Kentuckians' increase in fast-food visits from 2020 to 2021 was larger than the U.S. average, a national survey finds

Kentuckians' visits to fast-food restaurants this year are running 42 percent ahead of last year, a bigger increase than the U.S. average of 33%, according to a survey by marketing firm Top Data.

The pandemic was bad for fast food, but the industry recovered strongly by the end of April 2021, led by burger chains, the survey found. Sonic was first with a 102% increase; McDonald's was second, at 59%, followed by Wendy's and Burger King at 43% and 39%, respectively.

Kentucky's 42% increase was 20th in the nation and was more than most bordering states. Illinois was third at 58%, West Virginia was eighth at 50%, and Missouri 22nd at 40%.