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When it comes to satisfying cravings, America’s love affair with chain restaurants is undeniable. From fast-food legends to sit-down dining icons, these eateries have captured the hearts—and taste buds—of generations.

Top 20 Most Popular Chain Restaurants in the U.S., Ranked by Stacker

#1. Dairy Queen

A modern Dairy Queen restaurant
A modern Dairy Queen restaurant

  • Positive opinion score: 72%

  • Popularity among boomers: 81%

  • Popularity among Gen X: 71%

  • Popularity among millennials: 68%

Dairy Queen reigns supreme with its classic soft-serve and indulgent treats. Founded in 1940 in Joliet, Illinois, the brand became a household name with innovative delights like the Blizzard and Peanut Buster Parfait. Beyond desserts, Dairy Queen serves up burgers, hot dogs, and fries, cementing its spot as a versatile go-to for families across America.

#2. Wendy’s

  • Positive opinion score: 69%

  • Popularity among boomers: 71%

  • Popularity among Gen X: 68%

  • Popularity among millennials: 63%

Wendy’s, with its iconic square burger patties and fresh ingredients, continues to win over fans. Founded by Dave Thomas in 1969 and named after his daughter, Wendy's pioneered the drive-thru window and captivated audiences with unforgettable ad campaigns like 1984’s “Where’s the Beef?”

#3. Cinnabon

  • Positive opinion score: 68%

  • Popularity among boomers: 68%

  • Popularity among Gen X: 66%

  • Popularity among millennials: 69%

Cinnabon’s mission was to create the world's greatest cinnamon roll, and judging by its success, it may have achieved just that. Since its founding in 1985 in Seattle, Cinnabon has grown to over 1,800 locations globally, offering not only its famous rolls but also a range of other sweet cinnamon treats.

#4. Baskin-Robbins

Baskin-Robbins
Baskin-Robbins

  • Positive opinion score: 66%

  • Popularity among boomers: 78%

  • Popularity among Gen X: 72%

  • Popularity among millennials: 65%

Baskin-Robbins has been delighting ice cream lovers since 1945 with its promise of 31 flavors—one for every day of the month. The chain, started by brothers-in-law Burt Baskin and Irv Robbins, remains a top spot for classic and inventive ice cream offerings worldwide.

#5. Krispy Kreme

  • Positive opinion score: 66%

  • Popularity among boomers: 68%

  • Popularity among Gen X: 66%

  • Popularity among millennials: 63%

Krispy Kreme’s light and fluffy donuts have been winning fans since Vernon Rudolph began selling them in 1937. The brand's signature "Hot Now" sign is a beacon for fresh, warm donuts that practically melt in your mouth.

#6. Texas Roadhouse

  • Positive opinion score: 66%

  • Popularity among boomers: 65%

  • Popularity among Gen X: 74%

  • Popularity among millennials: 61%

Texas Roadhouse offers more than just its famous hand-cut steaks. The Western-themed eatery, which began in 1993, is beloved for its laid-back vibe, free buckets of peanuts, and irresistibly soft rolls with cinnamon butter.

#7. Olive Garden

  • Positive opinion score: 65%

  • Popularity among boomers: 59%

  • Popularity among Gen X: 64%

  • Popularity among millennials: 67%

Olive Garden is where Italian comfort food meets American hospitality. Known for its never-ending breadsticks and pasta bowls, the chain has maintained a loyal following since its founding in 1982 by offering family-style dining and wallet-friendly meals.

#8. KFC

  • Positive opinion score: 65%

  • Popularity among boomers: 63%

  • Popularity among Gen X: 66%

  • Popularity among millennials: 63%

Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) is synonymous with crispy, flavorful fried chicken. Founded by Colonel Harland Sanders in 1939, KFC's secret recipe remains a closely guarded secret. With over 30,000 outlets worldwide, KFC offers chicken buckets, sandwiches, and classic Southern sides.

#9. Chili's

  • Positive opinion score: 64%

  • Popularity among boomers: 63%

  • Popularity among Gen X: 59%

  • Popularity among millennials: 67%

Chili’s Grill & Bar started in 1975 with a love for chili cook-offs and casual dining. Known for its sizzling fajitas and hearty American fare, Chili’s has grown into a global brand with over 1,600 locations, offering a laid-back atmosphere for family dining.

#10. Dunkin'

Two donuts and a cup of coffee rest on a counter at a Dunkin' location
Two donuts and a cup of coffee rest on a counter at a Dunkin' location

  • Positive opinion score: 64%

  • Popularity among boomers: 64%

  • Popularity among Gen X: 65%

  • Popularity among millennials: 64%

Dunkin’ (formerly Dunkin’ Donuts) is a staple for coffee and donuts since 1950. With nearly 10,000 U.S. locations, Dunkin’ has expanded its menu beyond donuts to include breakfast sandwiches, bagels, and a wide range of coffee beverages.

#11. Domino's

  • Positive opinion score: 64%

  • Popularity among boomers: 55%

  • Popularity among Gen X: 60%

  • Popularity among millennials: 74%

Domino’s Pizza, originally known as DomiNick’s, built its reputation on delivering hot pizza fast. Today, with over 20,000 locations globally, Domino’s offers an extensive menu of pizzas, sides, and sandwiches, all delivered with a promise of speed and quality.

#12. The Cheesecake Factory

  • Positive opinion score: 64%

  • Popularity among boomers: 64%

  • Popularity among Gen X: 65%

  • Popularity among millennials: 66%

The Cheesecake Factory is known for its extensive and eclectic menu. From soups and salads to pasta and its iconic cheesecakes, this chain has become a family-friendly destination with 348 outlets in the U.S. and Canada.

#13. Sonic

  • Positive opinion score: 64%

  • Popularity among boomers: 58%

  • Popularity among Gen X: 58%

  • Popularity among millennials: 66%

Sonic Drive-In keeps the retro vibe alive with carhop service and a vast menu of burgers, hot dogs, milkshakes, and more. Founded in 1953, Sonic now has more than 3,500 locations and remains a unique drive-in dining experience.

#14. Subway

  • Positive opinion score: 64%

  • Popularity among boomers: 62%

  • Popularity among Gen X: 65%

  • Popularity among millennials: 66%

Subway started in 1965 as a small sub shop and has grown to over 20,000 U.S. locations. The chain is known for customizable sandwiches, fresh ingredients, and healthier fast-food options, including salads and wraps.

#15. Burger King

  • Positive opinion score: 64%

  • Popularity among boomers: 52%

  • Popularity among Gen X: 64%

  • Popularity among millennials: 70%

Burger King has been a fast-food favorite since 1954, offering flame-broiled burgers, fries, and breakfast items. The Whopper remains one of the most iconic fast-food burgers in history.

#16. Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut

  • Positive opinion score: 63%

  • Popularity among boomers: 61%

  • Popularity among Gen X: 62%

  • Popularity among millennials: 65%

Pizza Hut’s red-roofed restaurants have been serving innovative pizzas since 1958. With nearly 20,000 global locations, the brand is known for creations like stuffed crust pizza and calzone-inspired P'Zones.

#17. Chick-fil-A

  • Positive opinion score: 63%

  • Popularity among boomers: 59%

  • Popularity among Gen X: 67%

  • Popularity among millennials: 54%

Chick-fil-A is a chicken sandwich powerhouse, known for its hospitality and high-quality menu items. Despite being closed on Sundays, the brand has become a fast-food leader with over 3,000 locations.

#18. Arby's

  • Positive opinion score: 63%

  • Popularity among boomers: 65%

  • Popularity among Gen X: 62%

  • Popularity among millennials: 65%

Arby’s takes pride in its slogan “We have the meats,” serving roast beef sandwiches and a variety of other deli-style options since 1964. The chain offers a unique alternative to traditional burger joints.

#19. Cold Stone Creamery

  • Positive opinion score: 62%

  • Popularity among boomers: 58%

  • Popularity among Gen X: 62%

  • Popularity among millennials: 68%

Cold Stone Creamery elevates ice cream with mix-ins on a frozen granite slab. Since 1988, the brand has grown to nearly 1,000 locations, delighting fans with custom, made-to-order ice cream creations.

#20. Taco Bell

  • Positive opinion score: 62%

  • Popularity among boomers: 58%

  • Popularity among Gen X: 54%

  • Popularity among millennials: 70%

Taco Bell serves up fast and affordable Mexican-inspired fare. Founded in 1962, the chain has grown to over 8,000 locations, offering everything from tacos and burritos to creative menu items like the Doritos Locos Taco.

Conclusion

From nostalgic ice cream shops to the sizzling aromas of classic fast food, America’s top chain restaurants are more than just dining spots—they’re cultural institutions. Whether you’re a boomer with a fondness for Dairy Queen or a millennial craving Taco Bell’s bold flavors, these restaurants offer something for everyone.

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