When Fast Food Restaurants started spreading across the United States in the 1950s and 1960s, they were originally popular because of their proximity to highways. However, the convenience of these establishments created a boom that changed American culture and food consumption.

Name brands such as McDonald's, Wendy's, Burger King, and KFC were the beloved Fast Food Chain Restaurants for Generations of Americans.  Anyone over the age of 30 years old remembers the Happy Meal Prizes at McDonald's and the Wendy's Dollar Menu.

Over the last 60 years, visionaries such as Ray Kroc (McDonald's), Dave Thomas (Wendy's), Glenn Bell (Taco Bell), and S. Truett Cathy (Chick-fil-A) changed not just the restaurant industry.  These men changed how Americans viewed their food and how long they were willing to wait to receive the food they ordered.

What Are The Most Profitable Fast Food Restaurants in America?

But in the 21st Century, the United States Eating Habits have evolved and there has been a change in the Fast Food Landscape. Today, some of the biggest names in Fast Food are no longer the most profitable businesses in the United States.

Over the last 30 years, Fast Food Restaurants such as Whataburger, Chipotle, and Krispy Kreme have become some of the most profitable businesses in the United States.  Despite aggressive advertising campaigns, traditional Fast Food Chains such as Burger King, Taco Bell, and Dunkin' have fallen behind their competition.

The 24/7 Wall Street website research team gathered data from Triple Net Invest to determine the most profitable fast-food restaurants in the United States.  They used that information to create a Top 15 Ranking of the Fast Food Establishments with the most annual sales.

The Most Profitable Fast Food Chains Located In New Jersey

Out of the 24/7 Wall Street Ranking of the 15 Most Profitable Fast Food Restaurants in the United States, eight of those Fast Food Chains have locations in New Jersey. The rankings are based on Average Annual Sales per Restaurant and you may be surprised who is plus who is not on this list. Did your favorite restaurants make the rankings?

Gallery Credit: Josh Hennig/Townsquare Media