(KTLA) — The criss-crossed palm trees in front of each In-N-Out Burger is among California’s most iconic sights, as the fast food chain has become the initial stop for many first-time travelers to the state.
While the chain is one of the recognizable posts of the Golden State, it’s not the favorite fast food spot for Californians – at least according to one study.
A study by Bet California shows that it’s another iconic landmark, the Golden Arches, that take the throne as the state’s most popular fast food chain.
McDonald’s landed at the top spot, according to the study, which measured search engine interest from California residents between Nov. 7, 2023 and Nov. 7, 2024. Coffee chains were excluded from the results.
Favorite Fast-Food Chains Among California Residents
| 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 interest adds up. While In-N-Out has the reputation of being a California staple, likely due to its exclusivity to the state for many years, McDonald’s is also tied to the Golden State and has roughly five times more locations than In-N-Out.
The world’s largest fast food chain had its start in San Bernardino in 1940. Since, it’s expanded worldwide with more than 38,000 locations.
Other popular chains in California, according to the study, include Taco Bell, Jack In The Box and Chick-fil-A.
(KTLA) — The criss-crossed palm trees in front of each In-N-Out Burger is among California’s most iconic sights, as the fast food chain has become the initial stop for many first-time travelers to the state. While the chain is one of the recognizable posts of the Golden State, it’s not the favorite fast food spot […]
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