IMARC Group has recently released a new research study titled “United States Fast Food Market Report by Product Type (Pizza/Pasta, Burger/Sandwich, Chicken, Asia/Latin American Food, Seafood, and Others), End User (Food-Service Restaurants, Quick Service Restaurants, Caterings, and Others), and Region 2025-2033” which offers a detailed analysis of the market drivers, segmentation, growth opportunities, trends, and competitive landscape to understand the current and future market scenarios.

Market Overview

The United States fast food market size reached USD 188.9 Billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 261.9 Billion by 2033. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 3.4% during the forecast period 2025-2033. This growth is fueled by changing consumer lifestyles, urbanization, technological advancements in delivery and ordering, social media influence, menu innovations including healthier options, and expansion of franchising models.

Study Assumption Years

  • Base Year: 2024
  • Historical Year/Period: 2019-2024
  • Forecast Year/Period: 2025-2033

United States Fast Food Market Key Takeaways

  • Current Market Size: USD 188.9 Billion in 2024
  • CAGR: 3.4%
  • Forecast Period: 2025-2033
  • Major market drivers include convenience/time efficiency appealing to fast-paced lifestyles and technological improvements such as smartphone ordering and self-service kiosks.
  • Key trends encompass investment in mobile apps, digital marketing, and eco-friendly packaging.
  • Regional trends show varied preferences: healthier/upscale fast food in Northeast and traditional American fare in Midwest.
  • Challenges include economic changes and rising operating costs; opportunities arise from demand for healthier, sustainable food.
  • The market forecast projects growth to USD 261.9 Billion by 2033.

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United States Fast Food Market Growth Factors

Fast food in the United States is a large and fast growing industry thanks to the influence of the fast food model on people's lifestyles and the number of adults in the United States who feel like they do not have enough time. In a Pew Research survey, 60% of survey respondents said they sometimes feel too busy to enjoy life, while 12% said they feel like this all or most of the time. More people live in urban areas therefore urbanization drives fast food demand. Urban areas grew by 0.7% in 2021 compared with 2020.

Technology continuously changes service in the industry. The National Restaurant Association stated that 40% of U.S. restaurant operators intended to put technology in place in 2023. Examples include the building of online ordering, mobile apps that allow custom orders, tracking orders in real-time, Chick-fil-A's express mobile order and pickup drive-thru lanes, McDonald's self-serve drive-thru kiosks, and Domino's partnering with Apple CarPlay so people can order pizza on-the-go.

Businesses reach consumers through social media and digital marketing. In January 2024, 239 million people in the United States use social media representing 70.1 percent of the population. Social media entertains the 18-29 age group: 48% stay almost constantly online and 46% connect online several times daily. Brands then gain the opportunity to develop fan loyalty through content and campaigns to increase sales.

United States Fast Food Market Segmentation

By Product Type:

  • Pizza/Pasta: Popular for versatility and customization. Pizza's convenience and wide topping options drive demand; pasta appeals for quick, hearty meals by Italian-American chains.
  • Burger/Sandwich: Renowned for convenience, affordability, and diverse options including classic and plant-based variants, appealing to broad consumers including health-conscious.
  • Chicken: Growth driven by preference for protein-rich, healthier options, with offerings like fried chicken, sandwiches, nuggets, and increasingly spicy and flavored versions.
  • Asia/Latin American Food: Rising demand due to interest in diverse, flavorful ethnic cuisines, including sushi, noodles, tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.
  • Seafood: Caters to niche consumers seeking healthier, premium fast food with innovations such as grilled options and sustainable sourcing attracting health- and eco-conscious buyers.
  • Others: Not further detailed in source.

By End User:

  • Food-Service Restaurants: Include casual and fast-casual establishments focused on quick, convenient meals but with a relaxed ambiance and better service.
  • Quick Service Restaurants: Known for rapid service, limited menus, convenience, affordability, and operational streamlining via drive-thrus, kiosks, and mobile apps.
  • Caterings: Target large events like corporate parties and weddings, offering scalable, convenient food solutions suited to informal, relaxed gatherings.
  • Others: Not further detailed in source.

By Region:

  • Northeast: Diverse culinary scene with demand for quick, high-quality, and upscale fast food to serve busy residents and tourists.
  • Midwest: Strong preference for traditional American fare emphasizing hearty, value meals, supported by agricultural abundance.
  • South: Influenced by rich culinary tradition including fried foods, barbecue, and spicy flavors; popularity of drive-thru and dine-in due to warm climate.
  • West: Innovation-driven with focus on health-conscious dining, including plant-based and organic options, and outdoor lifestyle influences on fast-casual trends.

Regional Insights

The Northeast region stands out with a diverse culinary landscape, a high concentration of fast-casual and gourmet fast-food outlets catering to health-conscious and upscale dining preferences. Demand is boosted by busy lifestyles of residents and tourists requiring quick, diverse, and high-quality food options. 

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Competitive Landscape

The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined along with the profiles of the key players.

If you require any specific information that is not covered currently within the scope of the report, we will provide the same as a part of the customization.

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