Which Burger Franchise Makes the Most Money?

If you’re trying to determine which burger franchise makes the most money, the clearest public benchmark is usually average unit volume (AUV), or average annual sales per restaurant. Based on the figures cited in this comparison, McDonald’s and Whataburger are among the highest-volume burger brands, while other concepts vary widely by format, footprint, and operating model. Still, the franchise with the highest AUV is not always the best franchise investment for every operator.

In this article, we’ll look at which burger franchise makes the most money by comparing the average unit volume (AUV) for each brand from the 2025 QSR 50 Report.

Unless otherwise noted, the AUV figures below are drawn from the QSR 50 Report; Jack in the Box’s figure is cited from Item 19 of its current FDD

McDonald’s

McDonald’s is one of the most well-known burger franchises in the world. It’s hard to find anyone who isn’t familiar with their “I’m Lovin’ It” advertising campaign.

They currently have more than 38,000 locations in over 100 countries. Approximately 93% of McDonald’s restaurants are owned and operating by independent local business owners.

McDonald’s AUV: $4.0MM

The number above represents the average sales per unit of franchised and company-owned stores.

Source: 2025 QSR 50 Report

Jack in the Box

At Jack in the Box, we offer a large and distinctive 24/7 menu with five dayparts to our customers. This means you can get anything on our menu at any time – day or night.

Our new prototype features dual drive-thru lanes for higher order volume and a walk-up window for mobile orders to serve today’s on-the-go consumer.

2026 Jack in the Box AUV: $1,913,335

To see if the Jack in the Box burger franchise is right for you, click here.

Wendy’s

Wendy’s is a quick-service burger franchise that has become famous for their square beef patties and Frosty desserts.

They operate more than 7,000 restaurants worldwide and are continuing to look for new and diverse franchisees to join their team.

Wendy’s AUV: $2.1MM

The number above represents the average sales per unit of franchised and company-owned stores.

Source: 2025 QSR 50 Report

Burger King

Burger King currently has more than 7,000 restaurants across the U.S. with opportunities for growth across the U.S. and international markets.

This burger franchise is known for creating signature recipes and providing family-friending dining experiences. Every day, more than 11 million guests visit Burger King restaurants around the world.

Burger King AUV: $1.6MM

The number above represents the average sales per unit of franchised and company-owned stores.

Source: 2025 QSR 50 Report

Sonic

Sonic has been one of America’s favorite drive-in burger franchises for more than 65 years.

Since 1959, they have grown their number of drive-in restaurants to 32,000 locations across the world.

Sonic AUV: $1.5MM

The number above represents the average sales per unit of franchised and company-owned stores.

Source: 2025 QSR 50 Report

Whataburger

The story of Whataburger began at a 24-hour burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. 70 years later, they have grown to more than 890 locations throughout the United States.

Whataburger was family-owned until their recent acquisition by an investment company. This has allowed for more franchises to open in new markets.

Whataburger AUV: $4.0MM

The number above represents the average sales per unit of franchised and company-owned stores.

Source: 2025 QSR 50 Report

Carl’s Jr & Hardee’s

Since 1997, Carl’s Jr and Hardee’s have been sister companies of, CKE Restaurants, their parent company.

Hardee’s is known as the east coast equivalent of Carl’s Jr. However, both of these burger franchises can be found around the world.

Carl’s Jr AUV: $1.4MM

Hardee’s AUV: $1.1MM

The number above represents the average sales per unit of franchised and company-owned stores.

Source: 2025 QSR 50 Report

Five Guys

Five Guys is a fast casual restaurant focused on burgers, hot dogs, fries, and complimentary peanuts.

In 1986, the first Five Guys restaurant opened in Arlington County, VA. Since they began franchising in 2002, they’ve grown to more than 1,500 locations in 16 countries.

Five Guys AUV: $1.5MM

The number above represents the average sales per unit of franchised and company-owned stores.

Source: 2025 QSR 50 Report

Checkers & Rally’s

In 1999, Checkers acquired Rally’s and joined the two brands to create one unique franchise opportunity.

They are headquartered in Tampa, FL and have a combined 878 locations throughout the United States.

Checkers/Rally’s AUV: $1.1MM

The number above represents the average sales per unit of franchised and company-owned stores.

Source: 2025 QSR 50 Report

Freddy’s

Freddy’s is a nostalgic fast-casual restaurant with cooked-to-order steakburgers, hot dogs, shoestring fries, and frozen custard.

They are one of the fastest-growing franchises in the United States with 400 locations around the world.

Freddy’s AUV: $1.9MM

The number above represents the average sales per unit of franchised and company-owned stores.

Source: 2025 QSR 50 Report

FAQ's

1. Which burger franchise has the highest average unit volume?

   1. Based on the figures cited in this article, McDonald’s has the highest reported AUV in this comparison, followed closely by Whataburger.

2. Does the burger franchise with the highest AUV also have the highest profit?

   1. Not necessarily. AUV measures revenue, not profit. Profit depends on food costs, labor, occupancy, royalties, debt service, and store-level operating efficiency.

3. Is AUV the best way to compare burger franchises?

   1. AUV is a useful starting point because it shows top-line sales strength, but it should be paired with startup cost, fee structure, support model, and long-term market opportunity.

4. What should multi-unit franchisees compare besides revenue?

   1. They should compare unit-level margins, required investment, market availability, prototype flexibility, daypart demand, and operational complexity.

5. Where do these burger franchise revenue figures come from?

   1. This article uses figures cited from the QSR 50 Report and, for Jack in the Box, Item 19 of the current franchise disclosure document.

6. Is Jack in the Box a good franchise for multi-unit operators?

   1. Jack in the Box may appeal to operators looking for menu variety, multiple dayparts, convenience-driven formats, and expansion opportunities in growth markets.

If you’re evaluating burger franchise opportunities, compare revenue potential alongside startup investment, operating model, and long-term territory opportunity. If you want to see how Jack in the Box presents its financial performance and franchise model in more detail, request the latest FDD or connect with the franchise development team.

To speak with our team or request a copy of our Franchise Disclosure Document, complete an inquiry form here..