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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.
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