Chick-fil-A dethroned as U.S. favorite fast food restaurant – here’s what took its place

Americans’ tastes seem to be changing when it comes to fast food.

Millions of people in the U.S. eat fast food every day. According to Drive Research, two in three people consume fast food at least once per week, with 40 percent of Americans using drive-thrus to get their fast food.

USA Today recently released its reader-ranked list of best fast food restaurants in the U.S. While Chick-fil-A has consistently ranked number one in years past, it dropped several places in this year’s rankings.

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The restaurants were chosen by a reader survey, and they were chosen based on food, speed, quality and scale. Fast food giants like McDonald's and Wendy's didn't make the list.

Here are the top 10 fast food restaurant in the U.S. per USA Today:

10. Arby’s

Arby’s was ranked number 10, offering a different selection from the usual burger and fries. The chain is famous for its roast beef sandwiches and curly fries, and it recently brought back potato cakes for a limited time.

9. Zaxby’s

When it comes to chicken restaurants, Zaxby’s is a top contender. It has chicken sandwiches, fingers and wings, but it’s also known for its delicious salads.

8. Popeyes

Popeyes was one of the restaurants involved in the chicken sandwich wars when it released the item in 2019. The New Orleans-based restaurant has a Cajun twist, serving sides like biscuits, mac and cheese, Cajun fries, red beans and rice, coleslaw or mashed potatoes.

7. Taco Bell

Taco Bell is a favorite for those with late night cravings. The Mexican-inspired chain has a unique selection of tacos, burritos, and more, with fan favorites like Nacho Fries and Mexican Pizza.

6. Captain D’s

Captain D’s is a great choice for those looking to avoid red meat. At the fish restaurant, you can get platters of fried catfish or whitefish, grilled salmon, blackened tilapia, or fried salmon.

5. Hardee’s

The food at Hardee’s is just as it sounds: hearty. It’s known for its large, juicy burgers and biscuits made-from-scratch.

4. In-N-Out Burger

In-N-Out has become an icon of the West Coast. The restaurant uses solely fresh ingredients and offers a not-so-secret menu with the option to order your meal “animal style.”

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3. Chick-fil-A

The chicken restaurant – known for being closed on Sundays – has been number one for the last two years. Placing third this year, the restaurant has a variety of chicken-centric dishes.

2. KFC

When you’re in the mood for a bucket of fried chicken, KFC is probably the first restaurant to come to mind. The chain has a secret blend of 11 herbs and spices that make the flavor so delicious.

1. Del Taco

The second taco chain to make the list, Del Taco is a West Coast staple. It offers burritos, quesadillas, nachos, and of course, tacos. You can also get a burger and fries, however.