Ohio has a favorite burger chain and it’s not McDonald’s, new survey shows

Ohio has long been McDonald’s country, but another fast-food chain is challenging its foothold in the state. A new national study shows that when it comes to comfort food, Ohio prefers Wendy’s.

The online coupon site CouponBirds helps shoppers save money by finding high-quality discount codes and their study reveals the favorite chain in every state.

America’s love for comfort food

Americans have a deeply emotional and complex relationship to food and what we eat is tied to all aspects of our identity, including comfort and tradition.

Food is at the center of many American rituals and fast food chains can often tap into those feelings..

The culinary magazine, Baked, suggests comfort food is about more than just calories, saying “Depending on where you grew up, who you grew up with, where you move, and the heritage of your family, your comfort foods are unique to you.”

Researchers found:

• 26% of Americans turn to comfort food during times of stress or anxiety.
• 21% eat it to cope with sadness or depression.
• 12% seek it when feeling lonely, showing how food can substitute for connection and community.

Wendy’s Ohio Root

The results of the CouponBirds survey are not shocking, given Wendy’s deep roots here and the commitment many folks have to the square burger.

Dave Thomas opened the flagship restaurant in Columbus after a friend mentioned it was hard to get a good lunch in downtown. He opened the first Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers in 1969 and gave it his daughter Melinda’s nickname.

• Square hamburgers and the Frosty dessert became key features that distinguished Wendy’s, reflecting Thomas’s innovative approach originated in Ohio.
• Thomas thought the logo of a smiling, whole-some little girl would convince people they could a hamburger the way you used to get them.
• The first menu included hot ‘n juicy hamburgers, rich ‘n meaty chili, French fries, soft drinks and a Frosty Dairy Dessert

Other popular chains, by region

The study revealed just how region affects food preference:

• McDonald’s: Still king in six states including Illinois, New York, and Arizona.
• Culver’s: Rules the Midwest with seven states choosing the Wisconsin favorite.
• Sonic: Big winner in the Midwest: Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Arkansas.
• Popeyes: Surprised with wins in Louisiana, Florida, and even Kentucky over KFC.
• Dunkin’: Dominant across New England.
• Cook Out: The choice in Virginia, the Carolinas, and Tennessee.
• Burgerville, Whataburger, and In-N-Out: Smaller but fiercely loyal bases in Oregon/Washington, Texas, and California respectively.

How they found the favorite food for each state

The CouponBirds survey polled 3,263 American adults across all 50 states in August 2025.

Participants were asked about:

• Their preferred fast-food chains for comfort
• Emotional drivers of eating
• Whether a favorite chain influenced their decision to move (or stay put).

Nearly 1 in 5 Americans (19%) admitted they wouldn’t move somewhere if it meant leaving their comfort food chain.

What do you think of these results? Do you prefer Wendy’s hamburgers over all the others?

Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.

This story was originally published September 27, 2025 at 6:00 AM.