In this article, we are going to look at the 5 Worst Performing Fast Food Chains in America. If you want to read more about the worst performing fast food chains in America and check out our detailed analysis of the fast food and quick service industry, you can go to 12 Worst Performing Fast Food Chains in America.
5. Burger King
Loss of locations in the US: 285
Burger King, a multinational chain of fast food restaurants that specializes in burgers, fries, drinks, and shakes, ranks among the worst performing fast food chains in America in terms of location closures. Burger King is a subsidiary of Restaurant Brands International Inc. (NYSE:QSR) which is a Canadian-American fast food holding company.
Today, in the US, Burger King is still one of the biggest food chains. However, slow operations and outdated restaurants damaged the brand’s image in the eyes of investors as well as the customers. For this reason and other factors included, Burger King has lost as many as 285 locations as the number of locations fell down from 7,327 units in 2018 to 7,042 units in 2022.
4. Baskin-Robbins
Loss of locations in the US: 297
Owned by Inspire Brands LLC, Baskin-Robbins is a multinational chain of ice cream and cake specialty shops based in the US. As one of the world’s largest ice cream chains, Baskin-Robbins offers an exciting variety of ice cream flavors.
In 2018, Baskin-Robbins had 2,550 locations in the US. However, during the 2018-2022 period, the chain lost 297 units to reach a reduced number of 2,253 locations by 2022.
3. McDonald’s
Loss of locations in the US: 470
McDonald’s, operated and franchised by McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD), is based in the US and the largest fast food chain in the world. The fast food chain is famous for its BigMacs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and french fries.
The famous fast food chain had 13,914 locations in the US in 2018. However, McDonald’s like many other big brands has struggled with post-pandemic recovery. The chain lost 470 locations in the US to reach a number of only 13,444 units in 2022. Despite the closures, McDonald’s is one of the richest fast food chains in terms of sales. As one of the most successful restaurant chains in the US currently, McDonald’s with their franchising model, consistency, and innovation looks set to weather this storm.
2. Pizza Hut
Loss of locations in the US: 895
Owned by Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM), Pizza Hut is a multinational and international food chain based in the US. The fast food chain is known for their pizzas, salads, and special kinds of pasta.
Over the years, Pizza Hut has seen ups and downs and decided to rebrand their logo back in 2014 as an effort to boost popularity and sales. In 2018, Pizza Hut had 7,456 locations in the US. However, the pizza restaurant chain has since lost as many as 895 locations in the country to reach 6,561 units in 2022.
1. Subway
Loss of locations in the US: 4,222
Subway is an American fast food restaurant chain that specializes in submarine sandwiches, salads, and wraps. The Subway chain of restaurants and the franchise business is operated by a private corporation, Doctor’s Associates, Inc.
With more than 20,000 stores in the country, the US based fast food chain is still one of the biggest fast food chains in the world. However, Subway had more than 24,798 locations in the US in 2018, and now it appears to have lost its way. Subway tops our list for the worst performing fast food chains in America as the total number of locations in the US dropped down by 4,222 locations to reach 20,576 locations by 2022.
You can also take a look at 20 Most Profitable Food Businesses in the World and 20 Countries With The Best Architecture.
