Radar · Food Service Chains in United States
Best Food Service Chains Companies in United States
The 4826 best Food Service Chains companies in United States in 2026, ranked by funding and momentum. Funding, investors, founders, valuation, tech stack and live signals. Top: YUM! Brands.
By Riya SenguptaFinancials
4826companies tracked
$14.1Bdisclosed funding
1unicorns
415have raised
$14.1 billion in disclosed funding across 4,826 tracked companies tells you exactly how seriously investors are treating Food Service Chains in the United States right now. This directory ranks them by equity funding and recent momentum, and the spread is worth pausing on: from PopUpBagels at $9M to Founders Table at $47M to Good Culture at $86M leading the pack, the funding ladder here is steep and unforgiving.
But funding is just the entry ticket. The real story is earned revenue. Across 49 validated filers, median revenue sits at $331M with a combined pool of $72.5B, growing at a modest 3% YoY. Then there's the outlier tier. McDonald's pulled $6.5B at 9% growth and banked $2.0B in net income, 92 times the sector median of $22M. Starbucks added $9.9B. BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings cleared $21.5B and converted $578M to the bottom line. I'd note that Subway's struggles with overexpansion remind you how fast scale can become a liability. App installs across food and foodtech categories are up 19% YoY, which signals where the next growth surface is forming.
Sources & further reading
- New Harvey Park Farmers Market brings fresh food and ghost kitchen chefs to sout
- Best farmers market, waterfront restaurant in NJ may be found in South Jersey: U
- McDonald's Or Burger King: Which Iconic Chain Opened First?
FLIAR INTELLIGENCE · FOOD SERVICE CHAINS × UNITED STATES
Our analysis of 50 Food Service Chains companies
$8.5b in tracked funding; 90% of the stack-profiled cohort runs cloud-native; funding activity peaked in 2025.
50companies analysed
90%cloud-native stacks
2025funding peak (by rounds)
1unicorns
2010median founding year
1.5Mcombined LinkedIn audience
57%of audience held by top 3
7companies hiring publicly (12 mo)
Ranked: Best Food Service Chains companies in United States
| # | Company | Disclosed funding | Last round | Stage | Employees | Founder | App-install YoY | Market signals (1y) | Patents & IP focus | Recent signals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | YUM! Brands Restaurants chains 87Fin. health top 21%Tech top 22%Global top 24%Innovation top 25% All 13 signals ▾Fin. healthtop 21% Techtop 22% Globaltop 24% Innovationtop 25% Customerstop 25% Talenttop 27% Markettop 30% Partnerstop 32% Producttop 32% Fundingtop 37% Moattop 37% Newstop 41% Growthbottom 48% Fin. health: Revenue ~$8.2B (FY2014) · Net margin 21.0% Tech: 83 technologies across 6/8 capability areas · Cloud: Akamai, Amazon Alb rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 87/100 | $2.0B | 98 mo ago | Acquired | 154 | Greg Creed Retired Chief Executive Officer | — | 66 signals ▼41% Earnings · Leadership · Announcements | — | 1 partnership |
| 2 | Dave & Buster’s Chain of bars serving food & inhouse beer 80Customers top 12%Market top 23%Funding top 27%Tech top 27% All 12 signals ▾Customerstop 12% Markettop 23% Fundingtop 27% Techtop 27% Producttop 28% Partnerstop 34% Talenttop 37% Newstop 39% Fin. healthtop 43% Moattop 44% Growthbottom 40% Globalbottom 37% Customers: Play-Store rating 4.72★ across 68,359 ratings (1 apps) · Review volume +22% in 6 mo Market: 22,748 employees (top 11% of Food Service Chains) · Revenue ~$2.1B rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 80/100 | $800M | 77 mo ago | Public | 22,748 | James Corley Co-Founder | +21% | 32 signals Announcements · Earnings · Leadership | — | — |
| 3 | CAVA Fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant chain 82Fin. health top 23%Funding top 25%Tech top 25%Customers top 26% All 11 signals ▾Fin. healthtop 23% Fundingtop 25% Techtop 25% Customerstop 26% Markettop 28% Producttop 28% Growthtop 36% Newstop 39% Moatbottom 48% Talentbottom 48% Globalbottom 32% Fin. health: Revenue ~$1.2B (FY2024) · Net margin 5.4% Funding: Raised $680M across 8 rounds · 8 rounds over 16 yrs (0.5/yr) rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 82/100 | $680M | 61 mo ago | Public | 8,100 8,100 → 5,273 (-35%) | Ted Xenohristos Co-Founder | +38% | 39 signals Earnings · Announcements · Funding | — | 1 launch |
| 4 | Red Lobster Seafood restaurant chain offering fresh catches and diverse menu options 55Market top 25%Funding top 29%Customers top 31%Tech top 35% All 9 signals ▾Markettop 25% Fundingtop 29% Customerstop 31% Techtop 35% Producttop 41% Newstop 44% Globalbottom 37% Growthbottom 36% Innovationbottom 34% Market: 34,729 employees (top 8% of Food Service Chains) · Top-50,000 web property Funding: Raised $575M · 3 rounds over 10 yrs (0.3/yr) rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 55/100 | $575M | 45 mo ago | Acquired | 34,729 34,729 → 17,682 (-49%) | — | +10% | 9 signals ▼47% Announcements · Lawsuit · New product | — | 2 job openings |
| 5 | Sweetgreen Restaurant chains offer salads and meal bowls 78Customers top 19%Tech top 25%News top 25%Funding top 26% All 14 signals ▾Customerstop 19% Techtop 25% Newstop 25% Fundingtop 26% Partnerstop 27% Markettop 29% Talenttop 29% Fin. healthtop 34% Producttop 34% Globaltop 35% Moattop 43% Growthtop 45% Patentsbottom 49% Innovationbottom 44% Customers: Play-Store rating 4.83★ across 5,261 ratings (1 apps) · Review volume +21% in 6 mo Tech: 88 technologies across 5/8 capability areas · Cloud: Amazon Cloudfront, Amazon S3 rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 78/100 | $479M | 80 mo ago | Public | 4,877 4,877 → 2,827 (-42%) | Nathaniel Ru Co-Founder | +27% | 51 signals ▲82% Announcements · Acquisition · Leadership | 3 patents Modular food container designs for efficient meal assembly and packaging | 1 launch · 2 expansions |
| 6 | Zume Pizza Restaurant serving pizza 69Growth top 8%Talent top 15%Funding top 30%Product top 45% All 11 signals ▾Growthtop 8% Talenttop 15% Fundingtop 30% Producttop 45% Moattop 47% Patentstop 49% Marketbottom 44% Innovationbottom 43% Globalbottom 42% Newsbottom 32% Techbottom 30% Growth: Headcount 306 → 665 (+117%) across vintages Talent: Analyst team rating 5/5 rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 69/100 | $452M | 91 mo ago | Deadpooled | 665 | — | — | — | 36 patents Robotic food assembly, autonomous delivery vehicles, and smart vending kiosk technologies. | — |
| 7 | Torchy's Tacos Restaurant serving tacos 67Customers top 21%Moat top 31%Funding top 36%Tech top 36% All 9 signals ▾Customerstop 21% Moattop 31% Fundingtop 36% Techtop 36% Markettop 45% Growthtop 45% Producttop 46% Globalbottom 29% Newsbottom 20% Customers: Play-Store rating 4.81★ across 4,117 ratings (1 apps) Moat: Editorial + unicorn rating 8/10 · Soonicorn rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 67/100 | $400M | 66 mo ago | Series B | 5,000 | — | — | — | — | 1 expansion · 1 award |
| 8 | Pollo Tropical Chain of limited service restaurant offering chicken 69Funding top 26%Talent top 28%Customers top 29%Tech top 38% All 8 signals ▾Fundingtop 26% Talenttop 28% Customerstop 29% Techtop 38% Growthtop 45% Producttop 47% Markettop 50% Globalbottom 29% Funding: Raised $345M across 2 rounds · 2 rounds over 3 yrs (0.7/yr) Talent: 3 named leaders on record · 3 C-suite/founder profiles curated rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 69/100 | $345M | 18 mo ago | Funding Raised | 1,782 | Stuart Harris Founder | — | — | — | — |
| 9 | MOD Owns and operates a network of company-owned and franchised pizza restaurants 64Innovation top 25%Tech top 30%Funding top 33%Talent top 38% All 12 signals ▾Innovationtop 25% Techtop 30% Fundingtop 33% Talenttop 38% Producttop 40% Growthtop 48% Markettop 50% Customersbottom 44% Partnersbottom 43% Moatbottom 38% Newsbottom 37% Globalbottom 37% Innovation: 4 product lines Tech: 59 technologies across 5/8 capability areas · Cloud: Amazon Cloudfront, Amazon Web Services rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 64/100 | $338M | 84 mo ago | Acquired | 1,523 | Ally Svenson Co-Founder | — | — | — | — |
| 10 | Panera Bread Provider of bakery-cafe services and a loyalty program 92Innovation top 12%Tech top 16%Customers top 17%Fin. health top 19% All 12 signals ▾Innovationtop 12% Techtop 16% Customerstop 17% Fin. healthtop 19% Markettop 25% Fundingtop 29% Talenttop 32% Producttop 35% Newstop 44% Moatbottom 45% Globalbottom 43% Growthbottom 42% Innovation: 7 new-product events in 24 mo Tech: 87 technologies across 5/8 capability areas · Cloud: Akamai, Cloudflare rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 92/100 | $333M | 37 mo ago | Acquired | 120,000 | Louis Kane Co-Founder | — | 39 signals ▼47% Announcements · Layoffs · Leadership | — | 2 launchs · 1 expansion |
| 11 | GPS Hospitality Restaurant group focused on goals, people, and service in fast food 42Growth top 35%Talent top 35%Funding bottom 47%Market bottom 45% All 7 signals ▾Growthtop 35% Talenttop 35% Fundingbottom 47% Marketbottom 45% Techbottom 33% Globalbottom 32% Newsbottom 27% Growth: Headcount 3,459 → 4,358 (+26%) across vintages Talent: Analyst team rating 5/5 · 1 named leader on record rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 42/100 | $332M | 90 mo ago | Seed | 4,358 | Tom Garrett Founder & CEO | — | — | — | — |
| 12 | GoTo Foods Developer of multi channel foodservice brands with franchises worldwide 45Talent top 28%Funding top 39%Partners top 40%News top 42% All 8 signals ▾Talenttop 28% Fundingtop 39% Partnerstop 40% Newstop 42% Techtop 48% Growthbottom 42% Marketbottom 38% Globalbottom 29% Talent: 2 named leaders on record · 2 C-suite/founder profiles curated Funding: Raised $318M across 3 rounds · 3 rounds over 14 yrs (0.2/yr) rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 45/100 | $318M | 89 mo ago | Funding Raised | — | Steve DeSutter CEO | — | 15 signals ▼40% Leadership · Contracts | — | 2 expansions |
| 13 | Papa John Chain of restaurants offering pizza 80Tech top 18%Market top 20%News top 25%Partners top 25% All 13 signals ▾Techtop 18% Markettop 20% Newstop 25% Partnerstop 25% Innovationtop 32% Fin. healthtop 35% Fundingtop 37% Moattop 38% Customerstop 40% Producttop 44% Talenttop 46% Growthbottom 40% Globalbottom 37% Tech: 83 technologies across 6/8 capability areas · Cloud: Akamai, Amazon Cloudfront Market: 115,000 employees (top 5% of Food Service Chains) · Revenue ~$2.1B rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 80/100 | $250M | 66 mo ago | Acquired | 115,000 | Todd Penegor President & CEO | — | 34 signals ▲62% Announcements · M&A · Earnings | — | — |
| 14 | Shake Shack Chains of restaurant serving burgers 80Tech top 24%Market top 29%Funding top 29%Customers top 30% All 11 signals ▾Techtop 24% Markettop 29% Fundingtop 29% Customerstop 30% Talenttop 31% Fin. healthtop 37% Producttop 39% Moattop 50% Newsbottom 49% Growthbottom 45% Globalbottom 32% Tech: 75 technologies across 6/8 capability areas · Cloud: Amazon Web Services, Cloudflare Market: 7,429 employees (top 21% of Food Service Chains) · Revenue ~$1.4B rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 80/100 | $225M | 37 mo ago | Public | 7,429 | Danny Meyer Founder | +23% | 17 signals ▼72% Earnings · Leadership · Announcements | — | — |
| 15 | Dig Inn Healthy farm-to-table food restaurant chain 57Customers top 24%Tech top 29%Product top 32%Funding top 34% All 9 signals ▾Customerstop 24% Techtop 29% Producttop 32% Fundingtop 34% Growthtop 45% Globalbottom 43% Moatbottom 38% Marketbottom 34% Newsbottom 22% Customers: App rating 4.3★ (772 reviews) · Review volume +9% in 6 mo Tech: 61 technologies across 5/8 capability areas · Cloud: Amazon Ses, Amazon Web Services rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 57/100 | $132M | 55 mo ago | Series F | 280 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 16 | Tiff's Treats Retailer of on-demand delivery of baked goods, gifts, and novelties 55Innovation top 20%Product top 29%Moat top 31%Funding top 35% All 11 signals ▾Innovationtop 20% Producttop 29% Moattop 31% Fundingtop 35% Talenttop 38% Markettop 49% Techbottom 42% Growthbottom 41% Customersbottom 40% Globalbottom 32% Newsbottom 21% Innovation: 12 product lines Product: 12 distinct product lines · 1 published app (243k installs) rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 55/100 | $119M | 55 mo ago | Series D | 2,000 | Tiffany Taylor Co-Founder | +17% | — | — | — |
| 17 | Everytable Fresh, nutritious meals accessible to everyone, everywhere, promoting community upliftment 37Funding top 33%Tech top 33%Product top 40%Growth top 45% All 9 signals ▾Fundingtop 33% Techtop 33% Producttop 40% Growthtop 45% Talentbottom 49% Globalbottom 39% Marketbottom 34% Newsbottom 22% Customersbottom 1% Funding: Raised $108M across 7 rounds · 7 rounds over 10 yrs (0.7/yr) Tech: 58 technologies across 5/8 capability areas · Cloud: Amazon Web Services, Azure rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 37/100 | $108M | 35 mo ago | Series C | 189 189 → 173 (-8%) | Sam Polk Cfa CEO | — | — | — | 1 launch · 1 partnership |
| 18 | Blank Street Operator of a chain of coffee shops offering high-quality coffee and food 57Funding top 29%Growth top 35%Moat top 39%Product top 40% All 10 signals ▾Fundingtop 29% Growthtop 35% Moattop 39% Producttop 40% Customerstop 41% Techtop 42% Talentbottom 49% Globalbottom 43% Marketbottom 35% Newsbottom 31% Funding: Raised $106M across 5 rounds · 5 rounds over 5 yrs (1.0/yr) Growth: Fresh capital in last 24 mo rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 57/100 | $106M | 13 mo ago | Series B | 157 | Vinay Menda Co-Founder | — | — | — | — |
| 19 | good culture Chain of limited service restaurant offering deserts 76Funding top 19%Growth top 25%Product top 25%News top 29% All 9 signals ▾Fundingtop 19% Growthtop 25% Producttop 25% Newstop 29% Innovationtop 36% Techtop 37% Marketbottom 45% Partnersbottom 40% Globalbottom 29% Funding: Raised $85.8M across 7 rounds · 7 rounds over 10 yrs (0.7/yr) Growth: Fresh capital in last 24 mo rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 76/100 | $86M | 4 mo ago | Series C | 40 | — | — | 4 signals ▲300% M&A · Regulatory · Contracts | — | 2 job openings |
| 20 | McDonald's Fast food burger restaurant chain 91Innovation top 13%Customers top 17%Market top 18%Moat top 18% All 12 signals ▾Innovationtop 13% Customerstop 17% Markettop 18% Moattop 18% Producttop 20% Fin. healthtop 21% Techtop 27% Fundingtop 29% Partnerstop 32% Newstop 38% Growthtop 47% Globalbottom 48% Innovation: 38 new-product events in 24 mo Customers: Play-Store rating 4.09★ across 2,166,476 ratings (6 apps) · Marquee-customer mentions: top 1% of tracked companies rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 91/100 | $55M | 15 mo ago | Public | 5,471 | — | +18% | 125 signals ▼26% Announcements · New product · Leadership | — | — |
| 21 | Milk Bar Award-winning bakery shipping unique desserts nationwide, creating joyful moments 62Innovation top 25%Product top 30%Tech top 31%Growth top 35% All 10 signals ▾Innovationtop 25% Producttop 30% Techtop 31% Growthtop 35% Fundingtop 45% Talentbottom 49% Moatbottom 45% Marketbottom 41% Globalbottom 32% Newsbottom 27% Innovation: 4 product lines Product: 4 distinct product lines · Company stage: Series B rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 62/100 | $54M | 37 mo ago | Series B | 318 318 → 517 (+63%) | Christina Tosi Founder & CEO | — | — | — | 1 partnership |
| 22 | Founders Table Operator of a portfolio of founder-led restaurant companies 37Funding top 23%Product top 36%News top 41%Market bottom 49% All 7 signals ▾Fundingtop 23% Producttop 36% Newstop 41% Marketbottom 49% Talentbottom 45% Globalbottom 29% Innovationbottom 28% Funding: Raised $47.2M across 3 rounds · 3 rounds over 5 yrs (0.6/yr) Product: 1 product launch event in 12 mo · Company stage: Series C rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 37/100 | $47M | 6 mo ago | Series C | 78 | Nick Marsh CEO | — | — | — | — |
| 23 | Salted Builder of digital-first restaurant brands 42Funding top 21%Growth top 29%Talent bottom 49%Tech bottom 45% All 10 signals ▾Fundingtop 21% Growthtop 29% Talentbottom 49% Techbottom 45% Moatbottom 42% Globalbottom 40% Marketbottom 37% Patentsbottom 28% Newsbottom 22% Innovationbottom 19% Funding: Raised $42.8M across 5 rounds · 5 rounds over 6 yrs (0.8/yr) Growth: Headcount 49 → 65 (+33%) across vintages · Web rank 50,000,000 → 10,000,000 YoY rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 42/100 | $43M | 6 mo ago | Series B | 65 | Jeffrey Appelbaum CEO/Founder | — | — | 2 patents Email analytics platform for measuring and optimizing email campaign performance | — |
| 24 | Hawaiian Bros Island Grill Provider of Hawaiian-inspired plate lunches and catering services 64Customers top 25%Tech top 26%Funding top 27%News top 36% All 12 signals ▾Customerstop 25% Techtop 26% Fundingtop 27% Newstop 36% Producttop 40% Growthtop 42% Fin. healthtop 43% Markettop 44% Talenttop 44% Innovationbottom 37% Globalbottom 32% Moatbottom 22% Customers: Play-Store rating 4.69★ across 1,792 ratings (1 apps) · Review volume +18% in 6 mo Tech: 63 technologies across 5/8 capability areas · Cloud: Cloudflare, Netlify rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 64/100 | $42M | 3 mo ago | Series C | 1,998 | Cameron Mcnie Founder/Executive Chairman | — | 3 signals ▲200% Leadership · New product | — | 2 expansions · 1 award |
| 25 | Counter Service Operates chef-led counter-service food outlets emphasizing accessibility and sustainability 67Funding top 34%Growth top 35%Tech top 36%Product top 46% All 6 signals ▾Fundingtop 34% Growthtop 35% Techtop 36% Producttop 46% Talentbottom 45% Globalbottom 25% Funding: Raised $30.0M across 1 rounds · 1 rounds over 1 yrs (1.0/yr) Growth: Fresh capital in last 24 mo rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 67/100 | $30M | 8 mo ago | Series B | — | Eric Wilson Founder & Principal | — | — | — | — |
| 26 | Momofuku Chain of fine dining restaurants 67Innovation top 25%Tech top 26%Product top 30%Talent top 38% All 9 signals ▾Innovationtop 25% Techtop 26% Producttop 30% Talenttop 38% Fundingtop 42% Growthtop 45% Marketbottom 38% Globalbottom 32% Newsbottom 18% Innovation: 8 product lines Tech: 66 technologies across 6/8 capability areas · Cloud: Cloudflare, Vercel rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 67/100 | $29M | 12 mo ago | Series B | 244 | David Chang Founder | — | — | — | 7 job openings |
| 27 | THE H.WOOD GROUP Offers event catering services 50Growth top 35%Talent top 38%Funding top 42%Tech top 47% All 7 signals ▾Growthtop 35% Talenttop 38% Fundingtop 42% Techtop 47% Moatbottom 38% Marketbottom 32% Globalbottom 29% Growth: Fresh capital in last 24 mo Talent: 2 named leaders on record · 2 C-suite/founder profiles curated rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 50/100 | $25M | 5 mo ago | Acquired | — | Brian Toll Co-Founder | — | — | — | — |
| 28 | Condado Tacos Offers event catering services 67Customers top 28%Tech top 29%Funding top 31%Growth top 35% All 8 signals ▾Customerstop 28% Techtop 29% Fundingtop 31% Growthtop 35% Producttop 46% Marketbottom 42% Globalbottom 29% Newsbottom 22% Customers: Play-Store rating 4.74★ across 592 ratings (1 apps) · Review volume +11% in 6 mo Tech: 61 technologies across 5/8 capability areas · Cloud: Amazon Web Services, Cloudflare rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 67/100 | $25M | 7 mo ago | Series B | 478 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 29 | RoboBurger Chain of burger vending machines 7Talent top 38%Funding bottom 43%Tech bottom 42%Moat bottom 42% All 8 signals ▾Talenttop 38% Fundingbottom 43% Techbottom 42% Moatbottom 42% Patentsbottom 37% Globalbottom 37% Marketbottom 15% Innovationbottom 4% Talent: 2 named leaders on record · 2 C-suite/founder profiles curated Funding: Raised $12.2M across 2 rounds · 2 rounds over 4 yrs (0.5/yr) rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 7/100 | $12M | 25 mo ago | Seed | 10 | Andy Siegel Co-Founder & CMO | — | — | 2 patents Automated food handling and cooking systems for fast‑service restaurants | — |
| 30 | PopUpBagels Chain of full service restaurant offering pizza 57Growth top 28%Tech top 30%Funding top 37%Market bottom 31% All 5 signals ▾Growthtop 28% Techtop 30% Fundingtop 37% Marketbottom 31% Globalbottom 29% Growth: Web rank 5,000,000 → 1,000,000 YoY · Fresh capital in last 24 mo Tech: 38 technologies across 5/8 capability areas · Cloud: Cloudflare, Netlify rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 57/100 | $9M | 2 mo ago | Series A | 15 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 31 | Youtopia Chain of restauranrt serving healthy food 27Growth top 35%Product top 46%Funding top 47%Talent bottom 49% All 7 signals ▾Growthtop 35% Producttop 46% Fundingtop 47% Talentbottom 49% Techbottom 45% Globalbottom 32% Marketbottom 12% Growth: Fresh capital in last 24 mo Product: 1 published app (3.0k installs) · Company stage: Series B rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 27/100 | $7M | 22 mo ago | Series B | 24 | Kenneth Neumann Co-Founder & CEO | — | — | — | — |
| 32 | Just Salad 🦄 Chain of restaurant serving multiple dishes 57Tech top 33%Growth top 35%Funding top 39%Product top 40% All 10 signals ▾Techtop 33% Growthtop 35% Fundingtop 39% Producttop 40% Customerstop 47% Moattop 47% Markettop 49% Talentbottom 49% Globalbottom 36% Newsbottom 23% Tech: 51 technologies across 5/8 capability areas · Cloud: Cloudflare, Heroku Growth: Fresh capital in last 24 mo rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 57/100 | $6M | 15 mo ago | Series C | 325 | Nick Kenner Founder & CEO | — | — | — | 2 launchs · 2 expansions |
| 33 | MetroDiner Chain of limited service restaurant offering chicken 82Tech top 21%Innovation top 25%Growth top 35%Product top 36% All 8 signals ▾Techtop 21% Innovationtop 25% Growthtop 35% Producttop 36% Markettop 37% Moattop 48% Fundingtop 49% Globalbottom 25% Tech: 60 technologies across 6/8 capability areas · Cloud: Cloudflare, Fastly Innovation: 12 product lines rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 82/100 | $5M | 2 mo ago | Series A | 943 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 34 | Noodles & Company Chain of limited service restaurant serving Chinese cuisine 67Customers top 19%Tech top 21%News top 31%Funding top 33% All 10 signals ▾Customerstop 19% Techtop 21% Newstop 31% Fundingtop 33% Markettop 34% Producttop 39% Fin. healthtop 46% Moattop 50% Growthbottom 43% Globalbottom 32% Customers: Play-Store rating 4.69★ across 18,276 ratings (1 apps) · Review volume +6% in 6 mo Tech: 77 technologies across 6/8 capability areas · Cloud: Amazon Web Services, Azure rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 67/100 | $4M | 6 mo ago | Public | 8,100 | — | +12% | 50 signals ▲92% Announcements · Leadership · Earnings | — | — |
| 35 | FARE Provider of food catering services 32Growth top 35%Tech top 39%Funding top 41%Global bottom 25% All 5 signals ▾Growthtop 35% Techtop 39% Fundingtop 41% Globalbottom 25% Marketbottom 14% Growth: Fresh capital in last 24 mo Tech: 42 technologies across 5/8 capability areas · Cloud: Amazon Cloudfront, Amazon S3 rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 32/100 | $3M | 1 mo ago | Seed | 16 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 36 | Cafeteria Group Restaurant group offering comfort food 35Growth top 45%Partners top 45%Funding top 49%Market bottom 49% All 8 signals ▾Growthtop 45% Partnerstop 45% Fundingtop 49% Marketbottom 49% Talentbottom 45% Globalbottom 25% Techbottom 21% Newsbottom 17% Growth: Web rank 10,000,000 → 50,000,000 YoY · Fresh capital in last 24 mo Partners: 0 partnership announcements in 12 mo (1 in 24 mo) rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 35/100 | $3M | 23 mo ago | Early Stage | 6,377 | Susan Leonard Owner & CEO | — | — | — | — |
| 37 | CoffeeNow Provider of route-based coffee delivery service to businesses 29Growth top 35%Talent top 45%Funding top 48%Product bottom 48% All 8 signals ▾Growthtop 35% Talenttop 45% Fundingtop 48% Productbottom 48% Techbottom 43% Customersbottom 38% Globalbottom 25% Marketbottom 16% Growth: Fresh capital in last 24 mo Talent: 2 named leaders on record rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 29/100 | $3M | 3 mo ago | Series A | — | Jordan West Co-Founder & CEO | — | — | — | — |
| 38 | Drumroll Provider of plant-based donuts 48Growth top 35%Tech top 36%Talent top 38%Funding bottom 45% All 6 signals ▾Growthtop 35% Techtop 36% Talenttop 38% Fundingbottom 45% Globalbottom 29% Marketbottom 28% Growth: Fresh capital in last 24 mo Tech: 43 technologies across 5/8 capability areas · Cloud: Cloudflare rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 48/100 | $3M | 19 mo ago | Seed | — | Ryan Brothers Co-Founder | — | — | — | — |
| 39 | Acme Bread Renowned artisanal bakery specializing in handcrafted, breads and pastries 37Growth top 35%Talent top 38%Funding bottom 49%Tech bottom 40% All 6 signals ▾Growthtop 35% Talenttop 38% Fundingbottom 49% Techbottom 40% Marketbottom 28% Globalbottom 25% Growth: Fresh capital in last 24 mo Talent: 2 named leaders on record · 2 C-suite/founder profiles curated rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 37/100 | $3M | 22 mo ago | Funding Raised | — | Steven Sullivan Co-Founder | — | — | — | — |
| 40 | LDV Hospitality Boutique hospitality group crafting unique restaurant and cocktail bar experiences 9Funding bottom 44%Market bottom 32%Tech bottom 30%Global bottom 25% All 4 signals ▾Fundingbottom 44% Marketbottom 32% Techbottom 30% Globalbottom 25% Funding: Raised $1.8M across 1 rounds · 1 rounds over 2 yrs (0.5/yr) Market: 167 employees · Top-5,000,000 web property rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 9/100 | $2M | 21 mo ago | Seed | 167 | — | — | — | — | 1 partnership · 2 expansions |
| 41 | Hawkers Asian Street Fare Asian street food and craft cocktails with a vibrant atmosphere 50Innovation top 25%Product top 36%Talent top 38%Tech top 39% All 8 signals ▾Innovationtop 25% Producttop 36% Talenttop 38% Techtop 39% Growthtop 45% Fundingbottom 39% Marketbottom 37% Globalbottom 25% Innovation: 8 product lines Product: 8 distinct product lines · Company stage: Series A rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 50/100 | $2M | 12 mo ago | Series A | — | Kaleb Harrell Co-Founder & CEO | — | — | — | — |
| 42 | Ladybird Taco Restaurant specializes in breakfast and lunch tacos, complemented by barista service 76Growth top 28%Tech top 28%Talent top 35%Funding bottom 45% All 5 signals ▾Growthtop 28% Techtop 28% Talenttop 35% Fundingbottom 45% Globalbottom 25% Growth: Web rank 10,000,000 → 5,000,000 YoY · Fresh capital in last 24 mo Tech: 38 technologies across 7/8 capability areas · Cloud: Amazon S3, Amazon Web Services rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 76/100 | $2M | 13 mo ago | Seed | — | Ben Edgerton Co-Founder | — | — | — | — |
| 43 | Genuine Foods Offers catering services for schools 37Innovation top 20%Product top 43%Talent bottom 49%Tech bottom 47% All 8 signals ▾Innovationtop 20% Producttop 43% Talentbottom 49% Techbottom 47% Fundingbottom 42% Growthbottom 40% Globalbottom 37% Marketbottom 20% Innovation: 6 product lines Product: 6 distinct product lines · Company stage: Seed rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 37/100 | $2M | 11 mo ago | Seed | 51 | Jeffrey Mills Founder & CEO | — | — | — | 3 job openings · 1 partnership |
| 44 | Birdcall Chain of quick-service restaurant 50Tech top 25%Growth top 35%Funding top 45%Talent bottom 49% All 7 signals ▾Techtop 25% Growthtop 35% Fundingtop 45% Talentbottom 49% Partnersbottom 35% Globalbottom 29% Marketbottom 28% Tech: 67 technologies across 6/8 capability areas · Cloud: Azure, Cloudflare Growth: Fresh capital in last 24 mo rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 50/100 | $1M | 8 mo ago | Series A | 50 | Peter Newlin CEO | — | — | — | 3 expansions |
| 45 | Barcade Originator of the arcade bar concept and the largest operator of arcade bars 35Growth top 35%Tech top 39%Funding bottom 47%Global bottom 25% All 5 signals ▾Growthtop 35% Techtop 39% Fundingbottom 47% Globalbottom 25% Marketbottom 20% Growth: Fresh capital in last 24 mo Tech: 36 technologies across 5/8 capability areas · Cloud: Cloudflare, Vercel rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 35/100 | $1M | 11 mo ago | Seed | 43 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 46 | Malai Provider of globally-inspired ice cream with unique flavors and catering services 50Growth top 35%Tech top 46%Talent bottom 45%Funding bottom 39% All 5 signals ▾Growthtop 35% Techtop 46% Talentbottom 45% Fundingbottom 39% Globalbottom 25% Growth: Fresh capital in last 24 mo Tech: 26 technologies across 5/8 capability areas · Cloud: Cloudflare rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 50/100 | $1M | 15 mo ago | Seed | — | Pooja Bavishi Founder & CEO | — | — | — | 1 expansion · 1 award |
| 47 | The Pink Bakery Offering safe, easy, and delicious baking mixes for people with food allergies 40Funding top 45%Talent bottom 45%Global bottom 33% All 3 signals ▾Fundingtop 45% Talentbottom 45% Globalbottom 33% Funding: Raised $565k across 3 rounds · 3 rounds over 4 yrs (0.8/yr) Talent: 1 named leader on record rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 40/100 | $565K | 3 mo ago | Seed | — | Nubian Simmons Founder | — | — | — | — |
| 48 | Brooklyn Dumpling Shop Provider of unique fusion dumplings and fast-casual dining 53Tech top 28%Growth top 35%Talent top 38%Funding top 48% All 7 signals ▾Techtop 28% Growthtop 35% Talenttop 38% Fundingtop 48% Newsbottom 45% Globalbottom 29% Marketbottom 28% Tech: 38 technologies across 7/8 capability areas · Cloud: Cloudflare Growth: Fresh capital in last 24 mo rank vs industry peers · Fliar Intelligence Index 53/100 | $400K | 1 mo ago | Seed | — | Stratis Morfogen Founder | — | — | — | 1 partnership |
Top 12 Food Service Chains companies in United States
#1
Series C · Irvine, California · founded 2014 · 40 employees$85.8Mraised▾
Series C · Irvine, California · founded 2014 · 40 employees
Chain of limited service restaurant offering deserts
Fliar Intelligence Index™ 76how this company ranks against its industry peers
Funding
top 19%Growth
top 25%Product
top 25%News
top 29%Innovation
top 36%Tech
top 37%Funding: Raised $85.8M across 7 rounds · 7 rounds over 10 yrs (0.7/yr) · Last round Series C (Feb 2026)
Growth: Fresh capital in last 24 mo
Product: 8 distinct product lines · Company stage: Series C
Audience (LinkedIn): 16k LinkedIn followers
Hiring (LinkedIn): 3 hiring posts in 12 mo (public) · momentum +1 · hiring: Accounting Manager, People Operations Manager
Funding rounds
- Feb 2026Series C$55M
- Feb 2022Series C$64M
- May 2020Series B$4M
- Feb 2019Series B$8M
Investors
CAVU Consumer Partners, ALMANAC, 301 INC, General Mills, Manna Tree, SEMCAP
Tech stack
BootstrapCloudflareCloudflare Bot ManagementCookiebotCore-JsElementor
#2
Series C · Kansas City, Missouri · founded 2018 · 1998 employees$42Mraised▾
Series C · Kansas City, Missouri · founded 2018 · 1998 employees
Provider of Hawaiian-inspired plate lunches and catering services. The company offers a menu featuring sweet and savory chicken, pork, or vegetable plate lunches served with rice and macaroni salad. Sides include island favorites such as SPAM Musubi and macaroni salad. Desserts feature DOLE Soft Serve. The business model includes dine-in, takeout, and catering options.
Fliar Intelligence Index™ 64how this company ranks against its industry peers
Customers
top 25%Tech
top 26%Funding
top 27%News
top 36%Product
top 40%Growth
top 42%Customers: Play-Store rating 4.69★ across 1,792 ratings (1 apps) · Review volume +18% in 6 mo
Tech: 63 technologies across 5/8 capability areas · Cloud: Cloudflare, Netlify · Devops: Nginx
Funding: Raised $42.0M across 14 rounds · 14 rounds over 5 yrs (2.8/yr) · Last round Series C (Mar 2026)
Audience (LinkedIn): 7k LinkedIn followers
Activity (LinkedIn): 1 awards · 2 expansions announced in 12 mo
Funding rounds
- Mar 2026Series C$2.1M
- Sep 2025Conventional Debt$200K
- May 2025Series C$3.9M
- May 2025Conventional Debt$500K
Founders & team
Investors
Empire Group International
Tech stack
AccessibeApple Icloud MailApple Sign-InAppnexusBootstrapCart Functionality
#3
Series B · Los Angeles, California · founded 2014 · 65 employees$42.8Mraised▾
Series B · Los Angeles, California · founded 2014 · 65 employees
Builder of digital-first restaurant brands. This company develops and operates national restaurant brands specifically designed to appeal to a new generation of consumers. The focus is on creating clean and craveable food experiences optimized for digital platforms and modern consumer preferences. The brands reflect current trends in food and dining, emphasizing a streamlined and efficient approach to restaurant operations.
Fliar Intelligence Index™ 42how this company ranks against its industry peers
Funding
top 21%Growth
top 29%Talent
bottom 49%Tech
bottom 45%Moat
bottom 42%Global
bottom 40%Funding: Raised $42.8M across 5 rounds · 5 rounds over 6 yrs (0.8/yr) · Last round Series B (Dec 2025)
Growth: Headcount 49 → 65 (+33%) across vintages · Web rank 50,000,000 → 10,000,000 YoY · Fresh capital in last 24 mo
Talent: 1 named leader on record · 1 C-suite/founder profile curated
Funding rounds
- Dec 2025Series B$21.5M
- Oct 2023Series B$14M
- Oct 2021Series A$16M
- May 2021Seed$9M
Founders & team
Investors
Kamine Development, Craft Ventures, Valor Equity Partners, PROOF, Wonder Ventures, Creadev
Tech stack
AngularApple Icloud MailCore-JsGoogle AnalyticsGoogle Font ApiGoogle Workspace
#4
Series C · New York City, New York · founded 2020 · 78 employees$47.2Mraised▾
Series C · New York City, New York · founded 2020 · 78 employees
Operator of a portfolio of founder-led restaurant companies. It cultivates and supports these brands, leveraging digital and operational innovation to drive growth. The portfolio includes diverse culinary concepts, each focused on fresh ingredients and unique menu offerings. The operator's mission is to provide a platform that enables founders to maintain high levels of engagement and quality while scaling their businesses.
Fliar Intelligence Index™ 37how this company ranks against its industry peers
Funding
top 23%Product
top 36%News
top 41%Market
bottom 49%Talent
bottom 45%Global
bottom 29%Funding: Raised $47.2M across 3 rounds · 3 rounds over 5 yrs (0.6/yr) · Last round Series C (Dec 2025)
Product: 1 product launch event in 12 mo · Company stage: Series C
News: 2 BI events in 12 mo (of 7 tracked, 4 types) · Top themes: M&A, New product
Audience (LinkedIn): 2k LinkedIn followers
Activity (LinkedIn): 1 awards announced in 12 mo
Funding rounds
- Dec 2025Series C$8.1M
- Oct 2023Series C$30.5M
- May 2021Series B$16.7M
Founders & team
Investors
L Catterton, Silas Capital, Strand Equity Partners
#5
Series A · Westport, Connecticut · founded 2020 · 15 employees$9.5Mraised▾
Series A · Westport, Connecticut · founded 2020 · 15 employees
Chain of full service restaurant offering pizza
Fliar Intelligence Index™ 57how this company ranks against its industry peers
Growth
top 28%Tech
top 30%Funding
top 37%Market
bottom 31%Global
bottom 29%Growth: Web rank 5,000,000 → 1,000,000 YoY · Fresh capital in last 24 mo
Tech: 38 technologies across 5/8 capability areas · Cloud: Cloudflare, Netlify · Observability: Sentry
Funding: Raised $9.5M across 1 rounds · 1 rounds over 4 yrs (0.2/yr) · Last round Series A (Apr 2026)
Funding rounds
- Apr 2026Series A—
- Sep 2023Series A$9.5M
- Nov 2022Seed—
Investors
Stripes, Tastemaker Capital Partners, Habitat Partners, Blaze Pizza, DAVE’S HOT CHICKEN, Wetzel's Pretzels bakery
Tech stack
AccessibeApple Icloud MailApple Sign-InCart FunctionalityCloudflareCloudflare Bot Management
#6
Acquired · West Hollywood, California · founded 2008$25Mraised▾
Acquired · West Hollywood, California · founded 2008
Offers event catering services
Fliar Intelligence Index™ 50how this company ranks against its industry peers
Growth
top 35%Talent
top 38%Funding
top 42%Tech
top 47%Moat
bottom 38%Market
bottom 32%Growth: Fresh capital in last 24 mo
Talent: 2 named leaders on record · 2 C-suite/founder profiles curated
Funding: Raised $25.0M across 3 rounds · 3 rounds over 12 yrs (0.2/yr) · Last round Series C (Dec 2025)
Funding rounds
- Dec 2025Series C$511.7K
- Mar 2025Series C$123.7M
- Mar 2022Series B$25M
- Jun 2014Series A—
Founders & team
Investors
Hakkasan Group, 1Spot Media
Tech stack
All In One SeoBabelCloudflareCloudflare Bot ManagementContact Form 7Core-Js
#7
Series A · Jacksonville, Florida · founded 1992 · 943 employees$5.3Mraised▾
Series A · Jacksonville, Florida · founded 1992 · 943 employees
Chain of limited service restaurant offering chicken
Fliar Intelligence Index™ 82how this company ranks against its industry peers
Tech
top 21%Innovation
top 25%Growth
top 35%Product
top 36%Market
top 37%Moat
top 48%Tech: 60 technologies across 6/8 capability areas · Cloud: Cloudflare, Fastly · Devops: Nginx, Varnish
Innovation: 12 product lines
Growth: Fresh capital in last 24 mo
Funding rounds
- Mar 2026Series A$4.5M
- May 2017Series A$1.3M
- Feb 2016Series A$4M
Tech stack
Apache TomcatApple Icloud MailBunnyCart FunctionalityCdnjsCloudflare
#8
Series B · Brooklyn, New York · founded 2020 · 157 employees$105.7Mraised▾
Series B · Brooklyn, New York · founded 2020 · 157 employees
Operator of a chain of coffee shops offering high-quality coffee and food. It sources specialty coffees globally and locally sourced food, aiming for an affordable yet premium experience. The company prioritizes a streamlined operation to minimize costs and maximize barista compensation. The coffee shops are designed to create a daily ritual for customers, focusing on a consistent and enjoyable customer experience. The business model emphasizes efficient ordering and quick service.
Fliar Intelligence Index™ 57how this company ranks against its industry peers
Funding
top 29%Growth
top 35%Moat
top 39%Product
top 40%Customers
top 41%Tech
top 42%Funding: Raised $106M across 5 rounds · 5 rounds over 5 yrs (1.0/yr) · Last round Series B (May 2025)
Growth: Fresh capital in last 24 mo
Moat: Editorial + unicorn rating 7/10 · 9 curated direct competitors tracked
Funding rounds
- May 2025Series B$21M
- Mar 2023Series B$38.7M
- Jan 2022Series B$35M
- Jul 2021Series A$25M
Founders & team
Investors
HOF Capital, General Catalyst, Tiger Global Management, Left Lane, Pentas Ventures, Cold Start
Tech stack
Amazon Web ServicesApple Icloud MailCart FunctionalityCloudflareCloudflare Bot ManagementCloudinary
#9
Funding Raised · Miami, Florida · founded 1988 · 1782 employees$345Mraised▾
Funding Raised · Miami, Florida · founded 1988 · 1782 employees
Chain of limited service restaurant offering chicken
Fliar Intelligence Index™ 69how this company ranks against its industry peers
Funding
top 26%Talent
top 28%Customers
top 29%Tech
top 38%Growth
top 45%Product
top 47%Funding: Raised $345M across 2 rounds · 2 rounds over 3 yrs (0.7/yr) · Last round Venture Debt (Dec 2024)
Talent: 3 named leaders on record · 3 C-suite/founder profiles curated
Customers: Play-Store rating 4.27★ across 12,336 ratings (1 apps) · Review volume +10% in 6 mo · Marquee-customer mentions: top 30% of tracked companies
Funding rounds
- Dec 2024Venture Debt$230M
- Nov 2023Conventional Debt$115M
Founders & team
Investors
Comvest Partners, Bain Capital, Boston York Restaurant Group, Garnett Station Partners
Tech stack
AdformAdobe Audience ManagerAmazon Web ServicesApache TomcatCart FunctionalityCloudflare
#10
Seed · Chicago, Illinois · founded 2016 · 16 employees$3.1Mraised▾
Seed · Chicago, Illinois · founded 2016 · 16 employees
Food by FARE is a health-focused food company that offers flavor-forward, seasonal meals with a commitment to using whole foods and avoiding preservatives, refined sugars, and out-of-season eating. The company operates a catering business and has multiple locations, with a focus on providing healthy and delicious options for its customers.
Fliar Intelligence Index™ 32how this company ranks against its industry peers
Growth
top 35%Tech
top 39%Funding
top 41%Global
bottom 25%Market
bottom 14%Growth: Fresh capital in last 24 mo
Tech: 42 technologies across 5/8 capability areas · Cloud: Amazon Cloudfront, Amazon S3 · Observability: Fullstory, Sentry
Funding: Raised $3.1M across 3 rounds · 3 rounds over 2 yrs (1.5/yr) · Last round Seed (Apr 2026)
Audience (LinkedIn): 1k LinkedIn followers
Funding rounds
- Apr 2026Seed$793K
- Aug 2025Seed$460K
- Aug 2024Seed$1.8M
Tech stack
Amazon CloudfrontAmazon S3Amazon Web ServicesCart FunctionalityCdnjsCloudflare
#11
Series B · Columbus, Ohio · founded 2014 · 478 employees$25Mraised▾
Series B · Columbus, Ohio · founded 2014 · 478 employees
Offers event catering services
Fliar Intelligence Index™ 67how this company ranks against its industry peers
Customers
top 28%Tech
top 29%Funding
top 31%Growth
top 35%Product
top 46%Market
bottom 42%Customers: Play-Store rating 4.74★ across 592 ratings (1 apps) · Review volume +11% in 6 mo
Tech: 61 technologies across 5/8 capability areas · Cloud: Amazon Web Services, Cloudflare · Observability: Microsoft Clarity
Funding: Raised $25.0M across 2 rounds · 2 rounds over 2 yrs (1.0/yr) · Last round Series B (Oct 2025)
Audience (LinkedIn): 6k LinkedIn followers
Activity (LinkedIn): 1 expansions announced in 12 mo
Funding rounds
- Oct 2025Series B$10M
- Dec 2024Series B$15M
Investors
The Beekman Group
Tech stack
Amazon Web ServicesApache Http ServerApache TomcatBootstrapCart FunctionalityCloudflare
#12
Series B · New York City, New York · founded 2017$30Mraised▾
Series B · New York City, New York · founded 2017
Operates chef-led counter-service food outlets emphasizing accessibility and sustainability. The company prepares food items such as roasted meats, sauces, and baked goods in-house and offers fast service without table service. It uses a business model that supports better wages and stable working conditions for kitchen staff. The focus is on consistency, everyday quality, and reducing unnecessary restaurant overheads.
Fliar Intelligence Index™ 67how this company ranks against its industry peers
Funding
top 34%Growth
top 35%Tech
top 36%Product
top 46%Talent
bottom 45%Global
bottom 25%Funding: Raised $30.0M across 1 rounds · 1 rounds over 1 yrs (1.0/yr) · Last round Series B (Oct 2025)
Growth: Fresh capital in last 24 mo
Tech: 46 technologies across 4/8 capability areas · Cloud: Amazon Cloudfront, Amazon S3 · Security: Cloudflare Bot Management, Cloudflare Turnstile
Funding rounds
- Oct 2025Series B$30M
Founders & team
Tech stack
Amazon Web ServicesAnimate.CssApple Icloud MailApple Sign-InCookieyesCore-Js
Funding & investor landscape
$14.1Btotal disclosed funding
338companies funded
685disclosed rounds
4rounds last 90 days
Most active investors
Notable founders
Cameron Mcnie
Founder/Executive Chairman · Hawaiian Bros Island Grill
Tyler McNie
Co-Founder · Hawaiian Bros Island Grill
Jeffrey Appelbaum
CEO/Founder · Salted
Nick Marsh
CEO · Founders Table
Brian Toll
Co-Founder · THE H.WOOD GROUP
John Terzian
Co-Founder · THE H.WOOD GROUP
Vinay Menda
Co-Founder · Blank Street
Stuart Harris
Founder · Pollo Tropical
Larry Harris
Founder · Pollo Tropical
Eric Wilson
Founder & Principal · Counter Service
Jordan West
Co-Founder & CEO · CoffeeNow
Kaleb Schrank
Co-Founder · CoffeeNow
Prism market signals · United States · country-scoped Prism corpus, 1,435,604 docs
Market landscape — 10 sub-themes by coverage
Share of Food Service Chains coverage by sub-theme.
Regulatory-risk over time rising
Funding & growth over time
funding rising · growth rising
RESEARCH SIGNALS · United States
How research on Food Technology is moving in the United States
A read on the academic research around Food Technology — which themes are gaining ground, the institutions and researchers driving them, and how the tone is shifting. Based on 4,142 United States-affiliated papers.
research sentiment over time
200820172026
enthusiastic · positive · guarded tone
Tone is overwhelmingly optimistic and intensifying — the enthusiastic (strongly-positive) share moved 17% → 34% across 2008–2026.
top research entities
- Cornell University153
- Purdue University West Lafayette134
- University of Georgia82
- Michigan State University81
- University of California, Davis79
leading researchers
David Julian McClements · Martin Wiedmann · Prabhu Pingali · Valquerizo, Pamela Cristina · Semakula, Henry Musoke · Liang, Song · McKune, Sarah Lindley · Mukwaya, Paul Isolo
▲
Breakthroughs283 · 7%
▲ 3%→7% share
▲2.3× share momentum0 median citations93% since 2021mostly methods-led
Food safety breakthrough research is surging — U.S. papers rose from 4 to 52, while Food security emerged brand-new at 37 papers.
rising sub-themes (early→recent)
- Food safety4→52
- Food processing2→31
- Food science1→13
- Contamination1→12
- Food products1→12
Newly emergingFood security 0→37 · Agriculture 0→30 · Production (economics) 0→21
Landmark Development of a Paper-Based Analytical Device for Colorimetric Detection of Select Foodborne Pathogens · 460 cites
◆
Advancements1,178 · 28%
▲ 19%→29% share
▲1.5× share momentum0 median citations90% since 2021mostly empirical
Food safety advancements are intensifying — U.S. institutional papers grew from 16 to 214 as field-share expanded from 19% to 29%.
rising sub-themes (early→recent)
- Food safety16→214
- Food processing12→174
- Agriculture14→135
- Production (economics)7→122
- Food security3→117
Newly emergingSustainable agriculture 0→41 · Fermentation 0→40 · Food packaging 0→30
Landmark Food-Miles and the Relative Climate Impacts of Food Choices in the United States · 1,126 cites
▼
Concerns1,665 · 40%
▼ 52%→39% share
▼0.8× share momentum0 median citations83% since 2021mostly empirical
Food insecurity concern research is newly emerging — debuting at 60 papers as the Concerns segment's field-share cooled from 52% to 39%.
rising sub-themes (early→recent)
- Food safety56→397
- Food security40→307
- Agriculture35→233
- Food processing54→215
- Food systems28→180
Newly emergingFood insecurity 0→60 · Human health 0→37 · Risk assessment 0→23
Landmark Ultra‐processed products are becoming dominant in the global food system · 1,762 cites
RESEARCH HOTSPOTS · United States
Where food tech is researched across United States
Location clusters by institution affiliation — each city's volume, stance tone, and a quick read on its hot topic, what's advancing, the opening opportunity, and the main concern.
New York206 · +0.07
Boston121 · +0.04
SF Bay Area101 · +0.05
Philadelphia35 · -0.05
Chicago26 · +0.00
Los Angeles24 · +0.00
Seattle24 · +0.13
Atlanta23 · +0.05
San Diego17 · +0.36
Pittsburgh16 · -0.16
PATENT SIGNAL · United States
Who's filing food tech patents in the United States
United States food tech patent filing is cooling — 817 filings from 475 assignees (2016–2025), led by Whirlpool, Sharkninja Operating, Provisur Technologies; annual filings 80→68.
817 filings475 assigneespeak 93/yr2016–2025
filing momentum (YoY 2016–2025)
top patent filers
- Whirlpool186
- Sharkninja Operating151
- Provisur Technologies51
- Smartwash Solutions39
- LYCO MFG32
- SAFE Foods32
- Massachusetts INST Technology20
- Island Oasis Frozen Cocktail18
Common questions
How many Food Service Chains companies are there in United States?
Radar tracks 4826 indexable Food Service Chains companies headquartered in United States that meet our profile-completeness bar.
What is the total funding raised by Food Service Chains companies in United States?
The Food Service Chains companies in United States on this list have raised a combined $14.1B in disclosed equity funding across 338 funded companies.
Which is the highest-funded Food Service Chains company in United States?
YUM! Brands is the highest-funded Food Service Chains company in United States, with $2B in disclosed equity funding.
How many Food Service Chains companies in United States are funded?
338 of the 4826 Food Service Chains companies in United States on this list have disclosed at least one equity funding round.
How many Food Service Chains unicorns are there in United States?
1 Food Service Chains company in United States on this list is valued at $1B or more.
Who are the top investors in United States Food Service Chains companies?
The most active investors in United States Food Service Chains companies on this list include L Catterton, Boston York Restaurant Group, KarpReilly, Kitchen Fund, Brentwood Associates.
Riya SenguptaFinancials
Riya reads income statements for fun. She covers the real money in a sector — revenue, growth, who actually earns — and never met a vague claim she didn't want a number for.