Chained Consumer Food Service Market Report 2026

The chained consumer food service market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $3.15 trillion in 2025 to $3.38 trillion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth of franchising business models, increasing urban consumer dining demand, expansion of mall and highway food outlets, development of standardized foodservice operations, rising brand-driven consumer preferences.

The chained consumer food service market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $4.44 trillion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing investment in digital customer engagement, growing demand for omnichannel foodservice models, expansion into emerging urban markets, rising focus on sustainability in foodservice, increasing adoption of automation in kitchens. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing expansion of multi-location restaurant chains, rising adoption of centralized kitchen operations, growing focus on menu standardization and brand consistency, expansion of digital ordering and delivery channels, enhanced emphasis on operational efficiency.

The expansion of quick-service restaurant formats has supported growth in the chained consumer food service market during the historic period. Quick-service restaurants provide fast meals with standardized menus and efficient customer turnover. Expansion is driven by busy lifestyles and consumer demand for fast, affordable meals. Chained consumer food service supports these formats through drive-thru models, digital ordering, and compact store designs for efficient service. For example, in October 2025, Restroworks reported that the QSR sector was valued at approximately $1.07 trillion in 2024, with 52% of U.S. adults identified as frequent diners, especially young adults aged 18 to 34 (65%) and men (52%). Therefore, expanding quick-service restaurant formats have driven growth in the chained consumer food service market.

Major companies in the chained consumer food service market are implementing automation solutions to improve operational efficiency, reduce labor reliance, and maintain consistent product quality. Automation solutions include robotic and digital kitchen systems that streamline food preparation, assembly, and delivery for speed and accuracy while optimizing labor costs. For instance, in June 2023, Sweetgreen, a US-based fast-casual salad chain, introduced its Infinite Kitchen automated restaurant in Naperville, Illinois. The system features robotic ingredient dispensing along a conveyor-style assembly line, automated portion control, and data-driven order customization, reducing waste and increasing throughput. This innovation standardizes food preparation, improves order accuracy, and provides a scalable automation framework, enhancing efficiency and customer experience in the chained consumer food service sector.

In May 2024, Restaurant Brands International (RBI), a Canada-based quick-service restaurant company, acquired Carrols Restaurant Group for approximately US$1 billion. The acquisition allows RBI to gain direct control of Carrols’ Burger King and Popeyes franchise portfolio in the U.S., accelerate remodels and system efficiencies, and strengthen operational scale. Carrols Restaurant Group is a US-based restaurant franchisee specializing in chain food services.

Major companies operating in the chained consumer food service market are Starbucks Corporation, Compass Group PLC, Haidilao International Holding Ltd., Taco Bell, Aramark, The Cheesecake Factory, Darden Restaurants Inc., Brinker International Inc., Subway, Panera Bread Company Inc., Mixue Ice Cream & Tea, Wendy's Co., Restaurant Brands International Inc., KFC, Zensho Holdings Co. Ltd., McDonald's Corporation, Yum China Holdings Inc., Baskin-Robbins, Krispy Kreme, Pizza Hut, Domino's Pizza Inc., Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc., Dunkin' Brands Group Inc., Hunt Brothers Pizza, Luckin Coffee, Auntea Jenny, Cotti Coffee.

North America was the largest region in the chained consumer food service market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the chained consumer food service market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the chained consumer food service market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.

The chained consumer food service market includes revenues earned by entities through the menu customization services, loyalty program management, digital marketing, franchise management, and customer relationship management. These entities provide services such as food preparation, dine-in and takeaway dining, beverage service, and digital ordering platforms. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider, such as branded merchandise and packaged food products. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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