Fast food in France is a dynamic sector that includes a wide variety of international and national chains. A survey conducted by OpinionWay in 2019 reveals that 40% of French people enjoy eating in fast-food restaurants, although they rarely go there, while 16% go regularly. These figures demonstrate the attachment of French consumers to this type of catering. Innovorder takes a look at the top ten fast-food chains in France. In this article, you'll find details of the concept, number of outlets, sales figures and other information about each chain.
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1. McDonald's
Number of sales outlets : Approx. 1,500
Sales excluding VAT: Approx. 6.5 billion euros
Growth rate: Stable, with slight annual growth
We begin this roundup of the 11 leaders in the French fast-food market with McDonald's. Founded in the USA, McDonald's has been present in France since 1979. With around 1,500 restaurants nationwide, the brand is omnipresent in major cities, shopping malls and suburban areas. Impossible to miss! McDonald's sales (excluding VAT) in France are close to 6.5 billion euros, reflecting its strong popularity. The brand relies on constant menu innovation and hard-hitting marketing campaigns to maintain its dominant position. It has also invested in the digitalization of its services, with order terminals and a high-performance mobile application, enhancing the customer experience.
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2. Burger King
Number of sales outlets : Approx. 500
Sales (excl. VAT): Approx. 1.9 billion euros
Growth rate: Steady growth since return to France
After leaving the French market in 1997, Burger King made a spectacular comeback in 2013. Since then, the chain has opened around 500 restaurants and achieved sales of 1.9 billion euros excluding VAT. Burger King's growth strategy is based on its high-quality image and flagship products such as the famous Whopper. The brand also stands out for its bold, humorous communication, which appeals to a wide audience, as well as a genuine offer for vegetarians thanks to its partnership with La Vie. Present mainly in large urban areas, Burger King continues to expand its network, aiming to rival McDonald's in the French burger market.Â
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3. KFC France
Number of sales outlets : Approx. 360
Sales excluding VAT: Approx. 825 million euros
Growth rate: Moderate growth, with ongoing expansion
KFC, famous for its fried chicken recipes, is firmly established in France, with no fewer than 360 outlets. KFC France's sales excluding VAT amount to around 825 million euros. The chain is focusing on steady expansion, particularly in urban areas and shopping malls. KFC boasts a diversified product offering, from chicken buckets to burgers and wraps. The chain has also invested in social responsibility initiatives, including healthier meal options and actions in favor of environmental sustainability.
👉 To find out more: What are the different types of fast food?
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4. Subway France
Number of sales outlets : Approx. 375
Sales (excl. VAT): Approx. 193 million eurosÂ
Growth rate : Stable with slight growth
The Subway fast-food chain, known for its customizable sandwiches, has around 375 restaurants in France. With sales excluding VAT of around 193 million euros, Subway has succeeded in thriving in a competitive market. Customers appreciate the opportunity to create their own sandwich, according to their current tastes and using a variety of fresh ingredients. The brand stands out for its "eat on the go" concept, while offering healthier options. Subway is generally located in strategic locations such as city centers, train stations and airports, targeting a broad customer base on the move and often pressed for time.Â
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5. Domino's Pizza France
Number of outlets : Approx. 480
Sales (excl. VAT): Approx. 310 million euros
Growth rate: Sustained growth thanks to strong demand for home delivery.
We continue our overview of the leading fast-food chains with Domino's Pizza , the market leader in pizza delivery in France, with over 480 outlets and sales of 310 million euros excluding VAT. The chain has capitalized on the strong demand for home delivery, particularly accentuated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Domino's offers a wide range of pizzas and sides, and relies on attractive promotions and product innovations to build customer loyalty. Digitalization is also at the heart of its strategy, with a high-performance mobile application and website, tools that greatly facilitate online ordering.
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6. Pizza Hut France
Number of sales outlets : Approx. 270
Sales (excl. VAT): Approx. 80 million euros
Growth rate: Stable, with a focus on product innovation.
Pizza Hut, with around 150 restaurants in France, generates sales (excluding VAT) of around 80 million euros. The brand stands out for its varied range of pizzas, often innovative, and its delivery and on-site catering services. Although its network is less dense than that of Domino's, it relies on the quality and originality of its products to stand out from the crowd. Pizza Hut has also invested heavily in promotional offers and partnerships to attract new customers.
👉 To find out more : 5 tips to boost fast-food profitability
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7. Quick
Number of sales outlets : Approx. 135
Sales excluding VAT: Approx. 415 million euros
Growth rate: Stable, with targeted modernization and expansion initiatives.
Quick, a fast-food chain of Belgian origin, is well established in France with around 135 outlets. Sales (excluding VAT) are around 415 million euros. Quick is positioned as an alternative to McDonald's and Burger King, offering a range of burgers and snacks tailored to local tastes. To remain competitive, the brand is focusing on modernizing its restaurants and innovating its menu. Quick also targets young customers with special offers and themed menus.
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8. O'Tacos
Number of outlets : Approx. 270
Sales excluding VAT: Approx. 310 million euros
Growth rate: Rapid growth thanks to the popularity of its giant tacos
O'Tacos is a French restaurant chain specializing in French-style tacos. O'Tacos has enjoyed dazzling growth, with some 270 restaurants and sales (excluding VAT) of 310 million euros. The brand is particularly popular with young people, thanks to its generously garnished, customizable tacos. O'Tacos stands out for its unique concept and original recipes that combine Mexican and French influences. Present in major cities and shopping areas, the brand continues to attract customers seeking novelty and culinary diversity.
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9. BCHEF
Number of sales outlets : Approx. 60
Sales (excl. VAT): Approx. 20 million euros
Growth rate: Strong growth with steady expansion
BCHEF is a French fast-food chain distinguished by its hybrid concept, mixing burgers, bagels, salads and coffee shops. Founded in 2014, the chain has expanded rapidly, now boasting over 60 outlets across France. BCHEF focuses on the quality of its ingredients and the personalization of its products, allowing each customer to compose his or her meal according to his or her tastes. The brand is positioned in the fast-casual niche, offering a healthier, gourmet alternative to traditional fast food. With continued growth, BCHEF continues to expand its network and attract customers seeking culinary diversity and personalized experiences.
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10. Five Guys France
Number of sales outlets : Approx. 30
Sales excluding VAT: Approx. 45 million euros
Growth rate: Significant growth since its arrival in France.
Five Guys, a high-end American burger chain, has rapidly established itself in France since its arrival. With around 30 restaurants and sales of 45 million euros excluding VAT, Five Guys targets lovers of quality burgers. The brand stands out from its competitors thanks to its customizable offering and the freshness of its ingredients. The restaurants, located mainly in major cities such as Paris, Lyon and Marseille, offer a premium fast-food experience. Five Guys also relies on a relaxed atmosphere and high-quality customer service to build customer loyalty.
👉 F urther information: Opening a fast food franchise: the ultimate guide
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11. Prêt À Manger France
Number of sales outlets : Approx. 50
Sales excluding VAT: Approx. 70 million euros
Growth rate: Moderate growth, focusing on customer experience and product quality.
It's impossible to conclude this article without mentioning Prêt À Manger, a British chain specializing in fresh takeaway meals, with around 50 outlets in France and sales of 70 million euros excluding VAT. The brand stands out for its commitment to fresh ingredients and the daily preparation of its products. Prêt À Manger is present mainly in major cities and business districts, attracting a clientele in search of quality and speed. The chain offers a wide range of sandwiches, salads, soups and desserts, with a particular focus on vegetarian and vegan options.
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Each of the chains featured in this article makes a unique contribution to the fast-food market, catering to the varied preferences of French consumers. Whether it's burgers, pizzas, tacos or fresh meals, these chains continue to innovate and adapt to maintain their appeal and competitiveness in a constantly evolving sector.
However, other types of catering are also developing in France. The rise of modern bistros, specialty cafés, food trucks, as well as organic and ethical restaurants, testifies to an ongoing transformation of the French culinary scene. These new trends respond to a growing demand for high-quality, diversified taste experiences, with an emphasis on sustainability and authentic ingredients.
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