12 fast-food chains taking over America

Bigger isn't always better in the restaurant business.

One of the best ways to see what chains are truly thriving in the $255 billion fast-food industry isn't measured by the number of locations, but instead, how much money each location makes.

One chain was able to rake in an average of nearly $4 million a year at each restaurant, allowing it to overtake chains twice its size when it comes to system-wide sales.

EXPLORE MORE: McDonald's just revamped its chicken nuggets

Meanwhile, in 2015, Baskin-Robbins made an average of just $233,000 per location and each Subway location made an average of $424,300 in sales.

QSR Magazine recently released its analysis of the 50 biggest brands in the quick-service industry.

Here are the top 12, ranked in order of average sales per unit in 2015:

More from Business Insider:
McDonald's: 'We are ready to be better'
McDonald's is testing a 'walk-thru' for pedestrian customers
14 international breakfast items McDonald's should bring to America

SEE ALSO: McDonald's is making a major change to its most popular item