McDonald’s named California’s favorite fast food restaurant

California is considered the birthplace of fast food. Giant chains such as McDonald’s, In-N-Out Burger, Taco Bell, Carl’s Jr. and Jack in the Box were all founded in the Golden State. Aside from the aforementioned chains, which are understandably the top choices for many residents, there are plenty of other non-California-born brands where people go to grab their favorite bites.

Betcalifornia.comthe trusted source for all things California sports betting, analyzed the most popular fast food chain restaurants among California residents by looking at the search results for each chain.

McDonald’sthe progenitor of modern fast food, which began in San Bernadino way back in 1940, emerged as California’s no. 1 option in 2024, beating out the trio of in-state brands known as Taco Bell, In-N-Out and Jack in the Box. finished with two search interest points each in the period in question.

McDonald’s scored a search interest total of three points to beat out the other giant in-state brands. Chick-fil-A came in 5th, followed by Wendy’s, Chipotle, Burger King, Del Taco, KFC and Carl’s Jr.

It’s no surprise that four giant chains that started in California took the top spot as California’s favorite fast food restaurant, given the deep connection these brands have with the people of the Golden State, where they first opened for business before spreading to other states in the United States and abroad.

Note: The first McDonald’s opened in San Bernadino California in 1940. Taco Bell was founded in Downey California in 1962 by Glen Bell. In-N-Out Burgers was founded in Baldwin Park, California in 1948. Jack in the Box opened its first location in San Diego, California in 1951.