Fast-food chains play a significant role in the lives of people in the United States, given their widespread presence across the country. From chains specializing in chicken sandwiches to those serving hamburgers, we reveal the most popular fast-food chain in each state according to Google Trends, based on an analysis of dozens of companies!
Alabama – Captain D’s
Captain D’s is the most popular fast-food chain in Alabama. The chain offers low-cost fried seafood, making it suitable for family meals on a budget, and features a classic Southern touch in its side dishes. While its popularity doesn’t extend nationwide, within Alabama it is more popular than McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, and all the other fast-food chains.
Alaska – Domino’s Pizza
It is unusual for a fast-food pizza chain to be more popular than a burger and chicken chains on this list, but in Alaska, Domino’s is the preferred choice based on popularity. One of the reasons why Domino’s pizza stands out is because of its fast delivery service across Alaska’s vast distances, which could be a key factor in its success among fast-food chains.
Arizona – Jack In The Box
Jack in the Box maintains an extensive menu, ranging from hamburgers to egg rolls, and has a strong regional presence in Arizona. It is the most popular chain in the state and a major player in the Western United States, known for serving huge portions that align with what many local residents expect when choosing fast-food chains.
Arkansas – Sonic
Sonic takes advantage in part of the proximity of its locations to Arkansas’s most populous areas, combined with its unique drive-in format and deep cultural ties to the South’s car-centric lifestyle, to outperform other fast-food chains competitors in popularity. Furthermore, having originated in neighboring Oklahoma and expanded rapidly into Arkansas, Kansas, and Texas, the brand has maintained a strong presence in the region for decades.
California – In-N-Out Burger
In-N-Out Burger was founded in California and became a hometown icon after putting down roots in Baldwin Park in 1948. Its locations combine fresh, never-frozen ingredients with low prices and deep regional nostalgia. Those real and never-frozen or kept under heat lamps beef patties and hand-cut potatoes, set the brand apart from competing fast-food chains in the state.
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Colorado – Qdoba
Another fast-food chain that is the most popular in its home state is Qdoba in Colorado. This chain serves Mexican food and opened its first location in Denver in 1995 by the name ‘Zuma Fresh Mexican Grill’. It currently has around 90 locations across Colorado, where many customers highlight the flavorful cheese used in its dishes. Qdoba’s popularity in Colorado surpasses Chipotle’s in the burrito and bowl category, an impressive feat, given the latter stands national presence among fast-food chains.
Connecticut – Jersey Mike’s
The vast majority of Jersey Mike’s locations, the most popular fast-food chain in Connecticut, are close to local customers thanks to strategic placement, situated within easy reach of densely populated areas. These shops sell hot and cold “sub” sandwiches featuring meat and cheese, customized to the customer’s liking. Also, Jersey Mike’s was founded in neighboring New Jersey, giving it a regional connection that helps distinguish it from other fast-food chains.
Delaware – Chick-fil-A
According to Google Trends data, Chick-fil-A was the most popular fast-food chain in Delaware. What stands out about these locations, which serve chicken sandwiches, among other items, is their brand loyalty, service efficiency, and the high demand for chicken in the state. Delaware is one of the few U.S. states where Chick-fil-A surpasses all the other fast-food chains in popularity; the only other state is Georgia, the chain’s state of origin.
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Florida – Pollo Tropical
The fact that “Pollo Tropical” is the most popular fast-food chain in Florida aligns perfectly with the state’s vibrant Latin and Caribbean atmosphere. Its fresh, fast-casual meals, featuring chicken marinated for 24 hours in a special citrus blend and the fire-grilled chicken, are among the key features that draw so many customers to their locations and distinguish it from other fast-food chains.
Georgia – Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A originated in Georgia. The first restaurant, opened by founder Truett Cathy in Hapeville in 1946, was the first of thousands nationwide. The signature pressure-cooked chicken breast sandwich became a massive success in the early 1960s and catapulted the fast-food chain to fame among fast-food chains.
Hawaii – Panda Express
Thanks to its affordable, savory dishes that blend with local tastes and a high volume of tourist customers, Panda Express has become the most popular fast-food chain in Hawaii. One of its iconic dishes, Orange Chicken, was created in the state by Chef Andy Kao in 1987. The sweet, savory, and tangy flavor of the Panda Express dishes fits perfectly in the Asian-influenced cuisine of Hawaii and helps the brand stand out among other fast-food chains.
Idaho – Papa Murphy’s
Papa Murphy’s is the most popular fast-food chain in Idaho because residents appreciate the “take-and-bake” model, which aligns with the state’s family-oriented culture and the desire for fresh meals that can be personalized. Papa Murphy’s strong ties to the Western states make Idaho one of its key market for the fast-food chains sector.
Illinois – Jimmy John’s
Jimmy John’s adopted a model featuring fast service, a simple menu, and rapid food preparation, qualities that made it the most popular fast-food chain in Illinois. In fact, the chain is well known throughout much of the Midwest. Moreover, Jimmy John’s was founded in Illinois, meaning its cold sandwiches have been feeding local residents for years.
Indiana – Arby’s
Arby’s has a strong regional presence in Indiana, with around 170 locations across the state attracting customers in search of its classic roast beef, curly fries, and market fresh items. Its proximity to the company’s birthplace in Youngstown, Ohio, also strengthens its bond with local residents, who feel the brand understands their preferences. Finally, Arby’s stands out as the one of the most popular fast-food chains in only two U.S. states.
Iowa – Jimmy Johns
Jimmy John’s has a strong presence in the Midwest, particularly in college towns like Iowa City and Ames. Its strategy focuses on achieving superior speed and a higher density of franchise locations compared to the competition. Furthermore, Midwest states are among the areas where Jimmy John’s truly stands out.
Kansas – Sonic
The state of Kansas is close to Sonic’s birthplace in Shawnee, Oklahoma, which explains why residents identify with the fast-food chain. Its drive-in service model also aligns with the car-centric culture and preference for casual, quick dining in Kansas. Some of the menu items you might encounter include slushes and tater tots.
Kentucky – Papa John’s
Papa John’s maintains its headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky, meaning the pizza chain has had roots there for decades. It was founded in Jeffersontown, and many residents choose regularly this fast-food chain. Dishes such as the pizza with garlic sauce are among customers’ favorites out of the many pizza options offered.
Louisiana – Popeyes
Popeyes originated in Louisiana, and expanded its brand after starting with the first location in New Orleans, and achieving national recognition decades later. The brand became a true regional staple and an embodiment of the state’s Cajun culinary heritage. The first Popeyes restaurant opened its doors in 1972, founded by Al Copeland in the city of Arabi, just outside New Orleans.
Maine – Subway
Subway offers an affordable menu and is a great alternative for rural areas, making it a perfect fit for Maine. Peter Buck, Subway’s co-founder, had fond memories of Amato’s, a place where he bought sandwiches as a child, and this may well have sparked the creation of the national giant he later built in partnership with founder Fred DeLuca.
Maryland – Chipotle
Maryland has a relatively high population density, comprising largely young professionals and students, so that Chipotle fast-food chain capitalizes on this proximity by locating outlets in the suburbs; this enables faster service and makes it easier for customers to visit locations in less congested areas.
Conclusion
When reviewing the fast-food chains that stand out across the U.S. states, residents tend to favor options that reflect their local culture, maintaining strong ties to chains founded within their own state or in the surrounding region. At the same time, low menu prices are a major draw, allowing visitors to enjoy affordable meals.
