US Based

These are small list of fast food companies that are US Based. Worldwide US based fast food companies are the most dominant. Most people know about large companies like McDonald's, Taco Bell and so on, but US has lot of regional brands that do not get attention. This page helps keep track of all the small companies that might get lost in shadow of the larger companies. If you think any company that should be added is missing send us an email through contact us.

These are list of companies that are our top picks. These are some companies we keep track of often.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research or consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions. I might own some or all of the stocks listed below.

MCD Mcdonalds

Largest fast food chain by number of stores, well known worldwide for golden arches. Growing brand, with high revenue and amazing growth , considering the size of the company and focus on just on one major brand.

CMG Chipotle

Struggling a little bit with the growth of revenue. Recently lost it's well known CEO to Starbucks.

SBUX Starbucks

Premium coffee brand. Facing growing competition on number it's major market. From US to South Korea to Europe. It's remains to bee seen if it can turnaround and grow its revenue.

YUM : Yum Brands

Owner of four major brands: KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and Habitat Burger. Major source of revenue is KFC and Taco Bell.

QSR Restaurant Brands International

Owner of : Tim Hortons, Burger King, Popeyes, and Firehouse Subs. Only one that is growing and actually has major impact on revenue is Tim Hortons. Remains to be seen if their turnaround effort of Burger King (in US) will succeed.

DRI Darden Restaurants Inc.

Owns lot of different brands but two major ones that has any major impact on bottom line are: Olive Garden, and Longhorn Steakhouse.

YUMC Yum China

Holds master license of YUM brands in China but also runs some of the small brands too like: Lavazza, Huang Ji Huang, and Little Sheep. Currently most of its revenue still comes from YUM brands in China, remains to be seen if it can increase the revenue from other brands. It is one of the most technologically advanced (when it comes to front end) of all the comapny i have seen so far. It does comes with geo political risk and possible slow growth of china risk.

DPZ Domino's Pizza

Interesting thing about this company is how it lists its segment in 10k. It has US, International, like most other companies but then it has Supply Chain as third reportable segment. On one side it is good that it can maintain quality but the problem arises when your stores cannot sell enough to justify the large cost associated with maintaining these supply chain assets.

CAVA Cava Group

Best way to describe it as, premium chipotle. Rapid increase in share price has taken a lot of people by surprise. One way to have heated conversations when you are meeting with fast food analyst is starting conversation about Cava. For some its growth story, for others its over exuberance story.

TXRH Texas Roadhouse

WING Wingstop

Mostly ghost kitchen to lower the expense but able to price its product at premium price at the same time. When it comes to its stock price, it is similar to Cava. If you are in mood to argue with someone, go to fast food industry analyst and say wingstop is either underpriced or overpriced.

EAT Brinker International

SHAK Shake Shack

Premium McDonalds. Its growth across the world is something that probably makes most large fast food chain jealous. That being said way it's marketed and priced, it is not direct competitor to MCD. Another stock that fast food analyst love talking about because it's stock price increase.

WEN Wendy's

PZZA Pappa John's

CBRL Cracker Barrel

Only way i can explain this company is zombie. It's not because it does not have a potential but leadership does not seem to take change in market into account. It has significantly higher number of real estate compared to its competitor but the revenue does match the real estate size.

PTLO Portillo's

JACK Jack in the Box

Owns Jack in the Box and Del Taco. Del Taco brand is kind of new (acquired in 2022). Right now Jack in Box brand is somewhat stagnant but still a cash cow. Only time will tell if they are able to grow their revenue with Del Taco.

RICK RCI Hospitality

One of those industry that is hard to get exposure in public market. It own/operates "gentleman clubs" at the same time it also owns decent number of real estate. It has been public for a long time. It has significantly underperformed market in 2024. Reason it's listed here: It makes large part of its income from food they serve in these clubs.

DENN Denny's

FAT Fat Brands

Complicated company. On one had it has good idea on how to make money, simple own multiple brands and lower the general franchise fee, basically assets light model. On other hand it has problem with SEC because it's founder has been charged by SEC, still to be seen how it goes. He is also controlling shareholder so it brings certain level of uncertainty.

PNST Pinstripes

One of those company that had great potential but so far not able to deliver result. It is a bowling center company. Not many company public company in that sector. There is a possibility that it will be delisted. Why it's here: because it makes late portion of its revenue from food they serve.