Fast food chains are a staple in American dining, providing quick, convenient meals at affordable prices. From McDonald’s to Chick-fil-A, these popular fast-food restaurants are the top choice for many Americans.
But not all fast-food places are the same in terms of how good the food is, how well they serve customers, and how happy customers are. Thanks to a recent study by CouponBirds, we now have a clearer picture of which fast food chains are America’s favorite—and which are struggling to impress.
In this article, we’ll break down the best and worst fast food chains in America based on customer ratings so you know exactly where to stop (or avoid) for your next meal.
Top-Rated and Lowest-Rated Chains
Chick-fil-A Tops the Chart as America’s Favorite Fast Food Chain
In September, CouponBirds collected data that shows Chick-fil-A is the top fast-food restaurant in the US. It got a high rating of 3.95 out of 5 from customers.
Chick-fil-A is popular for its chicken sandwiches and waffle fries. The study grouped restaurants by size & Chick-fil-A is in the “super-chain” category with over 1,000 locations across the country.
Chick-fil-A does well because they are nice to customers, serve food quickly, and always make sure the food tastes good. Chick-fil-A is usually rated high by customers in surveys.
Five Guys and Jersey Mike’s Trail Behind
While Chick-fil-A took the top spot, Five Guys and Jersey Mike’s Subs followed closely behind in the super-chain category. Five Guys is famous for its burgers & fries that you can customize.
They got a rating of 3.85 out of 5. Jersey Mike’s, a popular sub sandwich place, got a rating of 3.76 out of 5. Both places are known for using good, fresh ingredients, which is why they have high ratings.
Other notable mentions include Waffle House and Starbucks, which rounded out the top five in this study. These chains have won over many Americans’ hearts (and stomachs).
In-N-Out Dominates the Medium-Sized Chain Category
Regarding medium-sized chains, which consist of restaurants with 100 to 1,000 locations, In-N-Out took the crown. The iconic West Coast burger joint received a stellar rating of 4.21 out of 5, solidifying its place as a fan favorite. In-N-Out is popular for its basic menu and good burgers, especially in California.
The Acai Republic Wins for Small Chains
In the small chain category, featuring restaurants with four to 100 locations, Acai Republic emerged as the winner with an impressive rating of 4.44 out of 5. This fast-growing chain specializes in acai bowls and smoothies, and its healthy, delicious options have made it a top choice for many health-conscious consumers.
Taco John’s Ranks as the Worst Fast Food Chain in America
On the other hand, Taco John’s was named the worst fast food chain in America, with a rating of 2.61 out of 5. They are known for their Tex-Mex food like tacos, burritos, and Potato Olés. Taco John’s has had trouble meeting customer expectations due to problems with food quality and slow service.
Other chains that didn’t fare well include McDonald’s, which received a surprisingly low rating of 2.75 out of 5, and Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay, Wahlburgers at Hy-Vee, and Popeyes, which followed close behind in the worst-rated list. McDonald’s low score is astounding given its massive global following, but perhaps the frustrations over its frequently broken soft-serve machines contributed to the disappointing rating.
Conclusion:
While fast food is a significant part of American culture, this recent data shows that not all chains win over customers equally. Chick-fil-A continues to impress with its service and food quality, while Taco John’s and others have some catching up.
As the fast food landscape evolves, customer reviews will play a pivotal role in determining which chains rise to the top and which fall behind. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a quick bite, consider these rankings before choosing!
