A recent study by Bet California has crowned McDonald’s as the most popular fast-food chain in the Golden State.
Analyzing search engine interest from November 2023 to November 2024, excluding coffee chains, McDonald’s emerged as the leader with three times the interest of its closest competitors.
Despite In-N-Out Burger’s strong California roots, McDonald’s dominated the rankings. In-N-Out, Taco Bell, and Jack In The Box tied for second, followed by Chick-fil-A, Wendy’s, and Chipotle.
McDonald’s deep California ties trace back to its 1940 origins in San Bernardino, and its widespread presence—boasting five times as many locations as In-N-Out—further cements its top spot. While Taco Bell and Chick-fil-A continue to enjoy significant interest, McDonald’s longstanding dominance shows that the Golden Arches remain the king of fast food in California.