FSRmagazine.com/FSR50 or contact Connie Gentry at Connie@fsrmagazine.com.
