REVEALED: The top 35 fastest-growing fast food chains and restaurants in the US – where is your favorite brand on the list?

Fast-casual chain Cava is the fastest-growing food spot in the US this year, new facts of Yelp has revealed.

The ratings site has revealed the 35 fastest growing food and restaurant companies in the US, amid the decline of the 50 fastest growing brands for 2024.

To compile the list, the company took various measures into account. This included the opening of new businesses, the number of times consumers visited businesses’ pages or posted photos and reviews, and the number of searches for a brand on the platform.

All of the top five companies on the list are so-called “challenger brands,” defined as companies that are not market leaders but want to compete by disrupting the industry – and are well on their way to becoming household products. Established names such as Popeyes and Cinnabon are also there.

So, is your favorite on the list?

1. Cava

At the top of the list is Cava, the fast-casual restaurant that aims to bring Mediterranean traditions and cuisine to the masses.

In 2023 alone, the chain – which aims to offer a healthier dining option – opened 72 new locations in the US.

According to Yelp data, the brand saw a 54 percent increase in consumer interest nationwide in 2023 compared to 2022, not to mention claiming the fastest-growing brand spot in California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Alabama.

Although known for its healthy bowls, Cava’s drinks are particularly popular, including pineapple-apple-mint and blueberry-lavender, which customers regularly praise on the site.

The company went public via an IPO in June 2023 and raised nearly $318 million.

2. Scooter coffee

The Midwestern chain saw a 51 percent increase in consumer interest in 2023 compared to the year before, according to Yelp.

The chain, founded in Nebraska in 1998, has only recently started expanding at a faster pace through franchise locations – with a 53 percent increase in net new locations by 2023. This was the largest percentage growth of any food brand on the list.

The drive-thru coffee spot was also the fastest growing brand specifically in the Midwest, with a 50 percent increase in consumer interest in the region.

3. LongHorn Steakhouse

Owned and operated by Darden Restaurants, this casual restaurant is headquartered in Orlando, Florida.

According to Yelp, consumer interest in the brand increased 38 percent last year.

According to CNBCthe restaurant had more than 560 locations in the US at the end of fiscal 2023 – and plans to open at least 50 more in fiscal 2024.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the brand’s sales have consistently outperformed the industry average, fueled in part by growth in its takeaway business.

4. The Custom Burger Grill

The burger chain had fewer than 280 locations when it was purchased by restaurant company Yum! Brands in 2020.

By the end of last year, this had risen to 378, according to CNBC.

According to Yelp’s metric, the brand has seen a 29 percent increase in consumer interest.

5. Wawa

Although Wawa is known as a convenience store and gas station chain, it also serves Philadelphia favorites, including hoagies and cheesesteaks.

Interest in the brand is up a whopping 88 percent in 2023, Yelp says, as it expands beyond the city and into other parts of the country.

Wawa saw its grab-and-go food offering resonate, with consumer interest increasing 88 percent nationally. According to Yelp data, the chain saw its fastest growth in Virginia, Florida and New Jersey, where consumer interest rose 137 percent.

6. Popeyes Louisiana Cuisine

It’s no secret that Americans love fried chicken, making this beloved comfort food spot one of the fastest growing brands.

The chain, which was founded in New Orleans in 1972 and has more than 3,000 restaurants in the US, saw a consumer interest increase of 34 percent in 2023.

According to Yelp, it was also the third fastest growing brand in the Northeast, where it saw a 52 percent increase.

7. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

Freddy’s sells Midwestern comfort food that reflects the warmth and familiarity of regional cuisine.

In particular, it made big progress in the tri-state area, with a seismic shift in consumer interest in New Jersey, up 232 percent from a year ago, according to Yelp.

8. Olive garden

The Italian-inspired chain is the most successful of the restaurants owned and operated by Darden Restaurants.

With nearly 900 restaurants in the U.S. and annual revenue of more than $4.9 billion, it accounts for nearly half of the company’s total revenue.

It also opened approximately 20 new locations across the country in fiscal 2023.

9. Jersey Mike’s substitutes

With approximately 2,700 locations, Jersey Mike’s is the second-largest sandwich chain in the U.S., behind Subway.

According to CNBC, it is also growing rapidly, with most restaurants in California, Florida and Texas.

10. Sprout farmers market

Despite the name, Sprouts Farmers Market is not only a supermarket chain, but also offers take-out delicacies.

The Phoenix-founded company opened its first store in 2002 “in an effort to make natural foods accessible to everyone,” the company said.

Today, it has more than 380 stores in 23 states with approximately 31,000 team members.

Other fast food chains and restaurants included in the top 35 include old favorites such as Jack in the Box, Panera Bread, Panda Express and Waffle House.