Fries have graduated from a menu afterthought to a primary reason consumers pick one fast-food chain over another, according to a new survey released by Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. The Tampa, Fla.-based operator unveiled the findings of its National Fry Audit on July 1, 2026, timed to the brand's National French Fry Day promotion.
Conducted by The Harris Poll among more than 2,000 U.S. adults, the survey found that 60% of Americans admit they have ordered an extra order of fries simply because they did not want to share. It also found that 82% chose a fast-food restaurant specifically because they were craving its fries, while 63% say the quality of the fries is extremely or very important when deciding which fast-food restaurant to visit.
"Our National Fry Audit proves Americans don't mess around when it comes to fries," said Scott Johnson, Chief Marketing Officer of Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. "People aren't settling for just any fries – they want them hot, crispy and packed with bold flavor. That's exactly why our Famous Seasoned Fries have earned such a loyal following. For us, National French Fry Day is all about celebrating the fans who have made our fries legendary."
What Separates Good Fries From Great Ones
The National Fry Audit drilled into the attributes consumers value most, along with the shortcomings they encounter:
- 75% of Americans say crispiness is extremely or very important when it comes to great French fries.
- 27% say crispiness is the quality most often missing when they order fries at a fast-food restaurant.
- 72% believe serving soggy fries should be considered a food crime.
Generational Divides
The survey also revealed differences across age groups. Boomers (ages 62–80) and Gen X (ages 46–61) are more likely than Millennials (ages 30–45) and Gen Z (ages 18–29) to say fries served hot are extremely or very important — 92% and 91% versus 84% and 79%, respectively.
Conversely, Millennials (64%) and Gen Z (61%) are more likely than Gen X (53%) and Boomers (28%) to say bold seasoning flavor is extremely or very important.
Known for their crispy exterior, fluffy potato interior and signature seasoning blend, Checkers & Rally's Famous Seasoned Fries have become one of the brand's signature menu items.
National French Fry Day Offers
To mark Checkers & Rally's officially moving National French Fry Day to always fall on a Friday, the brand is running two promotions for three days, July 10–12:
- Buy One, Get One FREE Famous Seasoned Fries of any size (excluding Loaded Fries).
- $1 Sauce Trio, featuring three fan-favorite dipping sauces: Secret Sauce, Ranch and Honey Mustard.
Based in Tampa, Fla., Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. operates and franchises both Checkers and Rally's restaurants, with more than 700 locations. The brand has earned industry recognition including "#1 Most Craveable Fries" by Restaurant Business in 2020 and 2018; "Best Franchise Deal" and "Best Drive-Thru in America" by QSR Magazine; "Top Food and Beverage Franchise" by Franchise Business Review; and the "Hot! Again" award from Nation's Restaurant News.
The survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Checkers & Rally's from June 25–29, 2026, among 2,017 adults ages 18 and older. Sample data is accurate to within ±2.7 percentage points using a 95% confidence level.
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