Few states have played a larger role in the establishment of the American stalwart known as fast food quite like California has, with chains like McDonald’s, In-N-Out Burger, Taco Bell, Carl’s Jr. and Jack in the Box all starting out in the Golden State.
Given that intrinsic connection between those California-born brands and the state at large, it’s likely of little surprise to learn that four of those rank atop the state’s rankings when it comes to fast food options,.
Ahead of Fast Food Day on November 16th, BetCalifornia.com - your trusted source for all things California sports betting - analyzed the most popular fast food chain restaurants of CA residents by looking at the search results of each chain from 11/07/2023 to 11/07/2024.
*Coffee chains were eliminated from the research.
Rank | Restaurant | Interest Over Time Period |
1 | McDonald’s | 3 |
T-2 | Taco Bell | 2 |
T-2 | In-N-Out Burger | 2 |
T-2 | Jack In The Box | 2 |
T-5 | Chick-fil-A | 1 |
T-5 | Wendy’s | 1 |
T-5 | Chipotle | 1 |
T-5 | Burger King | 1 |
T-5 | Del Taco | 1 |
T-5 | KFC | 1 |
T-5 | Carl’s Jr. | 1 |
The forebearer of modern fast food took home top honors in California this year, with the Golden Arches of McDonald’s scoring a search interest total of three points to knock off the trio of in-state brands known as Taco Bell, In-N-Out and Jack in the Box — who all finished with two search interest points apiece during the period in question.
While fast food monolith that began in San Bernadino way back in 1940 was California’s No. 1 option in 2024, while Taco Bell (which began in Downey), In-N-Out (Baldwin Park) and Jack in the Box (San Diego) were the next closest brands in the state.
Throw in a few interlopers like Chick-fil-A, Wendy’s, Chipotle, Burger King and KFC (along with California brands Carl’s Jr. and Del Taco), which all had search interest scores of one apiece, and you have the full rundown of California’s favorite fast food brands this year.
Also of interest: California’s Favorite Thanksgiving Side Dishes.
USA Today photo by Alex Driehaus.
Author
Christopher Boan is the lead writer at BetCalifornia.com, specializing in sports betting issues in the western United States. He's covered sports and sports betting in Arizona for more than seven years, including stops at ArizonaSports.com, the Tucson Weekly and the Green Valley News.
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