| SIC Codes: | 5812 |
| NAICS Codes: | 722513 |
Companies in this industry operate restaurants that provide food served to customers who order and pay at a counter. Major companies include US-based giants Doctor's Associates (Subway), McDonald's, and YUM! Brands (KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell), as well as Café de Coral (Hong Kong), Greggs (UK), Jollibee Foods (the Philippines), and Seven & i Food Systems (Japan).
Demand is driven by demographics, consumer tastes, and personal income. The profitability of individual companies depends on efficient operations and high volume sales. Large companies have advantages in purchasing, finance, and marketing. Small companies can compete effectively by offering superior food or service. The industry is highly fragmented: the 50 largest companies account for about 20 percent of revenue.
Products include simple, average-quality food, which is typically packaged "to-go" for consumption off-premise. Companies may specialize in certain types of cuisine or entrée item. Hamburger restaurants represent about 45 percent of industry revenue, while pizza parlors account for about 15 percent of the industry. Other restaurants serve chicken items, Mexican food, and submarine-style sandwiches.