The Most Popular Fast Food in California, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the fast food you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 1, 2024 06:37
In the bustling state of California, where quick meals fuel the active lifestyles of millions, determining which fast food joint tops the list can greatly enhance your dining experiences. With a diverse mix of cultures and tastes, the state offers a plethora of options, making it a challenge to choose where to eat. A dynamic, community-driven ranking solves this by reflecting current consumer preferences, guiding new residents and tourists alike.
Such rankings aren't just for those seeking a quick bite; they're also a way to see which trends are dominating the fast food scene in California. From health-conscious eateries to indulgent burger joints, voting on your favorite places not only influences the list but also gives you a stake in spotlighting top-notch eateries. Moreover, it ensures that the best locations get the recognition they deserve, driving them to maintain high standards.
What Is the Most Popular Fast Food in California?
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160votes
In-N-Out Burger
Harry Snyder and Esther SnyderThis California-based chain is known for its fresh, never-frozen burgers and secret menu items.In-N-Out Burger is a popular fast food chain located primarily in the western United States. Known for its simple menu, fresh ingredients, and high-quality burgers, it has gained a cult following among burger enthusiasts. The restaurant prides itself on its commitment to freshness, with everything made to order and no freezers or microwaves in sight. In-N-Out Burger also boasts a secret menu, offering additional customizations and specialty items for those in the know.- Year Established: 1948
- Headquarters: Irvine, California
- Number of Locations: Over 350
- Menu Items: Burgers, Cheeseburgers, Double-Doubles, French Fries, Shakes
- Freshness Policy: Made to order, no freezers or microwaves
In-N-Out Burger in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular restaurant in California
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular burger place in Texas
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular food in California
- Position 5 of 10 in Most underrated fast food restaurant
- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular burger place in America
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular burger
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238votesThis global fast food chain has a significant presence in California, serving up its classic burgers, fries, and more.McDonald's is a fast-food restaurant chain known for its drive-thru service and iconic Golden Arches logo. It specializes in serving burgers, fries, chicken, and other fast-food items.
- Founded: 1940 (San Bernardino, California)
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Number of Locations: Over 38,000 (worldwide)
- Global Revenue: Approximately $21 billion (2019)
- Menu Offerings: Burgers, Fries, Chicken, Breakfast items, Salads, Desserts
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321votesThis sandwich chain is known for its customizable subs and healthy options.Subway is a popular fast food chain in Australia known for its customizable submarine sandwiches, also known as subs. It offers a wide selection of ingredients, dressings, and bread options to create personalized sandwiches. The brand is recognized for its fresh ingredients and made-to-order approach, allowing customers to watch as their sandwiches are prepared on-the-spot.
- Number of Locations: Over 1,300
- Founded: 1965
- Signature Dish: Italian B.M.T.
- Bread Options: Italian, wheat, honey oat, white, etc.
- Protein Options: Chicken, turkey, beef, ham, etc.
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414votes
Michael Rivera · CC BY-SA 4.0Taco Bell
Glen BellThis Mexican-inspired fast food chain serves up a variety of tacos, burritos, and more.Taco Bell is a fast-food restaurant chain specializing in Mexican-inspired cuisine. It is known for its wide variety of tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and other Tex-Mex dishes.- Founded: March 21, 1962
- Headquarters: Irvine, California, United States
- Number of Locations: Over 7,000 (2020)
- Parent Company: Yum! Brands, Inc.
- Food Type: Fast Food, Tex-Mex
Taco Bell in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular drive-thru restaurants
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular drive-thru
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527votes
Jack in the Box
Robert O. PetersonThis chain serves up a variety of fast food items, including burgers, tacos, and breakfast sandwiches.Jack in the Box is a fast food restaurant chain that specializes in burgers and other fast food items. It is known for its unique menu offerings and late-night service. The restaurant has a distinctive clown-like mascot and offers a wide variety of menu items including burgers, chicken sandwiches, tacos, salads, and breakfast items. Jack in the Box is also well-known for its signature item, the Jumbo Jack burger.- Founding Year: 1951
- Number of Locations: 2,200+
- Mascot: Jack Box
- Headquarters: San Diego, California
- Menu Offerings: Burgers, Chicken Sandwiches, Tacos, Salads, Breakfast Items
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67votes
Terence Ong · CC BY-SA 3.0Carl's Jr.
Carl KarcherThis chain serves up burgers, fries, and other fast food items.Carl's Jr. is a popular American fast food burger joint known for its iconic charbroiled burgers and extensive menu. With locations across the United States and around the world, Carl's Jr. offers a range of options to satisfy any burger lover's cravings.- Established: 1941
- Headquarters: Franklin, Tennessee, United States
- Signature Burger: The Famous Star
- Menu Variety: Burgers, Chicken, Burritos, Salads, and more
- Specialty Item: Western Bacon Cheeseburger
Carl's Jr. in other rankings- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular burger place in America
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79votesThis fried chicken chain is known for its Original Recipe chicken and sides.KFC is a popular drive-thru restaurant chain known for its fried chicken. It offers a variety of chicken-based meals, sandwiches, and sides. KFC is best known for its secret blend of 11 herbs and spices, which gives its chicken a unique and flavorful taste.
- Established: 1930
- Headquarters: Louisville, Kentucky, United States
- Number of Locations: Over 22,000
- Parent Company: Yum! Brands
- Menu Items: Fried chicken, chicken sandwiches, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, biscuits, etc.
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81votes
Famartin · CC BY-SA 4.0Pizza Hut
Dan and Frank CarneyThis pizza chain serves up a variety of pizzas, wings, and sides.Pizza Hut is a well-known fast-food restaurant chain specializing in pizza and pasta dishes. It offers dine-in, carry-out, and drive-thru services to cater to varying customer preferences. With its distinctive red roof design, Pizza Hut has become recognized globally for its delivery and takeaway services.- Established Year: 1958
- Headquarters: Plano, Texas, United States
- Number of Locations: Over 18,000 worldwide
- Drive-Thru Availability: Yes
- Delivery Service: Yes
Pizza Hut in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular pizza place
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular pizza chain
- Position 10 of 10 in Most popular drive-thru
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99votes
Michael Barera · CC BY-SA 4.0Domino's Pizza
Tom MonaghanThis pizza chain is known for its delivery service and customizable pizzas.Domino's Pizza is a well-known fast food chain in Australia that specializes in pizza delivery. It offers a wide variety of freshly made pizzas, along with other options such as sides, desserts, and drinks. The company focuses on efficient and convenient service, allowing customers to place orders online or through their mobile app for quick delivery or pickup.- Number of stores: over 800
- Pizza options: over 30 different toppings
- Delivery time: 30 minutes or less guarantee
- Online ordering availability: Yes
- Mobile app: Available for iOS and Android
Domino's Pizza in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular pizza place
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular pizza chain
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular fast food in Australia
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106votes
Miosotis Jade · CC BY-SA 4.0Panda Express
Andrew CherngThis fast food chain serves up Chinese-inspired dishes, such as orange chicken and chow mein.Panda Express is a popular fast food chain based in California that specializes in American Chinese cuisine. Known for its orange chicken, the restaurant offers a variety of dishes consisting of stir-fried meats, noodles, and vegetables. With over 2,200 locations worldwide, Panda Express has become a favorite among fast food enthusiasts.- Year Founded: 1983
- Headquarters: Rosemead, California
- Number of Locations: Over 2,200
- Cuisine: American Chinese
- Signature Dish: Orange Chicken
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular fast food
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Number of locationsThe number of locations or outlets a fast-food brand has in California can be an indicator of its popularity.
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Sales revenueThe sales revenue generated by a brand in California can provide insights into the demand and popularity of a fast-food franchise.
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Customer reviews and ratingsOnline customer reviews and ratings on platforms like Yelp, TripAdvisor, Google, etc., can provide valuable feedback on the overall satisfaction and popularity of a particular fast-food restaurant.
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Social media presence and engagementA strong social media following (on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) and high levels of engagement with customers can indicate a more popular and beloved brand.
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Menu offeringsBrands that cater to diverse demographics, food preferences (including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options), and changing food trends are likely to be more popular.
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AffordabilityOffering good value for money through affordable prices and meal deals can contribute to a brand's popularity.
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Quality of foodFresh and high-quality ingredients, as well as consistent taste and food presentation, play a key role in determining a fast-food brand's popularity.
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Speed and convenienceFast service and easy access to the restaurant through drive-thrus, mobile ordering, and delivery can enhance the popularity of a fast-food brand.
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InnovationFast food brands that continuously adapt and introduce new menu items, services, and marketing campaigns are more likely to maintain or increase their popularity.
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Local community involvementBrands that are actively involved in local communities through sponsorships, philanthropy, and support for local initiatives can garner goodwill and higher popularity.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular fast food in California. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or fast food is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 4359 views
- 178 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each fast food once every 24 hours. The rank of each fast food is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular fast food in california
California is known for its diverse culinary scene, but when it comes to fast food, there are a few heavy hitters that reign supreme. From the classic In-N-Out Burger to the iconic Taco Bell, Californians have plenty of options to satisfy their cravings on the go. In recent years, healthier fast food options like Chipotle and Sweetgreen have also gained popularity, catering to those seeking a quick and nutritious meal. With so many options available, it's no wonder that the debate over the most popular fast food in California is a hotly contested topic. Let's dive into the data and see which fast food chains come out on top in the Golden State.
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