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Fast Food: Sales Per Square Foot & Occupancy Cost

National benchmark data for fast food and QSR (Quick Service Restaurant) locations. Sales per square foot and occupancy cost benchmarks for drive-thru, counter-service, and quick-service concepts.

Avg Sales / SF

$774.00

National average

Avg Occupancy Cost

6.2%

As % of gross sales

Data Source

Datex Property Solutions

Q3 2023 - Q2 2024

Industry Insights

QSR concepts with drive-thru capability consistently outperform walk-in-only locations.

Lunch-hour traffic patterns are the strongest predictor of fast food performance.

Fast food locations benefit from competitor clustering — being near other QSR brands indicates proven demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average sales per square foot for fast food restaurants?

Fast food restaurants nationally average $400-600/SF in annual sales, with top-performing drive-thru locations exceeding $700/SF. Performance varies based on daypart mix, drive-thru presence, and trade area quality.

What occupancy cost is healthy for a QSR location?

QSR concepts typically target 6-8% occupancy cost. The relatively high sales per square foot in the category allows QSR tenants to afford prime locations while maintaining healthy margins.

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