When it comes to setting the stage for romance, New York City men are opting for an affordable but crowd-pleasing choice: Chick-fil-A. According to a recent survey, American men wouldn’t have a problem taking their potential romantic partner to a fast-food joint for their first date, and Chick-fil-A emerged as the top fast-food spot for NYC men.
The Top Fast-Food First Date Spots in the U.S.
A recent survey conducted by DatingNews.com in the United States revealed that more than half of the respondents are comfortable taking their dates to fast-food restaurants to avoid the high costs of upscale dining. In fact, 54% of male respondents wouldn’t hesitate to dine at a fast-food joint, and two-thirds of the female participants said they would have no problem enjoying a fast-food meal on a first date.
Furthermore, the survey revealed that 41 percent of people would be open to a fast-food restaurant if they sensed there would be “good vibes,” and 40 percent valued their dates by being upfront about their budget.
However, the survey revealed that respondents had clear preferences when it came to their choice of fast-food first-date spot. Chick-fil-A topped the list as the most popular chain, followed by McDonald’s in second place. Chick-fil-A was a favorite not only among men in New York City but also in Arkansas, Georgia, and Iowa.
Dairy Queen claimed third place nationwide, but men in Kansas, Colorado, and Utah preferred the classic ice cream chain among all fast-food chains for their first-date spot.
Other popular fast-food choices included Subway, Popeyes, Wendy’s, Taco Bell, Sonic Drive-In, and Pizza Hut. In Wyoming, Kentucky Fried Chicken was a top pick for daters.
Splitting the Bill
The survey also delved into the topic of splitting the bill, finding that 56 percent of those who are open to a fast-food chain date would be happy to share the cost on a first date.
However, the issue of who pays remains a complex one, especially for women. Many women have expressed on social media that they prefer traditional dating norms, where the man covers the cost. They argue that women often incur hidden expenses, such as beauty treatments like manicures, pedicures, and blowouts, to prepare for dates.
Alternatives to Fast-Food Chains as First-Date Spots
While fast-food chains are a popular choice for first dates, many survey respondents expressed a preference for other budget-friendly alternatives, such as visiting a coffee shop or going to the movies.
However, as reported by the Daily Mail, Australian professional dating coach Louanne Ward warns that meeting for coffee on a first date “almost guarantees” no second date. According to Ward, the noisy, crowded setting often feels “boring” and can kill the mood.
Other options for a more laid-back, affordable date included takeout at home, which 24 percent of respondents favored, as well as a fast-food truck crawl or a picnic featuring items from the dollar menu.