On June 6, a globally renowned Taiwanese soup dumpling chain restaurant based in California was recognized by the industry as the top-ranking chain in the United States in terms of “highest revenue per store.”
According to the official magazine “Restaurant Business” of the National Restaurant Association, the family-owned Din Tai Fung, famous for its soup dumplings, generated an average revenue of $27.4 million per store across its 16 locations in the United States in 2024, making it the highest-grossing chain in the country.
Citing data from the food industry research firm Technomic, the report highlighted that the revenue per store of Din Tai Fung was nearly double that of the second-ranked high-end steak chain brand, Mastro’s. Mastro’s, with 23 locations across the United States, recorded an average revenue per store of $14.5 million.
In third place was Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House, which operates 17 locations nationwide and reported a revenue per store of $13.8 million.
Founded in 1958, Din Tai Fung originally started as a cooking oil company in Taiwan but gained fame for its handmade soup dumplings. The brand’s soup dumplings are made using the meticulous “eighteen-fold” method, allowing customers to witness the preparation process, which has become one of its standout features.
These delicate and exquisite steamed buns, originating from China, typically encase delicious pork filling and savory broth.
Din Tai Fung is especially popular on the West Coast of the United States, with most of its locations concentrated in that region.
Based on Technomic data, Din Tai Fung achieved a total sales revenue of $411.6 million in the U.S. in 2024. This translates to the revenue per store being equivalent to that of two Cheesecake Factory restaurants, four Chick-fil-A outlets, or seven McDonald’s locations.
This mid- to high-priced casual dining restaurant brand currently operates over 165 locations across 13 countries worldwide.
In a statement released in February, Din Tai Fung emphasized, “Each soup dumpling features delicate skin and perfectly balanced fillings, with ingredients crafted in the ‘golden ratio,’ the result of decades of culinary expertise and rigorous training.”
This Michelin-recognized chain restaurant opened a new store in Santa Monica, Southern California in February. According to their press release, the new store covers approximately 10,600 square feet and is expected to employ around 280 staff members, making it the brand’s fifth store in the Los Angeles area.
Din Tai Fung’s first U.S. location is in Arcadia, California, and they currently have 17 stores nationwide. According to “Restaurant Business,” the chain’s stores are thriving, often experiencing full-house situations, requiring customers to queue in advance for seating.
Technomic pointed out that the average dining expenditure per person at Din Tai Fung is around $55. While most menu items are priced below $20, customers tend to order a variety of dishes for sharing, along with the availability of a full bar service leading to relatively higher overall spending.
Furthermore, Technomic mentioned that the preference for Asian cuisine in the U.S. food market has been increasing, driving a 7.6% growth in sales for Asian restaurant chains last year.
As of the time of this report’s publication, Din Tai Fung has not responded to requests for comments.