Top U.S. Burger Chains Ranked by Popularity and Locations

Americans consume roughly 50 billion burgers each year—about three per person per week, or around 153 burgers annually for every man, woman and child. While the hamburger has roots in Europe, it was perfected and industrialized in the United States. Today, burgers account for nearly 40% of all sandwiches sold in the U.S., from the tiny sliders at the nation’s oldest burger chain to the mass-produced menu items that drive billions in sales.

This list highlights 16 prominent U.S. burger chains ranked by 2019 domestic sales, with a look at the history and signature items that define each brand. The top contenders are familiar household names, but further down the list you’ll find regional favorites and innovative upstarts that have built loyal followings.

16. White Castle

U.S. sales: $556 million

Signature burger: The Original Slider

White Castle History

Year founded: 1921

First location: Wichita, Kansas

Bottom Line: White Castle

White Castle is widely regarded as the country’s oldest burger chain. Founder Walter Anderson reportedly created the slider while working as a short-order cook and experimenting with smashed patties. Early on, Anderson sought to counter the negative image of meat packing exposed in Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle by choosing a name meant to convey cleanliness and stability, helping the chain overcome early public skepticism about hamburgers.

15. Shake Shack

U.S. sales: $630 million

Signature burger: ShackBurger

Shake Shack History

Year founded: 2001

First location: New York City, New York

Bottom Line: Shake Shack

Shake Shack began as a temporary hot dog kiosk in Madison Square Park operated by restaurateur Danny Meyer. Its popularity led to a permanent permit and eventual national expansion. The menu was conceived quickly and simply, focusing on quality ingredients and a streamlined offering. Notably, bacon was not added to the menu until several years after the stand evolved into a restaurant chain.

14. Checkers/Rally’s

U.S. sales: $862 million

Signature burgers: Rallyburger, Checkerburger

Checkers/Rally’s History

Year founded: 1985 (Rally’s), 1986 (Checkers), merged 1999

First locations: Louisville, Kentucky (Rally’s); Mobile, Alabama (Checkers)

Bottom Line: Checkers/Rally’s

Checkers and Rally’s merged in 1999 and now operate similar menus under different brand names in different regions. Founder Jim Mattei emphasized made-to-order burgers rather than preformed patties, a distinctive operational choice at the time. Under CEO Frances Allen, the brand has focused on updating aging assets and investing in drive-thru technology to return the business to growth.

13. Steak ‘n Shake

U.S. sales: $932 million

Signature burger: Steakburger

Steak ‘n Shake History

Year founded: 1934

First location: Normal, Illinois

Bottom Line: Steak ‘n Shake

Steak ‘n Shake began as a gas-station restaurant during the Great Depression when founders Gus and Edith Belt added fried chicken and beer to boost income. As the business grew into a full restaurant, the founders showcased their method of grinding premium cuts into the chain’s signature steakburgers, a selling point that helped build its early reputation.

12. In-N-Out Burger

U.S. sales: $1 billion

Signature burger: Double-Double

In-N-Out Burger History

Year founded: 1948

First location: Baldwin Park, California

Bottom Line: In-N-Out

In-N-Out started as California’s first drive-through hamburger stand and earned a devoted following by focusing on a short, carefully executed menu, freshness, and consistent quality. The chain’s secret menu and small touches—like Bible verses printed on soda cups—have created strong brand loyalty among fans and celebrities alike.

11. Carl’s Jr.

U.S. sales: $1.4 billion

Signature burger: Famous Star

Carl’s Jr. History

Year founded: 1941

First location: Los Angeles, California

Bottom Line: Carl’s Jr.

Carl’s Jr. began as a hot dog cart launched by Carl and Margaret Karcher and evolved into sit-down restaurants before spawning the limited-service Carl’s Jr. locations. The brand has experimented with various concepts over the years and even explored unconventional pairings like wine with burgers as part of promotional events.

10. Five Guys

U.S. sales: $1.6 billion

Signature burger: A straightforward, build-to-order hamburger

Five Guys History

Year founded: 1986

First location: Arlington, Virginia

Bottom Line: Five Guys

Founded by the Murrell family, Five Guys built a reputation on made-to-order burgers with simple, high-quality ingredients. The family-funded startup emphasized fresh patties and customizable toppings, and the chain has grown rapidly without relying heavily on traditional advertising.

9. Culver’s

U.S. sales: $1.7 billion

Signature burger: ButterBurger

Culver’s History

Year founded: 1984

First location: Sauk City, Wisconsin

Bottom Line: Culver’s

Culver’s is known for Wisconsin-inspired comfort food, especially its ButterBurger and frozen custard. The family-owned chain blends Midwestern dairy traditions into its menu, and the founder’s experience working at other fast-food restaurants informed Culver’s approach to operations and menu development.

8. Hardee’s

U.S. sales: $2.1 billion

Signature burger: Thickburger

Hardee’s History

Year founded: 1960

First location: Greenville, North Carolina

Bottom Line: Hardee’s

Hardee’s, now a sibling brand to Carl’s Jr., expanded aggressively through the South and Midwest. Known for robust menu items like the Thickburger and, at one point, the highly indulgent Monster Thickburger, the chain has positioned itself as a destination for big, flavorful sandwiches.

7. Whataburger

U.S. sales: $2.6 billion

Signature burger: Whataburger

Whataburger History

Year founded: 1950

First location: Corpus Christi, Texas

Bottom Line: Whataburger

Founded with the goal of serving large, two-handed burgers, Whataburger remains a beloved regional chain with extensive customization options. Headquartered in San Antonio, the company has expanded its menu over time while preserving the identity that made it a Texas staple.

6. Jack in the Box

U.S. sales: $3.5 billion

Signature burger: Classic Buttery Jack

Jack in the Box History

Year founded: 1951

First location: San Diego, California

Bottom Line: Jack in the Box

Jack in the Box popularized the efficient two-way intercom drive-through, and its Jumbo Jack was an early example of oversized fast-food burgers. The chain remains primarily West Coast-based and has a history of menu experimentation.

5. Dairy Queen

U.S. sales: $3.8 billion

Signature burger: GrillBurger

Dairy Queen History

Year founded: 1940

First location: Joliet, Illinois

Bottom Line: Dairy Queen

Best known for soft-serve ice cream, Dairy Queen has long operated grill concepts alongside dessert offerings. Historically, the “Brazier” designation indicated stores offering hot food like burgers and hot dogs; while that branding faded, many locations still serve a mix of grill items and frozen treats.

4. Sonic Drive-In

U.S. sales: $4.7 billion

Signature burger: Sonic Cheeseburger

Sonic Drive-In History

Year founded: 1953

First location: Shawnee, Oklahoma

Bottom Line: Sonic Drive-In

Sonic began as a root beer stand and embraced the drive-in model with car-to-kitchen intercom ordering. While burgers are an important part of the menu, Sonic is also known for an extensive beverage program and a broad variety of sides and specialty items across its thousands of locations.

3. Wendy’s

U.S. sales: $9.8 billion

Signature burger: Dave’s Single

Wendy’s History

Year founded: 1969

First location: Columbus, Ohio

Bottom Line: Wendy’s

Wendy’s was founded by Dave Thomas and named after his daughter’s childhood nickname. The chain grew through a focus on fresh food, signature square patties, and distinctive marketing. Dave Thomas parlayed early success into a national brand that remains a major player in the quick-service burger market.

2. Burger King

U.S. sales: $10.3 billion

Signature burger: The Whopper

Burger King History

Year founded: 1953

First location: Jacksonville, Florida

Bottom Line: Burger King

Burger King—originally InstaBurger King—earned global recognition with the Whopper and a charbroiled flavor profile. The brand has remained a top global chain, known for menu innovations, promotional stunts, and a long-running presence in the quick-service burger market.

1. McDonald’s

U.S. sales: $40.4 billion

Signature burger: Big Mac

McDonald’s History

Year founded: 1955

First location: San Bernardino, California

Bottom Line: McDonald’s

McDonald’s dominates global burger sales. The company reports selling tens of millions of burgers daily across a wide range of menu choices. In recent years McDonald’s moved to remove artificial preservatives, colors and flavors from several core burger products while continuing to adapt its menu and operations to changing consumer preferences.