Does America have too many fast-food restaurants? It might seem that way, as the economy continues to slumber.
Some chains are still red-hot, including emerging brands such as Five Guys Burgers & Fries, which added more than 180 units last year. A recent report from QSR Magazine shows that of the largest 50 fast-food chains by sales, 19 are shrinking, many of them older brands. Last year, they closed more stores than they opened.
Before you blame that on the economy, though, there are a raft of other reasons why some of the biggest brand names have continued to close stores.