Americans Prioritize Their Fries: Insights from the National Fry Audit

Sharing May Be Caring, But Not for French Fries

In a recent survey known as the Checkers & Rally's National Fry Audit, conducted by The Harris Poll among over 2,000 U.S. adults, it has been revealed that a striking 60% of Americans have ordered an additional serving of fries solely to avoid having to share. This fascinating insight into the world of fast-food conventions coincides perfectly with the upcoming National French Fry Day, which Checkers & Rally's is celebrating by offering a superb deal: purchase one order of Famous Seasoned Fries and receive another for free, along with a trio of dipping sauces for just $1. This promotional event will be available from July 10 to 12.

The survey results highlight a nationwide appreciation for fries, showing that 82% of participants chose a fast-food restaurant based on their craving for its fries. Additionally, 63% of respondents emphasize that the quality of fries is extremely important when selecting a place to eat. It's clear that fries have evolved into more than just a side dish; they're now a central focus of the fast-food experience.

Scott Johnson, the Chief Marketing Officer of Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc., commented on these findings, stating, "Our National Fry Audit proves Americans take their fries seriously. They aren't settling for mediocre fries; they demand them to be hot, crispy, and bursting with flavor. Our Famous Seasoned Fries have developed a devoted following for these reasons. For us, National French Fry Day is a celebration of our fans who have contributed to the legend of our fries."

The audit has also uncovered valuable insights regarding the qualities that make fries exceptional. A whopping 75% of Americans believe that crispiness is a vital aspect of great french fries. Furthermore, 27% of participants noted that crispiness is often lacking in fries served at fast-food outlets. A striking 72% believe that serving soggy fries should be considered a culinary offense.

Interestingly, the survey brings to light generational preferences when it comes to fries. Baby Boomers (ages 62-80) and Generation X (ages 46-61) placed a higher emphasis on receiving fries hot, with 92% and 91% respectively considering this crucial, compared to 84% of Millennials (ages 30-45) and 79% of Generation Z (ages 18-29). On the flip side, Millennials (64%) and Generation Z (61%) were more inclined to prioritize bold flavors in seasonings compared to their older counterparts, with only 53% of Generation X and 28% of Boomers seeing this as critically important.

Checkers & Rally's Famous Seasoned Fries are renowned for their crispy exterior, fluffy potato inside, and special seasoning blend, effectively making them a highlight of the restaurant's offerings. Given that three in four Americans consider crispiness essential, and with more than one in four acknowledging this characteristic as frequently missing from their fast-food fry experiences, it's apparent that fry enthusiasts have a strong understanding of their preferences.

To celebrate National French Fry Day, which has now officially been designated to occur on a Friday, Checkers & Rally's has introduced two enticing offers, running from July 10 to July 12:

- Buy One, Get One FREE on their Famous Seasoned Fries of any size (note: Loaded Fries are excluded).
- A $1 Sauce Trio featuring popular dipping sauces such as Secret Sauce, Ranch, and Honey Mustard.

Whether you’re someone who jealously guards every fry, orders 'just in case' extras, or feels that serving soggy fries should be a punishable offense, Checkers & Rally's is inviting fry lovers nationwide to celebrate National French Fry Day with fries that America simply cannot get enough of.

For further information on hours of operation or to find your nearest participating Checkers or Rally's locations, visit Checkers.com. Stay connected to Checkers & Rally's on social media by following their updates on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

About Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc.

Based in Tampa, Florida, Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. is a prominent and innovative drive-thru restaurant chain, celebrated for its adventurous flavor offerings, quality Famous Seasoned Fries, exceptional value, and a people-first approach. Operating over 700 locations and expanding rapidly, Checkers & Rally's continues to make its mark in the fast-food industry. The brand prides itself on creating opportunities for its franchisees and employees, contributing actively to their communities. In recent years, Checkers & Rally's has received several prestigious accolades including '#1 Most Craveable Fries' by Restaurant Business in 2020 and 2018, among other notable mentions.

Survey Methodology

The National Fry Audit survey was conducted online in the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Checkers & Rally's between June 25-29, 2026, involving 2,017 adults aged 18 and older. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured using a Bayesian credible interval, with the sample data accurate to within plus or minus 2.7 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. Specific subgroup analyses may produce wider credible intervals.

For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact [email protected].