McDonald’s: The Brand America Loves to Visit

 

McDonald’s has been a cornerstone of American fast-food culture, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down. Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® and the team at Tacoma, based Foodservice Solutions® wants you to know you are not the only one that visits McDonalds.

In fact, nearly 87% of U.S. households visited the chain at least once over the past 12 months, according to recent data from the analytics firm Numerator. This makes McDonald’s the most visited restaurant chain in the United States, a title it has held for years.

In the past seven years, McDonald’s has consistently attracted millions of customers annually, with many visiting multiple times throughout the year. According to historical data, here is an overview of how many Americans have visited McDonald’s over the last seven years:

McDonald’s U.S. Visits (Annual)

·         2017: Approximately 120 million Americans visited McDonald’s at least once.

·         2018: Roughly 123 million Americans.

·         2019: An increase to 126 million Americans.

·         2020: Despite the pandemic, McDonald’s saw 121 million visits as drive-thru and delivery services sustained business.

·         2021: Visits rebounded with 129 million Americans visiting.

·         2022: Continued growth with 133 million unique visits.

·         2023: The number hit a peak with 138 million American visitors, demonstrating its continued dominance in the fast-food space.

On average, the typical McDonald’s customer made 54 visits in the past year, spending approximately $461. That breaks down to relatively modest spending per visit, showing how McDonald’s affordable pricing remains a key driver for its frequent visits.

The Next Seven Most Visited Chains in America

While McDonald’s reigns supreme, several other chains also attract significant traffic across the U.S. Here’s a look at the next seven chains based on their popularity:

1.       Starbucks:

o    Two-thirds of U.S. households visited Starbucks in the past 12 months. Known for its loyal, high-income, urban Gen X customer base, Starbucks visitors tend to dine out four times a week. Despite strong customer loyalty, the chain has experienced sales struggles this year.

2.       Subway:

o    With over 20,000 locations in the U.S., Subway has a stronghold in rural areas. Numerator data suggests its customers are 18% more likely to live in rural areas. Subway’s presence in both small towns and urban centers helps maintain its wide appeal.

3.       Dunkin':

o    Dunkin' remains a favorite among coffee lovers, particularly in the Northeast. Its customers allocate 14% of their total restaurant spending at various dining establishments, showing that they are frequent restaurant-goers, even beyond Dunkin’.

4.       Taco Bell:

o    Taco Bell draws a large, younger demographic, with late-night offerings and affordable prices. The chain's convenient, handheld menu items have helped it maintain a strong position among fast-food diners.

5.       Chick-fil-A:

o    Known for exceptional customer service and quality chicken sandwiches, Chick-fil-A enjoys a cult-like following, particularly in the Southeast. Its limited operating hours (closed on Sundays) have done little to deter its immense popularity.

6.       Chipotle Mexican Grill:

o    Chipotle has seen significant growth in recent years, especially among younger, urban customers. According to Numerator, its customer base is 43% more likely to be younger Gen Z consumers and 44% more likely to be Black.

7.       Wendy’s:

o    Wendy’s continues to attract customers with its “fresh, never frozen” beef and a wide range of menu items. While not on the same scale as McDonald’s, Wendy’s remains one of the go-to choices for consumers seeking fast and affordable meals.

Why McDonald’s Remains on Top

What makes McDonald’s so beloved? A few key factors contribute to its enduring success:

1.       Affordability: McDonald’s value menu and regular promotions keep it competitive and accessible to a wide range of consumers.

2.       Convenience: With over 13,000 locations across the U.S. and robust drive-thru and delivery operations, McDonald’s is easy to access.

3.       Brand Loyalty: The chain has cultivated a strong emotional connection with customers through consistent branding and nostalgic appeal.

4.       Innovation: From introducing healthier menu items to tech-savvy mobile ordering, McDonald’s stays ahead by adapting to consumer trends.

With McDonald’s attracting nearly nine out of 10 U.S. households in the past year, it’s clear that the brand is not just a fast-food giant, but a cultural icon embedded in the fabric of American life. Whether through a quick drive-thru meal or a nostalgic Happy Meal, McDonald’s continues to be the restaurant America loves to visit.

Do your food marketing ideas look more like yesterday than tomorrow? Interested in learning how our Grocerant Guru® can edify your retail food brand while creating a platform for consumer convenient meal participation, differentiation, and individualization?  Email us at: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or visit: us on our social media sites by clicking one of the following links: Facebook,  LinkedIn, or Twitter