Chick-fil-A dominates most states, but regional favorites like In-N-Out, Whataburger, and Culver's rule their home territories. See which chain each state loves most.
The Data
Fast food preferences vary dramatically by region. While national chains compete everywhere, regional favorites often win the hearts of their home states with loyal followings built over decades.
| Chain | States Won | Avg Rating | Primary Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chick-fil-A | 35 | 4.6/5 | Nationwide (esp. South) |
| In-N-Out | 5 | 4.5/5 | West Coast |
| Whataburger | 4 | 4.3/5 | Texas/Southwest |
| Culver's | 3 | 4.4/5 | Midwest |
| Raising Cane's | 2 | 4.4/5 | South/Midwest |
Key Patterns
Chick-fil-A's national dominance. The chicken chain tops ratings in the majority of states, driven by consistent quality and legendary customer service.
Regional pride is real. In-N-Out owns California, Whataburger rules Texas, and Culver's dominates the Midwest. These regional chains inspire fierce loyalty.
The coasts diverge. West Coast states lean toward In-N-Out and Chipotle, while the South is solidly Chick-fil-A territory.
Methodology
Ratings aggregated from Yelp reviews and consumer satisfaction surveys, weighted by number of locations per state.
Sources
- Yelp
- Consumer Surveys
