5 of the Top 20 Most Popular Fast Food Places in the US Sadly Aren’t in Maine

Maine may be a top destination for foodies (Portland was even named a top foodie city by Redbook magazine), but sometimes you just want to chow down on some fast food. We get it.

Eat This, Not That! recently listed the most popular fast-food chains in the United States for 2024, and surprisingly, five out of the top 20 restaurants aren't in Maine at all.

Maybe one day?

Baskin Robbins

It's still hard to believe that Baskin Robbins was ranked as the No. 1 most popular fast food place on the list, but the ice cream spot is nowhere to be found in the Pine Tree State (or New Hampshire).

While you'd have to drive to Massachusetts if you wanted some BR, the no. 2 most popular fast food place, Dairy Queen, could serve as your ice cream substitute if needed. There are 22 of those in Maine.

Cinnabon and Krispy Kreme

Cinnabon and Krispy Kreme, your baked goods fast food places, also made the top 20 list. As of 2024, they don't have any spots in Maine.

However, that wasn't always the case.

The Maine Mall in South Portland did have a Cinnabon where you could grab a quick treat while shopping, and Boston.com reported that unfortunately, the Auburn and Saco Krispy Kremes closed in 2020.

Good thing New England staple Dunkin' has over 150 locations in Maine.

As for the final two spots in the top 20 of the most popular list without locations in Maine? That would be A&W Restaurant and Sonic.

A&W Restaurant

A&W did exist in Maine at one point. A location on Main Street in South Portland opened back in the '50s. You can see a picture of it here. There also was one in Kittery and one at the Brunswick Naval Air Station in Brunswick for a short time.

Sonic

Sonic, on the other hand, has yet to open a spot in Maine, despite numerous Mainers calling for one.

You can certainly make a road trip to Massachusetts if you want to hit up the fast food spot.

Interestingly, according to a press release, Sonic was acquired in 2018 by Inspire Brands, which just so happens to have a "restaurant portfolio [that] includes Arby’s [and] Buffalo Wild Wings."

And both Arby's and Buffalo Wild Wings have multiple locations in Maine, so maybe there's hope for a future Sonic? Maybe?

Would you want any of these spots to open (or return) to Maine? What other fast food restaurants does Maine not have that you'd love to see open a location?

You can check out the full list of the most popular fast foods here.