We all have opinions about restaurants, especially chain eateries, where experiences can vary wildly depending on where you go. While some chains consistently delight customers with quality food and service, others must catch up. According to a recent study, one restaurant chain stands out as the worst in America. Spoiler alert: It’s a significant competitor of Taco Bell.
CouponBirds, a coupon and discount site, has just released new data on the best and worst chain restaurants in the U.S. The study analyzed more than 160,000 Google reviews of various chain restaurants nationwide, making it one of the most comprehensive looks at customer satisfaction.
The report considered only restaurants with four or more locations and used a weighted average to ensure that chains with higher reviews were independent of the rankings.
So, which chain took the undesirable title of the worst in America? Let’s dive in.
Taco John’s Ranked as the Worst Restaurant Chain in America
Topping the list of America’s worst chain restaurants is Taco John’s, a popular fast-food chain in the Midwest and Northwest. Known for its signature Potato Olés (crispy seasoned potato nuggets), Taco John’s received the lowest average rating in the study: 2.61 out of 5 stars. With more than 350 locations, it’s a well-known competitor of Taco Bell in Mexican-inspired fast food.
Despite having a loyal fan base, especially for its seasoned potatoes and tacos, Taco John’s received consistently low customer reviews. Complaints ranged from poor service to inconsistent food quality, pushing it to the bottom of the ranking.
McDonald’s Comes in Second
Surprisingly, McDonald’s—the biggest fast-food chain in the world—wasn’t far behind Taco John’s. With an average rating of just 2.75, it ranked as the second-worst restaurant chain in the U.S. This result might shock many, given McDonald’s global dominance. Still, it seems that the chain isn’t living up to expectations when it comes to customer satisfaction.
The low score likely reflects a range of issues that often plague McDonald’s locations, such as long wait times, order inaccuracies, and declining food quality, as highlighted by numerous online reviews.
Other Chains That Made the Worst List
In addition to Taco John’s and McDonald’s, other restaurant chains that received poor marks include:
- Bobby’s Burgers with an average score of 2.84 out of 5.
- Wahlburgers (locations inside Hy-Vee stores) with a score of 2.85.
- Popeyes, another fast-food giant, earned a rating of 2.90.
These ratings reflect mixed customer experiences with food preparation, cleanliness, and customer service issues.
The Best Chain Restaurants: Chick-fil-A Leads the Pack
While the study revealed some chains that aren’t faring so well, it highlighted the top performers. Topping the list of the best chain restaurants in America is Chick-fil-A. With an impressive rating of 3.95 out of 5, this chicken-centric fast-food chain continues to win over customers with its famous chicken sandwiches, waffle fries, and consistently friendly service. Chick-fil-A has long been praised for its customer-first approach, and this study confirms its status as a favorite among fast-food lovers.
Five Guys and Jersey Mike’s Also Rank High
Not far behind Chick-fil-A is Five Guys, which scored 3.85 out of 5. Known for its freshly made burgers and endless topping options, Five Guys has built a reputation for serving high-quality, customizable meals, setting it apart in the crowded fast-food burger market.
Jersey Mike’s Subs rounded out the top three with a rating of 3.76. The sub sandwich chain is known for its fresh ingredients, with many customers praising the made-to-order sandwiches and generous portions.
Medium-Sized Chains: In-N-Out Burger Shines
Regarding medium-sized chains (those between 100 and 1,000 locations), In-N-Out Burger came out on top with a remarkable score of 4.21. A favorite on the West Coast, In-N-Out is well-known for its high-quality burgers, fresh ingredients, and a simple yet effective menu. The brand has a dedicated following, often with lines that stretch around the block, and its high score in this study is a testament to its continued success.
Other top medium-sized chains include Dave’s Hot Chicken, which earned a score of 4.11, and Chicken Salad Chick, which earned 4.09. These chains have seen significant growth in recent years and gained a loyal customer base with their unique offerings.
Small Chains: Acai Republic Takes the Crown
For small chains with between four and 100 locations, the study crowned the Acai Republic as the best, with an impressive rating of 4.44. This health-focused eatery specializes in acai bowls and smoothies, offering a nutritious and refreshing option for customers looking for something lighter.
Nautical Bowls (4.39) and Hawaiian Bros Island Grill (4.38) also scored high in the small chain category, reflecting a growing trend of health-conscious and globally inspired cuisine in the U.S.
What Does This Study Mean for Consumers?
While taste is subjective, and every restaurant can have good and bad days, this study provides a comprehensive look at customer experiences across some of the biggest names in the U.S. dining scene. It offers consumers insight into which chains deliver consistently satisfying meals and which may need to step up their game.
Taco John’s, McDonald’s, and other poorly rated chains may want to improve consistency, service, and overall quality to change their reputation among customers. On the flip side, high performers like Chick-fil-A, Five Guys, and In-N-Out Burger can continue to thrive by maintaining the elements that keep customers returning.
As the restaurant industry continues to evolve, particularly with the rise of healthier and more niche dining options, it will be interesting to see how these chains adapt. For now, customers are becoming more discerning, and chains prioritizing quality and service are reaping the rewards.
If you’re curious about how your favorite chain stacks up, check out the full CouponBirds report to see where it ranks among America’s best and worst restaurants.