The 17 Biggest Casual-Dining Chains in America

The Titans of Full Service

As the American dining landscape continues to evolve, casual-dining chains remain cornerstones in communities across the nation. 

From longstanding establishments to rapidly growing newcomers, these brands have mastered the art of appealing to diverse palates and fostering memorable dining experiences. The best of the best have come out from the other side of the pandemic with sizable footprints and plenty of whitespace. 

READ THE BIG CHART

THE FSR 30

TOP 16 CHAINS BY AUV

The following is a list showcasing the 17 largest casual-dining chains in the U.S. in terms of store count. 

The FSR Top 30 Report leverages multiple data products and services from Circana’s unmatched research product portfolio, combined with experienced analyst estimates. Sales estimates represent each chain’s total U.S. system for the year ending December 2022.

1. Waffle House

Unit count: 1,964

Total change in units from 2021: 0.4 percent

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $1,299.4

Average sales per unit (millions): $0.66

2. IHOP

Unit count: 1,664

Total change in units from 2021: 3.8 percent

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $2,841.3

Average sales per unit (millions): $1.71

3. Applebee’s

Unit count: 1,567

Total change in units from 2021: –1.4 percent

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $3,727.3

Average sales per unit (millions): $2.38

4. Denny’s

Unit count: 1,445

Total change in units from 2021: –2.4 percent

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $2,504.1

Average sales per unit (millions): $1.73

5. Chili’s

Unit count: 1,226

Total change in units from 2021: 0.4 percent

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $3,863.4

Average sales per unit (millions): $3.15

6. Buffalo Wild Wings

Unit count: 1,226

Total change in units from 2021: –0.9 percent

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $3,491.1

Average sales per unit (millions): $2.85

7. Olive Garden

Unit count: 878

Total change in units from 2021: 0.5 percent

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $4,664.3

Average sales per unit (millions): $5.31

8. Outback Steakhouse

Unit count: 694

Total change in units from 2021: –0.3 percent

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $2,558.3

Average sales per unit (millions): $3.69

9. Cracker Barrel

Unit count: 664

Total change in units from 2021: –0.6 percent

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $2,599.6

Average sales per unit (millions): $3.92

10. Red Lobster

Unit count: 664

Total change in units from 2021: –0.6 percent

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $1,864

Average sales per unit (millions): $2.81

11. Texas Roadhouse

Unit count: 602

Total change in units from 2021: 2.6 percent

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $4,231.7

Average sales per unit (millions): $7.03

12. LongHorn Steakhouse

Unit count: 563

Total change in units from 2021: 1.8 percent

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $2,520.7

Average sales per unit (millions): $4.48

13. Red Robin

Unit count: 515

Total change in units from 2021: 0.2 percent

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $1,460.8

Average sales per unit (millions): $2.84

14. First Watch

Unit count: 457

Total change in units from 2021: 6.5 percent

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $914.8

Average sales per unit (millions): $2

15. Bob Evans

Unit count: 443

Total change in units from 2021: 0 percent

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $579.9

Average sales per unit (millions): $1.31

16. Golden Corral

Unit count: 397

Total change in units from 2021: 0 percent

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $1,894.1

Average sales per unit (millions): $4.77

17. TGI Fridays

Unit count: 301

Total change in units from 2021: –10.7 percent

U.S. systemwide sales (millions): $841.4

Average sales per unit (millions): $2.8