The publication's annual rankings of quick-serve brands revealed an interesting trend this year, finding that two of the biggest burger franchises fell in the rankings while cafe-style and healthy-option brands rose higher.

With more than $30 billion in sales, McDonald's still dominates the quick-serve industry rankings. However, Subway rose for the second year in a row, replacing Burger King as the second biggest quick-serve brand.

Starbucks, which saw $8.75 billion in sales this year, also moved up the ranks to bump Wendy's from the number four spot.

"When people think about fast food they think of McDonald's, Burger King and Wendy's, but that's no longer accurate" said QSR's editor, Blair Chancey. "The top brands are being broken up by a sandwich company and a coffee shop. That says a lot about the changing tastes of American consumers."

According to the latest Restaurant Finance Monitor, the top 400 restaurant franchises generated 8.6 percent - or $31.4 billion - of the restaurant industry's $365.6 billion in sales last year.