America's Comfort Food Obsession: The Fast-Food Chains We Can't Live Without in 2025

When life gets tough, Americans reach for comfort food. But where do we turn when we need that quick fix of familiar flavors? We thought it might provide some solace to reveal the fast-food chains and comfort foods that keep us grounded, plus some stunningly fierce regional loyalties that run so deep, people refuse to move away from their favorite spots.

Key Findings

• McDonald's is the go-to comfort fast-food chain in six states, but regional favorites tell a story about changing fast food preferences

• Culver's claims the Midwest, with seven states choosing the Wisconsin-based chain for comfort, making it the most regionally dominant fast-food brand

• Sonic, In-N-Out, Dunkin', and Cookout are also popular regional favorites

• One in five Americans (19%) admit their favorite regional fast-food chain has actually influenced their decision not to move somewhere new

• Stress and anxiety drive 26% of comfort eating, followed by sadness or depression at 21%

McDonald's May Be National, But Regional Chains Rule Hearts

Synonymous with fast food, McDonald's takes the crown in six states as the comfort food drive-thru of choice. Alaska, Arizona, Connecticut, Idaho, New York, and the chain's home state of Illinois all turn to the Golden Arches when they need familiar flavors. But the real story lies in America's fierce loyalty to regional chains.

Culver's absolutely owns the Midwest. The Wisconsin-born chain claims comfort food supremacy in Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. That's seven states where people choose their famous ButterBurgers, custard, and cheese curds over national giants.

The central US shows its own fierce regional pride. Oklahoma's Sonic Drive-In captures not only its home state, but also four others, with Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska all choosing cherry limeades and tater tots as their comfort zone.

In a stunning shift that will surely make the Colonel roll over in his grave, Kentuckians have named Popeyes as their favorite fast comfort food. You heard that right. Perhaps because over the years, KFC has faced complaints about overly greasy chicken, shrinking portions, and inconsistent preparation. Popeyes, meanwhile, has maintained its reputation for crispier breading, juicier meat, and bold Louisiana seasonings that deliver the comfort food experience people actually crave. Other states that claim Popeyes as their comfort food of choice include Florida, as well as the chain's home state of Louisiana.

New England stays caffeinated with Dunkin' leading in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The region has no shortage of DunKings who clearly feel coffee and donuts can solve almost any problem.

In a relatively new trend, some chains are challenging the traditional definition of a restaurant chain. Road trip favorites Sheetz and Wawa, both technically convenience stores offering extensive fast-food menus, claim the title of favorite fast comfort food in Pennsylvania and Delaware, respectively.

Some states stick to truly local heroes. Oregon and Washington both chose eco-friendly Burgerville, a Pacific Northwest chain known for seasonal ingredients cooked using wind energy. North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia all picked Cook Out, the regional burger chain whose famous Trays and Cheerwine keep devotees coming back. Finally, Texas stands alone with Whataburger and its 750+ locations in the Lone Star State.

The Regional Chains People Won't Leave Behind

Here's where things get really interesting. Nearly one in five Americans (19%) say their favorite regional fast-food chain has actually influenced their decision not to move somewhere. That's not just preference. This is genuine attachment.

Among those regional chain loyalists, Culver's leads the pack, with 21% of fans saying the Midwestern chain has their heart. People really don't want to give up those ButterBurgers. In-N-Out Burger follows at 18%, proving California's burger chain creates serious devotion. Whataburger captures 15% of the loyalty vote, mostly from Texans who refuse to imagine life without their beloved orange and white stripes.

Cook Out influences 12% of location decisions, while convenience store chains Wawa (11%) and Sheetz (9%) also keep people planted. Bojangles rounds out the list at 7%, showing that even smaller regional chains create powerful emotional connections.

This loyalty goes beyond just liking a restaurant. These chains become part of people's identities and daily routines. They represent home in a way that national chains simply can't replicate.

Why We Turn to Comfort Food

The reasons Americans seek comfort food reveal a lot about our emotional relationship with eating. Stress and anxiety drive 26% of comfort food consumption. Modern life creates constant pressure, and food provides quick relief and familiar pleasure.

Sadness or depression motivates 21% of comfort eating. Food becomes a coping mechanism, offering temporary emotional support when people feel down. The act of eating familiar flavors can trigger positive memories and provide psychological comfort.

Loneliness accounts for 12% of comfort food seeking. Sharing a meal or even eating familiar foods can create connection, even when alone. Comfort foods often remind people of family meals, gatherings, or happier times.

Major life changes trigger comfort eating for 10% of people. Moving, job changes, relationship shifts, or other big transitions create uncertainty. Familiar foods provide stability and control when everything else feels chaotic.

Illness drives 9% to comfort food, while nostalgia motivates 7%. Boredom brings up the rear at just 4%, suggesting most comfort eating serves deeper emotional needs than simple entertainment.

Comfort foods, whether at home or on the go, serve as emotional anchors in an uncertain world. Whether it's a Culver's ButterBurger in Wisconsin or a Chick-fil-A sandwich in Georgia, these foods provide consistency and connection to place and memory. And of course, it always helps when you don't have to spend your precious time cooking and cleaning.

Methodology

This survey was conducted among 3,263 American adults across all 50 states in August 2025. Participants answered questions about their favorite fast food restaurants for comfort, overall comfort food preferences, and emotional drivers of comfort eating. The survey included follow-up questions for participants who indicated that regional fast-food loyalty influenced their location decisions.

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