NC has a favorite burger chain and it’s not McDonald’s, new survey says
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Cook Out ranked as North Carolina's top burger chain in a 2025 national survey.
- More than 130 Cook Out locations operate statewide, with over 300 nationwide.
- Survey found 12% of fans said Cook Out influenced where they chose to live.
Who doesn’t love a good burger and fries?
McDonald’s remains the nation’s largest burger chain with more than 13,400 restaurants and counting. However, a recent CouponBirds survey shows North Carolinians turn to regional chain Cook Out for their fast food fix.
Known for its affordably priced food trays and 40-plus milkshake flavors, Cook Out emerged as a crowd favorite in South Carolina and Tennessee too, according to the poll published Monday, Sept. 1.
What’s more, 12% of those surveyed acknowledged the franchise played a role in their decision not to move elsewhere.
“This loyalty goes beyond just liking a restaurant,” CouponBirds said in its report. “These chains become part of people’s identities and daily routines. They represent home in a way that national chains simply can’t replicate.”
Cook Out menu in NC
The survey results aren’t surprising, considering Cook Out’s North Carolina roots.
Founder Morris Reaves opened the very first Cook Out in Greensboro in 1989, and the first sit-down restaurant opened in High Point seven years later, the restaurant’s website says.
The menu runs the gamut from chargrilled burgers, chicken and Southern-style barbecue, to quesadillas, corn dogs and more.
“Plus, many locations stay open into the wee hours, so you can satisfy any late-night craving,” according to USA Today 10Best, which voted the chain runner-up for Best Regional Fast Food in 2024 and 2025.
Customers can choose from soda, teas and other drinks — or accept the challenge of sipping one of Cook Out’s famously thick shakes through a straw. Flavors include banana pudding, cappuccino, double chocolate and chocolate chip mint, among others.
Today, Cook Out operates more than 300 locations, including more than 130 in North Carolina.
Taco Roos coming to NC
Its experimental taco concept, Taco Roos, is expanding with new locations planned for Charlotte and Raleigh.
Menu options will include beef, chicken and fish tacos, alongside quesadillas and nachos.
How they found the favorite comfort food for each state
For the survey, CouponBirds said it polled 3,263 adults across the U.S. in August 2025. The digital platform helps shoppers find and apply coupons and discount codes for online purchases.
Participants were asked about:
- Their favorite fast-food spots for comfort
- Overall comfort food preferences
- Why they turn to comfort food (emotional triggers)
- If a preferred fast-food chain influenced their decision to move
Other popular chains, by region
The national survey revealed just how deep regional loyalties run. Here’s how other fast-food chains stacked up:
- McDonald’s: The burger giant reigns supreme in six states including Illinois, New York and Idaho.
- Culver’s: The Wisconsin-based chain, known for its butter burgers, maintains its foothold in the Midwest.
- Sonic: Also a top pick in the Midwest, winning hearts in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma.
- In-N-Out Burger: Rules the West — in California and Nevada, specifically.
Inspired by a story from Mahoning Matters in Ohio.