A Foolish Take: The Most Productive Fast-Food Chains in America

The American fast-food industry may seem vulnerable to healthier eating habits and lower grocery prices, but it's still growing at a steady pace. However, consumer tastes are changing, and fast-food leaders like McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) and Subway -- which still generate the highest systemwide sales in the U.S. -- aren't the most successful chains in the country.

The success of a fast-food chain is usually measured by its average sales per unit. By that measure, several smaller chains are crushing the bigger players, according to QSR's report on 2016 restaurant sales.

Data source: QSR. Chart by author.

Source: Fool.com