The 17 Biggest Casual-Dining Chains in America

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Applebee's
Applebee's burger and wings.
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.

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Adobe Stock
Waffle House exterior restaurant.
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

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IHOP
Rooty Tooty Fresh ‘N Fruity Combo at IHOP.
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

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Applebee's
A picture of multiple flavors of Applebee's boneless wings.
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

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DFO, LLC
Denny's exterior of building.
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

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Chili's
Chili's chicken crispers and fries.
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

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Adobe Stock
Buffalo Wild Wings exterior.
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

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Olive Garden
Exterior of an Olive Garden restaurant.
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

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Outback Steakhouse
Outback Steak 'N Mate Combo.
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

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Adobe Stock
Cracker Barrel store.
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

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Red Lobster
Red Lobster surf and turf.
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

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Adobe Stock
Texas Roadhouse exterior at night.
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

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LongHorn Steakhouse
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

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Adobe Stock
Red Robin store exterior.
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

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First Watch
First Watch exterior of restaurant.
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

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Bob Evans
Bob Evans' dinner plates.
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

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Golden Corral
Golden Corral CEO Lance Trenary.
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

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TGI Fridays
Ribs at TGI Fridays restaurant.
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