2 Out Of 3 Considering Fast Food For Valentine's Day, Find Out Rhode Island's Top Spot

A recent survey determined two out of three prospective Valentine's Day diners would consider having fast food on the most romantic day of the year.

"With the cost of living frustratingly high, many couples are quietly rethinking the traditional Valentine’s Day playbook," according to a press release accompanying the results of the survey conducted by financial media company MarketBeat.

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"White-tablecloth restaurants, prix-fixe menus, and eye-watering wine markups are out; drive-thrus, value meals, and 'would you like fries with that?' are very much in," the release said. "In 2026, romance isn’t dead - it’s just been supersized, discounted, and served in a cardboard box."

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MarketBeat polled 3,004 couples, asking them whether they are considering dining at a fast-food restaurant for Valentine’s Day this year.

"The answer was emphatic: 67% said they absolutely are," according to MarketBeat.

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And as far as Rhode Island's top pick for a fast food Valentine's Day dinner, that went to Sonic Drive-In, which the Ocean State has three of, in Cranston, Smithfield and Warwick.

"Sonic appeals to couples who want Valentine’s Day to feel different without trying too hard," the release from MarketBeat said.

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"Eating in the car, sharing fries, sipping something neon — it all feels informal and oddly intimate," according to the release. "There’s no table service awkwardness, no lingering bill, just an easy, slightly retro experience. It’s a choice that says romance doesn’t need ceremony, just good timing and a place where nobody’s dressed up."

Following Sonic for the top Valentine's Day fast food picks were Chick-fil-A (fortunately Valentine's isn't on a Sunday this year), Dairy Queen, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell.

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