Fast Food Tops Fast Casual Traffic In 2016

Despite the rise in popularity from fast casual restaurants Panera Bread Co PNRA, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. CMG, and Noodles and Co NDLS in recent years, fast food still remains King.

Fast food restaurants traffic increased 5 percent faster than fast casual restaurants in the first half of 2016.

Jack in the Box Inc. JACK reported strong Q3 earnings that saw the stock pop more than 10 percent. Jack in the Box, along with Domino's Pizza, Inc. DPZ, has taken more market share in late night dining. Jack in the Box's Chipotle rival, Qdoba Mexican Grill, played a key role in the increase in sales for the company.

Related Link: Top Chefs Choose Their Favorite Fast Food

The Fast Food Industry by Market Share

• McDonald's Corporation MCD - 36 percent. Shares are up 0.14 percent in 2016, last closing at $118.30.
• Subway - 14 percent
• Burger King (a part of Restaurant Brands International Inc QSR) - 11 percent. The stock is up 16.6 percent in 2016, closing at $60.37.
• Wendys Co WEN - 8 percent. Shares are down 9.9 percent in 2016, last closing at $9.70.
• Taco Bell (a part of Yum! Brands, Inc. YUM) - 8 percent. The stock is up 21 percent in 2016, last closing at $88.42.
• Chick-fil-A - 6 percent
• Pizza Hut and KFC (also a part of Yum Brands) - 4 percent
• Jack in the Box - 4 percent. Shares are up 26.4 percent in 2016, last closing at $96.99.