Most Popular Fast Food by State

There's no debating the prominent role fast food plays in the American lifestyle. From convenient drive-through options to late-night cravings, fast food is deeply ingrained into the fabric of daily life across the United States. However, preferences for fast food can vary from state to state, reflecting regional cultural identifiers, trends and much more.

Key findings from the data include:

• Chipotle Mexican Grill enjoys widespread popularity, being the favorite fast food chain in eleven states, including South Carolina, New Mexico, Tennessee, Rhode Island, Georgia, Montana, Iowa, West Virginia, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.
• In-N-Out Burger, renowned for their legendary burgers and secret menu items, came out as the top choice in four states - Oregon, Nevada, California and Utah.
• Smashburger, despite having fewer locations nationwide than other fast food giants, emerges as the most loved fast food in seven states, including Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Nebraska, Louisiana, and Arkansas.
• Reveal anomalous findings like A&W Restaurants, a chain best known for its craft soda, is surprisingly favoured in Texas, Alabama, Maryland, and North Carolina.
• Also worth noting is that Chick-fil-A, despite being closed on Sundays, ranks as the most popular choice of fast food in many states including Connecticut, Wisconsin, Kansas, Missouri, Idaho, Minnesota, and Mississippi.

While some chains dominate in terms of overall popularity, the unique preferences in each state tells a fascinating story of taste, tradition, and regional loyalty. Whether you're devouring a mouth-watering Smashburger in Louisiana or opting for a hearty Chipotle burrito bowl in Montana, it's clear that fast food is a deeply personal and ingrained part of our nation's diverse culinary landscape.