The 10 largest fast-casual restaurant chains by sales

It was overall a good year for fast casual concepts in 2023, despite growing fears about the more challenging macroeconomic climate. These top brands, however, cater to a higher-income consumer, who in 2023 was less inclined to push back on inflationary menu price hikes that contributed to these sales increases.

Chicken concepts remain king of the roost when it comes to sales growth. Wingstop set the pace with a 27% increase in sales, assisted by a nearly 12% increase in unit count. Raising Cane’s was not far behind with a more than 20% increase in sales.

Here's a look at the Top 10 in fast casual.

10. Firehouse Subs

Sales: $1.1 billion, up 3.3%

Units: 1,209, up 1.9%

9. Five Guys

Sales: $2.3 billion, up 6.5%

Units: 1,465, up 4%

8. Zaxby’s

Sales: $2.5 billion, up 4%

Units: 941, up 2.1%

7. Jimmy John’s

Sales: $2.6. billion, up 7.9%

Units: 2,644, up 0.3%

6. Wingstop

Sales: $3.2 billion, up 27%

Units: 1,926, up 11.9%

5. Jersey Mike’s

Sales: $3.3 billion, up 24.8%

Units: 2,684, up 12%

4. Raising Cane’s

Sales: $3.8 billion, up 20.5%

Units: 727, up 12.5%

3. Panda Express

Sales: $5.9 billion, up 10%

Units: 2,420, up 2.6%

2. Panera Bread

Sales: $6.4 billion, up 2.6%

Units: 2,178, up 2.2%

1. Chipotle Mexican Grill

Sales: $9.9 billion, up 15.3% year over year

Units: 3,371, up 7.7%