As fast food franchises reported an upswing in sales for 2006, Phoenix was among the nation's fastest growing markets for the convenience eateries.

In a survey of the nation's 39 largest markets, the Phoenix area came in second behind Las Vegas for the growth of fast-food restaurants from 2004 to 2006, according to a survey of chain restaurants by GE Capital Solutions' Scottsdale unit, Franchise Finance.


Charlotte, N.C., was third on the list, followed by Sacramento, Calif., and Raleigh, N.C.

The report says sales increases at many chains were driven by new stores, the introduction of higher-priced premium products and general price increases. Many chains also are increasing their breakfast offerings, including premium coffee. "One reason for the big breakfast push is breakfast customers are typically the most habitual," the report said.

Other findings related to fast food trends include:

15 percent of U.S. consumers eat breakfast at a fast food restaurant creating a $65 billion market, which is expected to increase to $85 billion by 2015.
Chick-fil-A increased daily breakfast sales 15 to 25 percent after a promotion giving away breakfast once a week for six weeks.
16 percent of adults report drinking specialty coffee on a daily basis, up from 9 percent in 2000.
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