By Sammy Paget
When it comes to comfort food, nothing hits quite like fast food. Whether you’re craving a Whopper or a Big Mac, Burger King and McDonald’s have been battling it out for the top spot in our hearts (and stomachs) for decades. But what happens when we take that battle local? How do these fast-food giants stack up when it comes to Google reviews across the United States?
We decided to dive into the data, pulling Google reviews for every Burger King and McDonald’s location in the USA—over 20,000 locations in total—to see who comes out on top. This is the Big Brand Review Showdown!
The Big Review Showdown: Who Wins the Battle Royale (with Cheese)?
Let’s get to the good stuff. After analyzing the average Google review ratings for each state, we found:
Burger King reigns supreme in 23 states.
McDonald’s dominates in 19 states (plus the District of Columbia).
In 8 states, the two giants are tied.
On a national level, both brands hover around an average Google rating of 3.5 stars, so it’s a pretty close race. But in the end, Burger King edges out McDonald’s, taking the crown with more states in its pocket.
Burger King: Where Does the King Reign Supreme? 🍔
Burger King’s stronghold is in the central states. New York, South Dakota, and West Virginia all boast the highest average ratings for Burger King at 3.7 stars. But not all is rosy for the King—New Hampshire trails with a low 2.9-star average, highlighting some potential issues in customer satisfaction.
One standout location for Burger King is 3040 Ella Blvd in Houston, Texas, which holds the title for the highest-rated Burger King in the country with a stellar 4.4 stars. Shout out to the team there for nailing the customer service game!
McDonald’s: Where Are People Lovin’ It Most? 🍟
On the flip side, McDonald’s seems to have a coastal stronghold, with Hawaii leading the pack at 3.8 stars. Utah, however, drags down the golden arches with an average rating of 3.2 stars.
The most-reviewed McDonald’s in the nation, located at 6875 Sand Lake Rd in Orlando, Florida—also known as the World’s Largest Entertainment McDonald’s—has racked up an eye-popping 18,590 reviews. Despite the massive volume, it maintains a solid 4.0-star rating, proving that even in high-traffic locations, McDonald’s can still deliver.
Nuggets of Information
Here are some tasty tidbits from our deep dive into the data:
The top-rated fast food outlet overall is Burger King on 3040 Ella Blvd in Houston, Texas, with a 4.4-star rating.
Hawaii is the state with the highest average review rating across both brands.
Together, the 7,216 Burger King locations across the USA have amassed 4.06 million Google reviews.
The 13,247 McDonald’s locations in the USA have garnered a whopping 16.3 million Google reviews.
What Can Burger King and McDonald’s Learn From Their Local Business Reviews?
While Burger King may have won more states, both brands have areas that need improvement. For example, New Hampshire’s low ratings for Burger King highlight the importance of addressing customer complaints. Meanwhile, McDonald’s should take note of the high review volumes at locations like the Orlando McDonald’s and the potential pitfalls of scale.
One thing’s for sure: even the biggest brands can’t afford to ignore their local business reviews. Keywords like “disgusting,” “cold,” and “rude” can pop up front and center on Google, steering potential customers toward competitors.
Finger Lickin’ Competition
With fast food options aplenty, the competition is fierce. When negative reviews start piling up, it’s easy for customers to take their cravings elsewhere. That’s why it’s crucial for franchisees and business owners to stay on top of their reviews, respond to feedback, and ensure that their locations maintain consistent, high-quality service.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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