McDonald's had a very good 2021, despite dealing with worker shortages, wage increases, the pandemic, and rising food costs.
Starbucks has had a rocky year so far with a growing number of its stores unionizing.
Number three in the big league rankings, this "chicken little" is the smallest chain to compete with the heavyweights.
Technomic's Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report indicates the Mexican fast-food chain has managed to bring in well over $12 billion in sales last year.
After dethroning Burger King as the nation's second-favorite burger chain behind McDonald's, Wendy's has been riding high and it doesn't appear to be relinquishing the title soon.
The fast-food chain was able to keep business humming thanks to innovative drinks and a lot of customers looking to treat themselves to a donut during a crisis.
Just because it's not America's second-favorite fast-food burger chain anymore, doesn't mean Burger King has completely fallen off the radar.
America's biggest sandwich shop landed in eighth place just like last year. But it is looking for a fresh start amid some serious turmoil in recent years.
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