How Many of the Most Popular Fast Food Chains are There in Iowa?

When it comes to fast food, you have a LOT of different options here in Iowa. But, not all fast food chains are created equal!

YouGov recently posted the results of their Most Popular Dining Brands survey from quarter four of 2023, and I was genuinely surprised by some of the picks. For example, Chick-fil-A, which I always hear amazing reviews about, didn't make the top ten! In fact, it's all the way down at number 23. I was also shocked to see Texas Roadhouse down at number 25! I don't think I've EVER had a bad experience there.

Here are the top ten fast food chains with the highest popularity (the percentage of people with a positive opinion of the brand) and how many locations that we have here in the state Iowa:

1. Baskin-Robbins - 75% popularity
   • 2 Iowa locations and 1 Dunkin/Baskin-Robbins location
2. Dairy Queen - 73% popularity
   • 99 Iowa locations
3. Wendy's - 71% popularity
   • 41 Iowa locations
4. Cinnabon - 69% popularity
   • 3 Iowa locations
5. Krispy Kreme - 69% popularity
   • 4 Iowa locations
6. Taco Bell - 67% popularity
   • 57 Iowa locations
7. KFC - 67% popularity
   • 45 Iowa locations
8. Subway - 66% popularity
   • 268 Iowa locations
9. Dunkin' (#10 overall) - 65% popularity
   • 35 Iowa locations
10. McDonald's (#16 overall)
    • 145 Iowa locations (2021 estimate)

Now that we've covered the top fast food brands, let's talk about the top restaurant brands! These are the top five sit-down restaurants on YouGov's survey:

1. Olive Garden (#9 overall) - 66% popularity
   • 8 Iowa locations
2. Chili's (#11 overall) - 65% popularity
   • 6 Iowa locations
3. IHOP (#12 overall) - 65% popularity
   • 11 Iowa locations
4. Outback Steakhouse (#13 overall) - 65% popularity
   • 3 Iowa locations
5. Denny's (#14 overall) - 64% popularity
   • 3 Iowa locations

Do you agree with these rankings? Who would you put in first place? Let us know by sending us a message on our station app!

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