Coke vs. Pepsi: A Guide to Which Major US Restaurants Serve Each Soda

One of the most well-known soft drinks in the world, Coca-Cola is available in nearly all of the major fast-food franchises in the US. Some of the popular US restaurants that serve Coke are listed below: Fortunately, there are sources that provide a comprehensive list of locations serving Coke or Pepsi. 

For instance, a Business Insider article indicates that more than a dozen well-known businesses, such as Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut, serve Pepsi. 

However, the majority of prominent fast food chains in the US prefer to serve Coke products over those made by rival PepsiCo, according to Mashed. 

It is important to keep in mind that restaurants choose which cola to provide after carefully considering their business needs.

Major US Restaurants that Serve Coke

Coca-Cola, one of the most well-known soft drinks in the world, is available in virtually every prominent fast-food establishment in the US. 

The following are some well-known US restaurants that serve Coke:

• McDonald’s: McDonald’s is one of the largest fast-food chains in the world, and it serves Coca-Cola products in all of its locations. In fact, McDonald’s has a long-standing partnership with Coca-Cola, and the two companies have worked together for over 60 years.
  
• Burger King: Burger King is another major fast-food chain that serves Coca-Cola products. The company has a partnership with Coca-Cola, and it serves Coke, Sprite, and Fanta in all of its locations.
  
• Wendy’s: Wendy’s is a popular fast-food chain that serves Coca-Cola products in all of its locations. The company has a partnership with Coca-Cola, and it serves Coke, Sprite, and Fanta.
  
• Subway: Subway is a popular sandwich chain that serves Coca-Cola products in all of its locations. The company has a partnership with Coca-Cola, and it serves Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and Fanta.
  
• Taco Bell: Taco Bell is a fast-food chain that serves Coca-Cola products in all of its locations. The company has a partnership with Coca-Cola, and it serves Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and Fanta.
  
• KFC: KFC is a popular fried chicken chain that serves Coca-Cola products in all of its locations. The company has a partnership with Coca-Cola, and it serves Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and Fanta.
  
• Chick-fil-A: Chick-fil-A is a popular fast-food chain that serves Coca-Cola products in all of its locations. The company has a partnership with Coca-Cola, and it serves Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and Fanta.
  

Overall, when it comes to fast-food chains, Coca-Cola is the undisputed victor. 

It is available in the majority of the country’s well-known fast-food restaurants, including McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Subway, Taco Bell, KFC, and Chick-fil-A.

Major US Restaurants that Serve Pepsi

Many major US restaurants serve Pepsi products. Some of the most popular chains that serve Pepsi include:

• Taco Bell
• KFC
• Pizza Hut
• Applebee’s
• IHOP
• Hooters

In contrast to fast food establishments, PepsiCo goods are frequently available at restaurants with a more formal atmosphere. 

This is probably because PepsiCo offers more beverage options than just cola, including Tropicana and Gatorade.

In light of their collaborations and agreements, some restaurants may alternate between serving Pepsi and Coca-Cola products. 

For instance, according to Yahoo, the well-known Midwest business Culver’s recently switched from Pepsi to Coca-Cola products.

Overall, Pepsi products can still be found at many well-known US restaurants, especially those that provide sit-down dining experiences, even though Coca-Cola may be the obvious winner in terms of numbers.

Regional Differences in Coke vs Pepsi Availability

There are certain regional variations to take in mind when comparing Coke and Pepsi’s availability in well-known US restaurants. 

There are some notable exceptions to the rule that the majority of the country’s large fast food franchises serve Coca-Cola products over PepsiCo’s.

As an illustration, regional businesses like Culver’s and Hardee’s serve only Pepsi products in the Midwest. 

On the other hand, Coke products are more common in most eateries in the South.

In recent years, certain specific restaurant chains have switched from one brand to another in addition to regional variations. 

For instance, Culver’s declared in 2023 that it was switching from Pepsi to Coca-Cola products. 

According to reports, this choice was based on a strategic business decision, as restaurants base their cola selection on aspects including cost, taste, and brand loyalty.

It’s also important to remember that while the majority of US restaurants carry Coke or Pepsi products, there are several smaller chains and independent eateries that provide alternatives. 

For instance, certain eateries might substitute RC Cola or Dr. Pepper for Coke or Pepsi.

Overall, it’s crucial to keep in mind that there are certain geographical variations and particular chain selections to take into consideration when it comes to the availability of Coke vs. Pepsi in popular US restaurants. 

However, Coca-Cola products are typically more freely accessible in fast food restaurants and chains nationwide.

Factors Influencing Restaurant Choice of Coke or Pepsi

Restaurants weigh a number of factors before deciding whether to serve Coke or Pepsi. 

The following are some of the main variables that affect their decision:

Brand Loyalty

Brand loyalty is among the most important elements that affect a restaurant’s decision between Coke and Pepsi. 

Some restaurants are cautious to move to another brand because they have long-standing relationships with the first. 

For instance, since 1955, McDonald’s has only offered Coke, and since 1983, Burger King has only offered Pepsi.

Regional Preferences

Regional preferences are another aspect that affects a restaurant’s decision between Coke and Pepsi.

The preference for one brand over another is stronger in some areas of the United States. For instance, Coke is more well-liked in the South whereas Pepsi is more well-liked in the Midwest.

As a result, in order to suit local tastes, restaurants in certain areas can decide to serve the more well-known brand.

Marketing and Promotions

The decision between Coke and Pepsi at a restaurant might also be influenced by marketing and promotions.

To draw in new customers and keep existing ones, both brands make significant investments in marketing and promotional efforts.

Restaurants may decide to support a specific brand based on the effectiveness of its marketing initiatives and promotions.

Cost and Availability

The final factors that can affect a restaurant’s decision between Coke and Pepsi are price and availability.

One brand could be more expensive or challenging to find than the other, depending on the area and the size of the business.

In some instances, restaurants may decide to serve the less expensive or widely accessible brand to reduce costs and guarantee a steady supply.

Overall, restaurants examine a range of criteria when deciding whether to serve Coke or Pepsi, including brand loyalty, regional preferences, marketing and promotions, cost and availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

In conclusion, Coca-Cola is typically served over PepsiCo in the country’s biggest fast-food franchises.

According to Mashed, most chains make a considered business decision over which cola to serve.

Taco Bell and KFC are two examples of chains that continue to sell Pepsi products.

Pepsi and Coca-Cola are the exclusive beverage suppliers for Pizza Hut and Domino’s, respectively, according to Business Insider.

It’s important to note that certain chains have changed their beverage partners from Pepsi to Coca-Cola or vice versa, which has led some customers to voice their dissatisfaction with the shift.

For instance, CNN reports that when Culver’s switched from Pepsi to Coca-Cola in January 2023, Pepsi supporters were furious.