When fast-food restaurants spread across the United States in the 1950s and 1960s, they were initially popular because of their proximity to freeways. However, the convenience of these establishments sparked a boom that changed American culture and food consumption.

Brands like McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Burger King and KFC have been the favorite fast-food restaurant chains for generations of Americans. Anyone over 30 remembers the Happy Meal prices at McDonald’s and the Dollar Menu at Wendy’s.

Over the past 60 years, visionaries like Ray Kroc (McDonald’s), Dave Thomas (Wendy’s), Glenn Bell (Taco Bell), and S. Truett Cathy (Chick-fil-A) not only changed the restaurant industry, these men also changed the way Americans viewed food and the amount of time they were willing to wait for the food they ordered.

What are the most profitable fast food restaurants in America?

But in the 21st century, eating habits in the United States have evolved and the fast food landscape has changed. Today, some of the biggest names in fast food are no longer the most profitable companies in the United States.

Over the past 30 years, fast-food restaurants such as Whataburger, Chipotle and Krispy Kreme have become the most profitable businesses in the United States. Despite aggressive advertising campaigns, traditional fast-food chains such as Burger King, Taco Bell and Dunkin’ have fallen behind their competitors.

The research team at the website 24/7 Wall Street collected data from Triple Net Invest to identify the most profitable fast-food restaurants in the United States. Using this information, they created a top 15 ranking of fast-food restaurants with the highest annual revenue.