---
title: "Burger King (QSR) Overtakes Wendy's to Become Second-Largest U.S. Burger Chain"
type: "News"
locale: "en"
url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/295271554.md"
description: "Burger King, owned by Restaurant Brands International (QSR), has surpassed Wendy's to become the second-largest U.S. burger chain by systemwide sales, trailing only McDonald's. This reversal follows a multi-year turnaround strategy involving renovations and marketing, driving Q2 U.S. same-store sales up 8.5%. Conversely, Wendy's reported sluggish 1% sales growth and halved its dividend due to declining traffic."
datetime: "2026-08-07T19:38:24.000Z"
locales:
  - [zh-CN](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/295271554.md)
  - [en](https://longbridge.com/en/news/295271554.md)
  - [zh-HK](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/295271554.md)
generator: "portal-rs"
---

# Burger King (QSR) Overtakes Wendy's to Become Second-Largest U.S. Burger Chain

Burger King, owned by Restaurant Brands International (QSR), has surpassed Wendy's (WEN) to become the second-largest burger chain in America.

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Burger King is now second only to McDonald's (MCD) when it comes to systemwide sales among burger restaurant chains in the U.S. Burger King had fallen out of second place and been overtaken by Wendy's six years ago amid declining sales at its U.S. restaurants.

However, Restaurant Brands International has invested heavily in a multi-year turnaround strategy at Burger King, and managed to revive the chain's fortunes, as evidenced by the company's recently reported second-quarter financial results. 

## **The Revival of Burger King**

Restaurant Brands reported strong second-quarter financial results due largely to a recovery in the Burger King chain. The Toronto-based company, which also owns Tim Hortons and Popeyes, said Burger King's U.S. same-store sales rose 8.5% year-over-year in Q2. International Burger King restaurants saw same-store sales growth of 5.4% during the quarter.

The growth comes after the burger chain underwent restaurant renovations and launched a new marketing campaign. "Burger King's performance is a great example of what's possible when you invest in the fundamentals and execute well," said Restaurant Brands CEO Josh Kobza in the company's earnings statement.

News that Burger King has moved into second place among U.S. burger chains also comes on the same day that Wendy's reported sluggish sales and announced that it is cutting its dividend in half. Management at Wendy's cited declining customer traffic and shrinking franchisee profits reasons for its poor results and the dividend cut. Wendy's sales were up only 1% from a year ago in the second quarter.

## **Is QSR Stock a Buy?**

Restaurant Brands International's stock has a consensus Moderate Buy rating among 14 Wall Street analysts. That rating is based on 10 Buy and four Hold recommendations issued in the last three months. The average QSR price target of $85.64 implies 16% upside from current levels.

### Related Stocks

- [WEN.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/WEN.US.md)
- [QSR.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/QSR.US.md)
- [MCD.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/MCD.US.md)

## Related News & Research

- [Empowered Funds LLC Reduces Position in Restaurant Brands International Inc. $QSR](https://longbridge.com/en/news/296191912.md)
- [The burger wars are heating up as McDonald's loses ground to an old rival](https://longbridge.com/en/news/295910057.md)
- [Is McDonald's (MCD) Facing More Pressure In Its Core U.S. Burger Business?](https://longbridge.com/en/news/295700850.md)
- [China embracing the hamburger with both hands](https://longbridge.com/en/news/296128937.md)
- [McDonald's Corporation $MCD Shares Sold by Welch & Forbes LLC](https://longbridge.com/en/news/296202808.md)

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> **Disclaimer: This article is for reference only and does not constitute any investment advice.**