A man with a surprised expression is in front of two fast-food restaurants, one McDonald's and the other Burger King.
CONSUMER AFFAIRS

McDonald's and Burger King get a rude awakening: this is the chain that is dominating in the United States

McDonald’s and Burger King dominate the global fast food scene, but another chain has won over American palates

In the United States, talking about hamburgers is practically talking about identity. Few foods represent American culture as well as this classic combination of bread, meat, and cheese. In every city, regardless of size, there is a restaurant or chain where locals enjoy their favorite version.

This love for hamburgers transcends generations. Entire families gather around a hamburger, whether at a drive-thru or a long-standing restaurant. That's why, when a new ranking reveals which is the best cheeseburger in the United States, the news spreads like wildfire.

A thoughtful man with a United States flag waving in the background.
In the United States, talking about hamburgers is practically talking about identity | Syda Productions, en.e-noticies.cat, Getty Images Signature de Bulgac, Getty Images Pro de Nikodash

McDonald’s and Burger King do not lead the ranking

The major fast food chains, such as McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s, are usually the most recognized in the global market. Their hamburgers are found in almost every corner of the planet and are part of the daily lives of millions of people. However, they are not always the ones that win over the most demanding palates.

The specialized website Chowhound decided to find out which is the best cheeseburger in the United States. Their ranking of the top five options has surprised many, especially because of the name that occupies the top spot.

Among the top 5 are some iconic chains: the ShackBurger from Shake Shack, the Cheeseburger from Five Guys, the Our Burger from Wahlburgers, and the Quarter Pounder from McDonald’s. But none of them managed to take the throne from the winner.

Storefronts of the fast food restaurants McDonald's and Burger King side by side; both located in the United States.
McDonald’s and Burger King do not lead the ranking | Google Maps, en.e-noticies.cat

Culver’s and its ButterBurger, the new queen of flavor in the United States

The big winner was Culver’s, a chain founded in 1984 in Sauk City, Wisconsin. Its star product, the ButterBurger, took first place and has been described as a unique experience by Chowhound’s experts.

This hamburger stands out for the quality of its ingredients and for a distinctive detail. The bun is lightly spread with butter before being toasted, which gives it an unmistakable flavor and texture. It is precisely that touch that has won over thousands of diners.

Although Culver’s has a presence throughout the United States, its strength is in the Midwest. The chain was born in this region and keeps its largest number of restaurants there. Without a doubt, the brand is synonymous with quality and local pride.

Culver’s success shows that in the competitive world of fast food, there is still room for authentic offerings. Consumers increasingly value quality, flavor, and tradition, even above the size or fame of a chain.

So, while giants like McDonald’s and Burger King continue to dominate the global market, Culver’s has won the heart of the United States with a hamburger that combines simplicity, tradition, and genuine flavor. This is a lesson that makes it clear that, when it comes to hamburgers, the throne can always change hands.

➡️ Consumer Affairs

More posts: