There's been a shake-up at the top of the list of the best fast-food chains in America, and it's a bit of a shocker.

For the first time in nine years, Chick-fil-A does not rule the roost as the most popular fast-food destination, according to the USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The chicken giant actually slipped to third in the 2024 balloting.

And while we're able to enjoy Chick-fil-A, KFC, Hardee's, Taco Bell, Popeyes, and Arby's around South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota, we're missing out on four of the top ten, who have yet to, or never will, open locations in the Tri-State area.

Included on that list of omissions around here is the new number-one spot in America.

Del Taco
Photo courtesy Del Taco
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1. Del Taco

The Lake Forest, California-based chain has nearly 600 locations in 18 states.

FIn-n-Out Burger
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3. In-n-Out Burger

The Irvine, California-based chain currently has 400 locations in eight states with plans to expand into Tennessee and New Mexico by 2026.

Captain D's
Photo courtesy Captain D's
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6. Captain D's 

The Nashville, Tennessee-based chain has 500+ locations in 13 states.

Zaxbys
Photo courtesy Zaxbys
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9. Zaxbys

The Statesboro, Georgia-based chain has 940+ locations in 19 states.

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TOP TEN FAST FOOD CHAINS

  1. Del Taco
  2. KFC
  3. Chick-fil-A
  4. In-N-Out Burger
  5. Hardee’s
  6. Captain D’s
  7. Taco Bell
  8. Popeyes
  9. Zaxbys
  10. Arby’s

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