A nationwide survey of 3,004 couples conducted by MarketBeat in January 2026 found that Chick-fil-A ranks as the top fast-food choice for Valentine’s Day among couples in Maryland, amid a broader trend toward affordable, low-pressure celebrations driven by persistent inflation.
The poll, released January 22, 2026, asked respondents if they would consider fast-food dining for Valentine’s Day on February 14, 2026. Sixty-seven percent answered yes, signaling a shift away from traditional upscale dinners toward familiar, budget-friendly options.
MarketBeat, a financial media company focused on stock market news and consumer trends, framed the results as a snapshot of how rising costs influence discretionary spending and romantic plans. In Maryland, Chick-fil-A led the list, followed by McDonald’s, Domino’s, Dairy Queen, and Taco Bell. The company attributes Chick-fil-A’s appeal to its blend of reliability, polite service, and perceived quality that feels like a step above typical fast food without high costs.
McDonald’s secured second place for its nostalgic familiarity and dependability, often tied to shared memories like late-night fries or McFlurries. Domino’s ranked third, valued for convenient delivery that eliminates timing stress and allows relaxed evenings at home. Dairy Queen came in fourth, chosen for playful, dessert-focused treats like Blizzards that emphasize spontaneity and comfort over formality. Taco Bell rounded out the top five, selected by couples who approach the holiday with humor, customization, and low-key vibes.
The survey uncovered additional insights into shifting attitudes. Sixty-eight percent of respondents said a limited-edition Valentine’s menu would sway their restaurant pick. Among those opting for fast food, key reasons included lower cost at 28 percent, nostalgia or shared memories at 20 percent, partner preference at 18 percent, reduced pressure and relaxation at 16 percent, convenience at 10 percent, and humor or casual approach at 8 percent.
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Eighty-two percent viewed fast-food dates as increasingly acceptable for special occasions, while 54 percent reported that inflation had altered their Valentine’s Day spending plans. Gender breakdowns showed 38 percent of men seeing fast food as a comfort purchase, 28 percent as a small indulgence, 24 percent as something to cut back on, and 10 percent as a budget necessity. Seventy-four percent of women said they would be comfortable splitting the bill at a fast-food spot.
Matt Paulson, founder of MarketBeat, commented, “We are seeing a broader trend where couples are prioritizing affordability, comfort, and shared experiences over formality. When prices rise, people naturally gravitate toward options that still let them enjoy the day without financial pressure. Fast food simply fits the cultural moment: it’s accessible, it’s familiar, and for many couples, it turns Valentine’s Day into something warm and fun rather than expensive or stressful.”
MarketBeat published an interactive map displaying each state’s top fast-food pick for the holiday, with Chick-fil-A dominating in many regions including Maryland. The methodology involved an online panel with responses balanced for age, gender, and geography, using stratified sampling and post-stratification weighting for national representativeness.
In Southern Maryland, where communities like St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Charles counties include numerous Chick-fil-A locations in places such as Lexington Park and Waldorf, the preference aligns with local dining patterns favoring quick, family-friendly chains. The findings highlight how economic factors continue to reshape holiday traditions in the region, where fast-food outlets remain staples for everyday and occasional outings.