New Jersey's Surprising Fast Food Favorites Revealed

McDonald's and Starbucks top the list, but Domino's Pizza shockingly comes in third, puzzling locals.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:21pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic fast food item repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the complex and sometimes unexpected fast food habits of New Jersey residents.A vibrant pop art interpretation of New Jersey's surprising fast food preferences, with a repeated iconic image symbolizing the state's embrace of national chains alongside its beloved local eateries.Trenton Today

A new study analyzing regional Google search data has uncovered the most popular fast food chains in New Jersey, with some unexpected results. While McDonald's and Starbucks claim the top two spots, the third-place finisher is Domino's Pizza, a choice that has left many Garden State residents scratching their heads.

Why it matters

The findings challenge the common perception of New Jersey as a state with a thriving local pizza culture, raising questions about the evolving fast food preferences of residents. As national chains continue to dominate the market, this data provides insight into the fast-paced dining habits of New Jerseyans.

The details

The study, conducted by Restaurant.eatapp.co, used Google search volume to determine each state's favorite fast food destinations. In New Jersey, McDonald's led the pack, averaging 14.8 million monthly searches nationwide. Starbucks came in second, with 10.6 million monthly searches across the country. But the real surprise was Domino's Pizza, which claimed the third spot despite the state's abundance of beloved local pizzerias.

  • The study was published on April 9, 2026.

The players

McDonald's

A global fast-food giant known for its iconic cheeseburgers, McNuggets, and other classic menu items.

Starbucks

A leading coffee shop chain that has become a ubiquitous presence in New Jersey and across the United States.

Domino's Pizza

A national pizza delivery and carryout chain that has a significant presence in New Jersey, despite the state's thriving local pizza culture.

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What they’re saying

“When I'm at home in New Jersey, I'm going to my local pizza joints.”

— Kylie Moore, Author

What’s next

The study's findings have sparked a lively debate among New Jersey residents about the state's fast food preferences, with many questioning the prominence of national chains like Domino's over local pizza establishments. As the discussion continues, it remains to be seen whether these trends will persist or if New Jerseyans will return to supporting their beloved neighborhood pizzerias.

The takeaway

This study highlights the evolving fast food landscape in New Jersey, where national chains like McDonald's and Starbucks continue to dominate the market, even in a state known for its vibrant local food culture. The surprising third-place finish of Domino's Pizza raises questions about the changing dining habits of Garden State residents and the ongoing challenge for small businesses to compete with the convenience and marketing power of major fast-food corporations.