Chick-fil-A is the hottest fast-food chain in America, with growth that's " almost too astounding to believe," according to a new report in Nation's Restaurant News.
The trade magazine said the chicken chain is poised to overtake Dunkin' Donuts as the 7th largest chain in the country this year, after posting $7.9 billion in sales last year, up nearly 73 percent in five years.
That also puts it within striking distance of Wendy's Co., which has sales topping $9 billion, including its franchisees.
Chick-fil-A's growth is driven by new locations but also by impressive sales per restaurant, which the publication said are nearly $3.9 million, despite the chain being closed on Sundays in accordance with its religious founders' beliefs.
Wendy's restaurants average $1.57 million, the company reported last year.
Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A had 2,085 restaurants at the end of 2016, up 25 percent from five years ago. It recently announced it was opening a location at Grandview Yard.
Wendy's operates 6,537 restaurants in the U.S. and several other countries.
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