In-N-Out Burger has long held a special place in the hearts of Californians. Many polls have consistently ranked this West Coast institution as number one. However, a recent poll has sent shockwaves through the fast-food world as it revealed that the burger giant is no longer at the top in California. Now, the question arises: which fast-food joint has taken the coveted number one spot?

McDonald’s Bumps In-N-Out Burger

BetCalifornia recently conducted a comprehensive study of the top fast-food joints in California based on fans' preferences. The Golden State is the birthplace of restaurants like Carl’s Jr., Taco Bell, In-N-Out Burger, McDonald’s, and Jack in the Box. It's no surprise that four of these California-born brands dominate the state's fast-food rankings due to their inherent ties to the region.The outlet analyzed the most popular fast-food chains among Californians by examining their search results from July 11, 2023, to July 11, 2024, in the lead-up to Fast Food Day on November 16. With a search interest total of three points, McDonald’s emerged victorious, defeating the other in-state brands. During the relevant period, Taco Bell, In-N-Out, and Jack in the Box each received two search interest points. This year, the pioneer of modern fast food claimed victory in California.In 2024, California's top choice was the fast-food monolith that started in San Bernadino in 1940. Taco Bell, which began in Downey, In-N-Out Burger from Baldwin Park, and Jack in the Box from San Diego were the next closest brands in the state.The complete list of California's top fast-food brands this year includes California brands Carl’s Jr. and Del Taco, as well as familiar names like Chick-fil-A, Wendy’s, Chipotle, Burger King, and KFC, all with search interest scores of one point each.

4 New Locations in California

Despite losing its top spot in California's hearts, In-N-Out Burger recently announced that it will be opening four new locations in the Golden State in the New Year. According to ABC 7, 540 N. Euclid St. will be Anaheim's fourth location. The address of the second Oxnard location is 1700 E. Ventura Blvd. For Sylmar and Carson, it will be their first locations, with 20512 Avalon Blvd. and 13864 Foothill Blvd. respectively.There is no specific date set for these major openings, but ABC 7 reached out to In-N-Out Burger for more details. The additional locations are simply marked as "Opening Soon" on the company's official website.Furthermore, the official website states that two new sites in Idaho - one in Boise and one in Nampa - will also be "opening soon," with no definite opening date. In Arizona, close to Phoenix, six more sites will be opening. The news of these additional locations coincides with In-N-Out Burger's partnership with the Tough Mudder event in Big Bear, California, next year.The new site debuting in Las Vegas, Nevada, is expected to be the largest in the company's history to date, overshadowing all other openings. The 15th Las Vegas storefront will be located on the third floor of The BLVD, a massive upcoming shopping complex on the Strip at 3755 S. Las Vegas Blvd. With 2,500 square feet of outdoor space and more than 8,000 square feet of internal space, it will be one of the largest In-N-Out locations, if not the largest. In contrast, the original site in Baldwin Park, California, was a mere 100 square feet.In-N-Out Burger's journey in California is a fascinating one, with its rise to prominence and now facing challenges in maintaining its top position. The opening of new locations shows the brand's continued expansion and commitment to serving its fans. As the fast-food landscape continues to evolve, In-N-Out Burger remains a significant player, and these new developments will surely shape its future in the Golden State and beyond.