When it comes to first dates, Mississippi men aren’t shy about choosing fast food over fine dining, with Chick-fil-A emerging as the top pick in a recent survey. Conducted by DatingNews, the survey asked 3,000 men across the state about their preferences for budget-friendly first-date spots.

The findings revealed that over half (54%) of Mississippi men would happily skip the expense of fine dining and opt for a fast food outing instead. Women largely seemed agreeable, with two-thirds saying they wouldn’t mind a first date at a fast food restaurant, citing the focus on connection over cost.

Chick-fil-A was overwhelmingly named the favorite spot, followed by McDonald’s in second place and Dairy Queen in third.

Survey respondents highlighted several reasons why a fast food date can still be romantic. Forty-one percent of women said good vibes and a fun atmosphere could make any date enjoyable, while 40% appreciated the honesty of a partner who is upfront about their budget. Additionally, 19% valued the affordability paired with good food.

Mississippians also shared alternative budget-friendly date ideas. Coffee shop meetups ranked highest at 26%, followed by movie marathons with takeout (24%) and food truck hopping combined with a stroll around town (23%). A smaller group (15%) favored fast food outings, while picnics featuring dollar-menu items came in last at 12%.

Interestingly, 56% of survey participants said they would be open to splitting the bill on a fast food date, further emphasizing the practicality of prioritizing connection over cost.

As inflation and financial pressures rise, the findings suggest that first dates in the Magnolia State may be more about building relationships than breaking the bank—and perhaps a little Chick-fil-A charm doesn’t hurt, either.