This restaurant is so popular even Walker Hayes wrote a song about it.

Remember the big hit, Fancy Like?

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Everyone was singing and dancing along to the words..."Yeah, we fancy like Applebee's on a date night. Got that Bourbon Street steak with the Oreo shake. Get some whipped cream on the top, too. Two straws, once check, girl I got you."

Love that song! And New Jersey LOVES this restaurant.

FinanceBuzz collected data to see which fast-casual chain restaurants were the most popular nationwide.

New Jersey has many fast-casual restaurants, but what would you say if you had to pick your favorite?

Read More: ‘BEST’ Fast Food Restaurant In The Country Has 61 New Jersey Locations

What is New Jersey's favorite fast casual chain restaurant?

The answer is Applebee's and it's not just New Jersey's favorite.

Nearly 20 percent of the country agrees! Applebee's took the top spot in nine states total.

This restaurant is super popular in the Northeastern region of the country, which is home to where six of those nine states are located, including Pennsylvania and Delaware.

  • Waffle House came in second place. It's the favorite restaurant chain in seven states.
  • Denny’s, IHOP, Chili’s, and Buffalo Wild Wings are the only other chains on the list that are favorites in three or more states.

There are 55 Applebee's throughout New Jersey so you don't have to travel too far to find one.

The restaurant first opened back in 1980 and remains a favorite all these years later.

You can find the full study, here.

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