1) McDonalds

The most popular fast-food restaurant is none other than McDonalds, with 14,879,233 monthly searches across America. 22 states are searching for this chain more than any other, including Arizona and Maryland.

This chain’s iconic golden arches can be seen at 13,515 locations across the country, where everything from cheeseburgers to apple pies are available at a moment’s notice.

2) Dominos

Dominos has been revealed as the second most popular fast-food restaurant. On average, this chain is searched for 11,638,991 times per month in the country. Louisiana, Vermont, and Wyoming are among the 14 states searching for this chain the most.

The pizzeria has 6,708 locations around the country with something for everyone, whether they prefer a margarita, pepperoni, or pineapple pizza.

3) Chick-Fil-A

Next, Chick-Fil-A is the third most searched-for fast-food restaurant in America, with 11,239,300 monthly searches across the country. There are seven states looking up this chain the most, including Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia.

Chick-Fil-A has a menu filled with tempting tasty treats. Customers can enjoy fried chicken burgers, waffles, fries, and more at one of its 2,909 restaurants across America.

4) Starbucks

In fourth place is Starbucks, with 13,693,050 monthly searches across the country. California, New York, and Washington are among the six states searching for this fast-food restaurant more than any other.

Starbucks has 15,966 stores with an assortment of refreshing drinks and scrumptious snacks. The coffee shop is also known for its iconic Frappuccinos, which regularly trend on social media.

5) Pizza Hut and Papa John’s

Pizza Hut – 6,862 restaurants and 9,110,850 monthly searches – and Papa John’s – 3,122 locations and 5,446,094 monthly searches – come head-to-head in fifth place.

These two pizzerias are the most looked-up fast-food chains in one state. Kentucky is searching for Papa John’s the most; Kansas is searching for Pizza Hut more than any other. It seems both states have a taste for pizza.

The fast-food industry is invaluable to the U.S. economy. In fact, these restaurants are estimated to be worth $366.9 billion in 2023.

This research sheds light on America’s favorite fast-food restaurants, displaying a wide variety of tastes across the country, from burgers to pizza or fried chicken to iced coffee.

McDonalds has been crowned the most popular. Nevertheless, pizza takes the biggest slice of the list with Dominos, Pizza Hut, and Papa John’s all making the top five.

The Most Popular Fast Food by State

Fast food restaurants have become ubiquitous in our modern society, catering to the needs of busy individuals seeking quick and convenient meals.

Successful fast food chains understand the importance of forging an emotional connection with their customers. Through consistent branding efforts, they evoke feelings of comfort, familiarity, and happiness.

Cleverly crafted logos, catchy slogans, and vibrant color schemes resonate with consumers, triggering positive associations and memories.

These emotional connections foster a sense of loyalty, ensuring that customers return time and again.

While there are numerous factors contributing to their popularity and success, one undeniable driving force is the power of branding.