New Jersey's Surprising Fast Food Favorites Revealed

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

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:21pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic fast food item such as a hamburger, coffee cup, or pizza slice, repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the diverse fast food landscape in New Jersey.A pop art-inspired visual celebrating New Jersey's diverse fast food preferences, from iconic national chains to beloved local pizzerias.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 top the list as the state's go-to spots, the third most searched chain is surprisingly Domino's Pizza, despite New Jersey being known for its abundance of beloved local pizza joints.

Why it matters

This data provides insight into the fast food preferences and habits of New Jersey residents, which can be useful for businesses, marketers, and urban planners looking to cater to the state's dining trends. It also raises questions about why a national pizza chain like Domino's is resonating more with Garden State consumers than local pizzerias that have earned rave reviews.

The details

The study, conducted by Restaurant.eatapp.co, found that McDonald's is the most searched fast food chain in New Jersey, 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 ranked third in popularity in the state despite the abundance of acclaimed local pizza spots.

  • The study analyzed regional Google search volume data to determine each state's fast food preferences.
  • The data was collected and analyzed in 2026.

The players

McDonald's

The iconic fast food restaurant chain that is the most searched fast food brand in New Jersey according to the study.

Starbucks

The popular coffee shop chain that ranks second in popularity for fast food searches in New Jersey.

Domino's Pizza

The national pizza delivery chain that surprisingly ranks third in fast food popularity in New Jersey, despite the state's abundance of acclaimed local pizza joints.

Barstool Sports

The media company founded by Dave Portnoy that has reviewed many of New Jersey's local pizza places, highlighting the state's vibrant pizza culture.

Dave Portnoy

The founder of Barstool Sports who has become known for his pizza reviews, shining a spotlight on New Jersey's thriving local pizza scene.

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What they’re saying

“Whether I'm in a rush or not, if I want a cheap, tasty meal, I definitely have my go-tos.”

— Kylie Moore, Author

“Don't get me wrong, Domino's has its place in my heart. But that place is when you're out of state, and you need a thick chunk of dough with cheese on it that you can dip in garlic sauce.”

— Kylie Moore, Author

“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 raise questions about why a national pizza chain like Domino's is resonating more with New Jersey consumers than the state's acclaimed local pizzerias. Further research could explore the factors behind this trend, such as convenience, pricing, or brand recognition.

The takeaway

This data highlights the complex and sometimes surprising fast food preferences of New Jerseyans, underscoring the need for businesses and urban planners to closely monitor regional dining trends rather than making assumptions. While local pizza joints remain beloved, the popularity of national chains like Domino's suggests New Jersey's fast food landscape is more nuanced than it may appear on the surface.