Food News Media Announces Top 50 Quick-Service, Full-Service Restaurants

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.

News and information presented in this release has not been corroborated by WTWH Media LLC.