Regional Burger Chains Outpace Big 3 Rivals With 143% Sales Growth Since 2019

1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 10

Technomic data show regional burger chains widened their lead in U.S. sales growth from 2019 to 2025, with Culver's up 143% to $4.36 billion, In-N-Out up 91.7% and Whataburger up 68.6%.
The national big three grew far more slowly over the same period: McDonald's sales rose 36.2%, Wendy's 16.5% and Burger King 8.5%, even though they still dominate overall burger sales.
David Henkes of Technomic said the strongest regionals also beat the largest chains in unit expansion and average unit volume, and his 2026 forecast calls for continued percentage-growth outperformance.
Industry experts tied that edge to scarcity, premium sourcing, craftsmanship and local identity, arguing consumers increasingly favor brands that feel authentic and personal rather than purely corporate.
The trend is not universal: Steak 'n Shake sales fell 32.8% since 2019, Checkers dropped 21.8% and Smashburger declined 30.8%, underscoring that geography alone is not enough.