Pandemic wasn't good news for most restaurants, but it was for chicken wing expert WingStop, which generated $2.27 billion in U.S. sales.
In 2021, the fast casual's U.S. same-store sales grew 8% over the previous year and 29.4% over two years, with its average unit volume climbing to $1.6 million and digital sales above 60%.
Raising Cane's
Raising Cane's reported $2.4 billion in U.S. systemwide revenues and opened its 600th location.
Raising Cane's success is connected to its Franchise Partner Program, which helps shop managers become company-owned restaurant operators.
Popeyes
Popeyes is commemorating its 50th birthday by extending its reach and introducing new customers to its fried chicken at 3,700+ locations globe.
Popeyes parent firm Restaurant Brands International (RBI) has raised worldwide system-wide sales from $3 billion to $5 billion in five years.
KFC
With more than $5.1 billion in U.S. systemwide sales, KFC continues to be a major player in the world of fast-food fried chicken.
In 2021, KFC launched the KFC app in addition to quick pick-up online ordering, making ordering KFC quicker and easier than ever before.
KFC's bucket meals have served families with value-based dinners since 1952, and its $5 Mac & Cheese Bowls are back for a limited time.
Chick-fil-A
Anyone who's driven past a Chick-fil-A recently has seen the lines. Now we know those lines translated to sales as the chain topped the fried chicken heap.
Chick-fil-A expanded 155 locations in 2021 and increased sales to $5.8 billion from $4.3 billion in 2020 and $3.8 billion in 2019.