Americans are lining up for a few particular food and beverage trends this year, according to a recent ranking by Yelp. A mix of newcomers and familiar names are drawing crowds, and what connects them says a lot about how folks want to spend their time and money.
In its third annual Fastest Growing Brands report, Yelp ranks 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 through the list, and each gives customers a say in what they order.
1. Drive-through beverages
The fastest-growing brand in America, according to Yelp, is 7 Brew, a coffee chain that offers fast service and customized orders. Consumer interest in the chain rose 244% in 2025, a year after it debuted on the list at No. 23. It was founded in Arkansas in 2017 and has since expanded to over 700 stands in 38 states.
Three other coffee brands cracked the top 50, along with two beverage-forward chains:
Smoothie King: No. 2
Black Rock Coffee Bar: No. 8
Scooter’s Coffee: No. 13
Dutch Bros: No. 38
Sonic Drive-In: No. 48
Yelp reports that “Americans are increasingly centering their morning routines around caffeinated drive-thru beverages,” and that quick-service beverages, such as those served at Sonic and Smoothie King, “have become a must-have for millions of Americans.”
2. Dirty sodas
Dirty sodas are fountain drinks that originated in Utah and spread after a spot on Hulu’s “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.” These drinks can be customized with a mix of flavored syrups, cream, and fruit.
Yelp searches for the drinks rose 675% in 2025. Since Yelp flagged the trend in 2022, searches are up 2,547%.
Multiple brands are offering the beverages on their menus, including 7 Brew, 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 of poultry stems from an obsession with protein.
The options available also allow customers to pick the style they want, and many chains, like Zaxbys, offer personalization. Here are the chicken restaurants in Yelp’s 2026 ranking:
Bojangles: Southern-style, No. 3
Wingstop: wings, No. 10
Dave’s Hot Chicken: Nashville hot, No. 18
Zaxbys: Southern-style, No. 22
Popeyes: Louisiana-style, No. 29
Krispy Krunchy Chicken: gas station, No. 34
Champs Chicken: gas station, No. 45
bb.q Chicken: Korean-fried, No. 49
Wingstop and Dave’s Hot Chicken reached the top five fastest-growing brands across almost every region (West, Midwest, Northeast and South) and most states, showing their national reach.
What customers want in 2026
Customers want to be in control of what goes into their food and drink orders.
Sarah Chang, Yelp’s VP and Head of Enterprise, said value has moved past price:
“The fastest-growing brands deliver joy for every dollar spent. They give consumers control, whether that’s countless drink combinations, a bookstore where every shelf feels hand-picked, or a chicken sandwich customized to your exact specifications. Personalization is what’s driving loyalty today.”