McDonald’s may be the most successful chain in the world — but it doesn’t make the most: Sales of franchises ranked

McDonald’s may be known as the most successful restaurant chain in the world — but another popular fast food spot has claimed the title of most profitable restaurant franchise in the U.S., according to a report.

Topping the list of the most profitable restaurant franchises in the U.S. in 2026 was Chick-fil-A, according to the AI marketing platform Malou.