Two fast food chains dominate America as McDonald’s suffers a nationwide snub…. see which one is most popular in your state

Uniting over anything can be hard for Americans, and fast food is certainly no exception.

It’s a core part of US culture – the nation famously loves quick, convenient, and cheap meals. 

From burgers and burritos to subs and sundaes, every state has its favorites, as well as a major chain to deliver them.  

Now, data has revealed the fast-food restaurants that dominate each individual state – and the results are mixed. 

No single chain conquers the country, but Wendy’s and Sonic, both famous for classic American burgers and milkshakes, were the favorite in five states each, tied for the most of any restaurant, according to FinanceBuzz.

Subway and Jimmy John’s – both sandwich shops – were the only other outlets that were favored by more than two states. 

Interestingly, McDonald’s, the world’s biggest fast-food chain, was largely absent from the top spots. 

While it didn’t claim the No. 1 position in any state, the Golden Arches consistently ranked within the top five to ten by both search popularity and locations per capita. Yet, it rarely reached the very top. 

Loyalty is clearly key, as many restaurants were the preferred choice in the states where they were founded. 

In fact, 17 different chains were the top fast-food pick in the state where they originated – a factor that likely helped them edge out McDonald’s. 

Additionally, two states that host the corporate headquarters of major fast-food brands saw those restaurants claim the top spots, even though they were founded elsewhere. 

This includes Papa John’s, which led in Kentucky despite originating in Indiana, and Hardee’s, which topped Tennessee even though it began in neighboring North Carolina.

While most of these chains have long since expanded beyond their home states, these results show that they’ve retained strong popularity in their home regions.