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The family burger chains beating McDonalds and Burger King across the US
New York Post • • business
Key Points:
- Regional fast-food burger chains like In-N-Out, Whataburger, and Culver’s are driving growth in the hamburger category, outperforming larger chains such as McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Burger King due to quality, customer loyalty, and customization options.
- In-N-Out’s domestic sales grew by around 10% in 2025, while Whataburger is expanding rapidly with plans to open 60 new locations this year, growing six times faster than before the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Despite rising prices in fast-food chains—McDonald’s menu prices have more than doubled over the last decade—customer perception of value at large chains has declined, prompting these brands to upgrade food quality and restaurant experiences.
- Regional chains prioritize consistency and quality over rapid expansion, often remaining family-owned and limiting growth to maintain standards, as evidenced by In-N-Out’s slow expansion and focus on fresh ingredients.
- In a market where fast food is becoming more expensive, consumers are willing to pay a premium for higher-quality food and better customer service, which benefits regional chains that emphasize these attributes.
