ASBURY PARK, N.J., Jan. 23 (UPI) -- A telephone survey indicated Americans prefer Wendy's over rival fast-food hamburger chains McDonald's and Burger King.

The poll by Rasmussen Reports, based in Asbury Park, N.J., said 61 percent have, at minimum, a somewhat favorable opinion of Wendy's, which includes 16 percent with a very favorable opinion.


McDonald's comes in second, with 56 percent favorable opinions, including 13 percent very favorable.

Burger King had 51 percent favorable views, with 10 percent very favorable.

People who regularly eat fast-food said they do so mostly because of the cost and convenience, not because they like it.

Wendy's and McDonald's are nearly tied among people who put the flavor of the food first.

Americans generally are still not dining out as much these days, and they say a good, home-cooked meal is their preference.

Forty-three percent said they dine out less frequently than they did six months ago, but the percentage is down 14 points from 57 percent in November 2008.

One thousand adults participated in the nationwide survey conducted Jan. 18-19, with a margin of sampling error of 3 percentage points with a 95 percent level of confidence. All Rasmussen Reports surveys' fieldwork is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research LLC.