11 Restaurant Chains Growing The Most in 2024 (Are You Surprised?)

Restaurants provide a nice break from the grocery store. You may have recently noticed a new location for a restaurant chain in your neighborhood.

You wouldn’t be alone as chains are finding new locations across the country to add to their portfolios and gain new customers.

Here are some of the fastest-growing restaurant chains you may want to keep an eye on to see if one opens near you.

Pizza is a favorite for any customer who wants something quick and reliable for pick-up or delivery.

Papa John’s spent 2023 working to expand the number of locations domestically and internationally.

That growth meant an increase of 210 locations around the world including 57 locations in North America, and the company is hoping to accelerate its 2024 growth.

Coffee shop Starbucks is taking a shot at expanding its reach.

In November 2023, the company announced it planned to increase its locations domestically and abroad to reach 55,000 locations around the world by 2030.

Starbucks has opened 9,000 locations in the past five years, with 7,000 of those locations outside the United States.

You may have to do a double-take when you see a new Wendy’s pop up in your area because it may not look like the Wendy’s you’re used to.

The restaurant chain unveiled a new franchise design last year and expects to roll out more than 200 new locations with the fresh look in 2024.

Expect the restaurants to have more digital kiosks to order when you’re inside and easier delivery pick-up options if you order online.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe opened 176 new locations across the U.S. in 2023 with plans to continue adding spots in the coming years.

The company reported that it signed 258 franchise agreements last year, making it possible to have a new one opening near you soon.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe said 2023 was the 12th consecutive year it saw positive same-store sales.

If you haven’t heard of Dutch Bros. Coffee, you may want to perk up because one could be opening near you.

The company already has more than 800 shops across 16 states and plans to expand in 2024 with at least 150 more shops.

Sandwich maker Jersey Mike’s is hoping to put together more deals to expand its locations in 2024.

The company currently has more than 2,700 locations with stores in every state in the U.S. It hopes to expand its stores with 350 new spots in 2024 with around the same number of new stores in 2025.

Mexican fast food is expanding in the U.S. with the addition of 750 Qdoba locations in the next decade.

The company, which already has more than 750 restaurants in the country, plans to add 60 locations to its portfolio in 2024.

The golden arches are getting bigger domestically and internationally with the restaurant chain announcing it’s aiming to have 50,000 locations around the world by 2027.

That number includes the company’s goal to add 1,000 new locations by 2027.

Expect to find more Jack in the Box options this year if you live in Florida, Arkansas, Montana, and Wyoming.

The restaurant chain plans to expand its locations in these four states in 2024 with a total of 123 new spots for hungry customers.

The company has more than 2,000 locations across the United States.

Del Taco announced its expansion plans in late 2023 with a strategy to open 138 new restaurants.

The company, owned by Jack in the Box, plans to expand its locations in states such as Texas, Montana, and Wyoming.

That total number of new locations also includes 52 new spots in Florida.

Chipotle, known for fast dining options like burritos and tacos, continues to expand its reach across the U.S.

The company expects to open at least 255 new locations this year with the potential to reach 315 total new locations depending on approvals to get those spots open in 2024.

Restaurant chains can be a great option for meals, but it might be hard to save money if you like to eat at restaurants regularly.

It might be a good idea to see if your favorite chains have loyalty programs that can give you perks or points if you eat there.

You also may want to check out the best cash back credit cards to earn extra cash when you spend money on food, entertainment, and other expenses.