Experian Simmons is a market research firm that publishes a free monthly e-newsletter, Consumer Insights to help keep clients current with the latest consumer behavior and market trends. This month they wrote about trends in the Fast Food Sector, or as it is affectionately called the Quick Service Sector (QSR).

1. McDonald’s, inventor of the quick service restaurant, is the #1 player, in terms of revenue. It has been, for ages

2. Burger King is #2, and has been, for ages.

3. Things get interesting in slot #3 which used to be Wendy’s, then Taco Bell, but now belongs to Subway.

4. Newcomers Chipotle, Jamba Juice, and Panera Bread have become a sizable force in the last few years by carving out niches for themselves.

5. The number of visits fast food establishments grew to 11.5 in 2008 from 7 the year before.

6. Men are more likely than women to eat alone at a fast food restaurant.

7. Americans aged 18-24 are 3 times more likely than older Americans to snack at a fast food chain with friends/co-workers.

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