The annual Datassential 500 report ranks the largest restaurant chains in the United States, finding the leaders by location count and the fastest growing brands across 16 segments.
Explore the hot-button stories that emerged from this year’s top chain universe, from the emergence of little treat culture and the proliferation of beverages to segment blurring and the importance of chains as third spaces. See for yourself which industry segments performed best under the economic constraints of 2024, and discover how the headwinds of 2025 are already impacting the top 500 biggest brands in foodservice.
This year's report also features winners of the Datassential 500 Awards, a first-of-its-kind recognition program spotlighting the most dynamic brands shaping the future of foodservice. The Datassential 500 blends proprietary data, predictive analytics, and real consumer sentiment to spotlight not only America’s largest and most beloved brands, but also the emerging innovators making waves across the chain restaurant landscape.
The Datassential 500 report has traditionally been accessible only through a Datassential subscription package. However, as a new IFMA member benefit, top-tier manufacturer (tier II and III members), supply chain (tier II members), and operator members will now receive complimentary access to this invaluable annual report.
Datassential 500 Report