According to Yelp’s recent rankings, Americans are in line for certain food and beverage trends this year. The mix of newcomers and familiar names is drawing crowds, and what connects them says a lot about how people want to spend their time and money.
In its third annual Fastest Growing Brands report, Yelp ranked 50 brands using a weighted metric of net new business openings, consumer interest and searches on Yelp in 2025 compared to 2024.
Three food trends run down the list, and each gives customers their own take on what they order.
1. Drive-Thru Beverages
The fastest growing brand in America, according to Yelp 7 decoctionA coffee chain that offers fast service and customized orders. Consumer interest in the series increased 244% in 2025, a year after appearing at number 23 on the list. It was founded in Arkansas in 2017 and has since expanded to more than 700 stands in 38 states.
Three other coffee brands joined the top 50, along with two beverage-forward chains:
- Smoothie King: number 2
- Black Rock Coffee Bar: number 8
- Scooter’s Coffee: number 13
- Dutch Brothers: number 38
- Sonic Drive-In: number 48
bark reports that “Americans are increasingly centering their morning routines around caffeinated drive-thru beverages,” and quick-service drinks, such as those served at Sonic and Smoothie King, “have become a must-have for millions of Americans.”
2. Dirty Soda
Dirty Soda is a fountain drink that originated in Utah and spread after a spot on Hulu’s “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” These drinks can be customized with flavored syrups, creams and fruit mixes.
Yelp searches for beverages increased 675% in 2025. Since Yelp flagged this trend in 2022, searches have increased 2,547%.
Several brands are offering the beverage on their menus, including 7 Brews, which sells its own version called 7 Fizz. Scooter’s Coffee, Sonic and Taco Bell (No. 12) have added similar drinks, some with energy drink add-ons.
3. Chicken
Eight chicken chains are among this year’s top-ranking brands, more than any other cuisine. Yelp says America’s love for poultry stems from an obsession with protein.
The options available allow customers to choose their favorite style, and there are many series to choose from as well. zaxby’sOffer personalization. The chicken restaurants in Yelp’s 2026 rankings are:
- Bojangles: Southern Style, Number 3
- Wingstop: Wings, Number 10
- Dave’s Hot Chicken: Nashville Hot, No. 18
- Zaxby’s: Southern Style, Number 22
- Popeyes: Louisiana-Style, No. 29
- Crispy Kurkure Chicken: Gas Station, No. 34
- Champs Chicken: Gas Station, No. 45
- Bb.q Chicken: Korean-fried, number 49
Wingstop and Dave’s Hot Chicken reached the top five fastest growing brands in nearly every region (West, Midwest, Northeast, and South) and most states, showing their national reach.
What do customers want in 2026?
Customers want control over what goes into their food orders.
Sarah Chang, Yelp’s VP and head of enterprise, said the price has moved beyond the previous price:
“The fastest growing brands deliver joy for every dollar spent. They give consumers control, whether it’s countless drink combinations, a bookstore where every shelf is hand-picked, or a chicken sandwich customized to your exact specifications. Personalization is what is driving loyalty today.”