Fast food is a quick fix, but some chains are experiencing rough patches that may give you pause when ordering. In 2025, I scrutinized the numbers and X chatter to reveal 15 struggling fast food giants, from pizza parlors to sandwich shops. These chains are losing locations and customer affection due to quality slumps, service problems, or business blunders. My in-home experiments and internet chatter influenced this list. Here’s how to ride these chains out with hints of avoiding disappointment.
- Fast Food’s Rocky Road
The fast food world is cutthroat chains need to provide speed, taste, and value to succeed. These 15 brands, famous though they are, are experiencing store closures and customer complaints. From cold burgers to sluggish service, the complaints are legitimate. Let’s take a look at the top 15 struggling chains and how to get the most out of your visit.
- Dining Smart in 2025
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or craving nostalgia, these chains need careful navigation. My taste tests and X insights offer tips to dodge pitfalls and enjoy what’s still good. From checking freshness to picking peak times, these hacks keep your meal satisfying.
1. Subway
Subway’s sandwich kingdom is crumbling, with thousands of stores closing recently. The chain’s 2024 ACSI rating of 74 indicates declining customer satisfaction. My recent experience was cold and unwelcoming, with sloppy assembly of the sandwich. X users tell of empty stores and indifferent service. It’s a long way from the “Eat Fresh” promise.
Do it better:
- Order at lunch hour for fresher fare.
- Request extra vegetables for more flavor.
- Review store ratings on X for consistency.
The bread and meats tend to be stale, according to online complaints. Inconsistently applied sauces spoil the experience. Some stores stint on ingredients, making sandwiches unbalanced. Look up online reviews for improved stores. Subway’s woes make it a bad choice for lunch.
2. Pizza Hut Traditional
Pizza Hut’s retro appeal red cups and arcade games, anyone is going the way of the dinosaur. More than 1,000 classic stores are gone, leaving the chain a ghost of its former self. My most recent pizza was pre-cooked and tasted stale. X posts cry foul over the diminished quality. The brand can’t seem to regain its former glory.
Crust tends to show up soggy, and toppings are skimpy, according to online complaints. Service can be sluggish, particularly at older stores. Salad bar, once a selling point, is missing or disappointing. Check in during rush hours for the freshest pies. Pizza Hut’s troubles make it hit-or-miss.
Stick to traditional pizzas for consistency, as X users recommend. Steer clear of overpriced specialty foods that fall flat. Look for bargains to get the most value. The chain’s difficulty necessitates precise ordering. Your pizza night deserves better than a lukewarm disappointment.
3. McDonald’s
McDonald’s, the fast food giant, bottomed out with a 2024 ACSI rating of 71. Hundreds of locations have shut down, a warning sign for the Golden Arches. My latest burger was lukewarm, and service was in a hurry. X users refer to it as the “worst” chain for quality. The brand’s dominance erodes.
Make it brief:
- Order breakfast food for improved quality.
- Look in your bag before driving away from the drive-thru.
- Steer clear of rush hours to avoid long wait times.
Fries are soggy, and burgers taste poor, according to online gripes. Mistakes at the drive-thru are frequent, with missing or incorrect items. Breakfast food is better than lunch fare. Go early to get food that’s not sitting around. McDonald’s must improve to restore confidence.
4. Sonic Drive-In
Sonic Drive-In’s retro vibe isn’t saving it from customer gripes. Its 2024 ACSI score of 76 is low, despite a jump. My tots were salty and cold, and service was slow. X users slam the “hollow” fries and sugary menu. The drive-in concept feels dated.
Burgers tend to be served lukewarm, according to online reviews. The high sugar content of the menu deters health-conscious customers. Wait times are lengthy, particularly at peak establishments. Ask for simple fare to minimize delays. Sonic’s troubles make it a risky detour.
Keep to beverages or shakes for improved quality, as X posts advise. Steer clear of complicated orders that clog service. Inspect your food for temperature before consumption. The chain’s problems necessitate careful dining. Your meal ought to be speedy, not disappointing.
5. KFC Traditional
KFC’s “finger lickin’ good” days are in the past, losing 256 locations in recent times. The 2024 ACSI does not place it high, and my popcorn chicken was anemic compared to its 90s high points. X users label new nuggets as “horrible” imitations. The quality of the chain has declined.
Make it delish:
- Get original recipe for old-timey flavor.
- Inspect chicken for freshness before consumption.
- Serve with coleslaw for contrast.
Fried chicken usually tastes greasy or overcooked, according to web gripes. Sides such as mashed potatoes taste bland or cold. Service is extremely inconsistent by location. Go to newer restaurants for improved uniformity. KFC’s decline makes eating a crapshoot.
6. Burger King
Burger King’s flame-broiled heritage is sullied, with 635 restaurants shuttered. My last burger had a cardboard-like taste, the same as X complaints. The 2024 ACSI rating trails behind the competition. Some even sold out of burgers altogether. The “King” is losing its throne.
Service problems, such as blocked drive-thrus, annoy customers, according to online comments. Whoppers usually don’t have the fresh-grilled flavor of the past. Breakfast food is more consistent than lunch. Go early to skip stock problems. Burger King’s troubles necessitate strategic ordering.
Stick to simpler burgers for consistency, as X users suggest. Check your order for accuracy before leaving. Avoid older locations with spotty service. The chain’s woes require savvy choices. Your meal should satisfy, not disappoint.
7. Quiznos
Quiznos’ toasted subs are eclipsed by a ruthless business model. 110 stores lost, the chain’s -34% growth rate is disturbing. My sub the other day was good but overwhelmed by a stressful staff atmosphere. X users reference franchisee grievances against predatory tactics. The brand’s morality is suspect.
Make it fun:
- Order traditional subs for consistent taste.
- Go off-peak for quicker service.
- Check X for local store reviews.
Food quality is inconsistent, with some subs feeling thin, according to online reviews. Slow service angers busy eaters. Toasted bread is a positive, but execution fails. Check reviews for improved locations. Quiznos’ issues extend beyond the menu.
8. Dunkin
Dunkin’s donuts and coffee are losing their steam, with almost 1,000 of them lost. Its 2024 ACSI rating of 77 is flat, dropping in ranks. My coffee was warm, and donuts were stale. X customers turn to competitors such as McDonald’s for coffee. The shine of the brand is wearing off.
Breakfast sandwiches are hit or miss, according to online grievances. Long waits hamper service, particularly at drive-thru stands. Donuts don’t have the just-baked charm of smaller outlets. Go in early for fresher quality. Dunkin’ must perk up to compete.
Keep orders simple for consistency, as X posts indicate. Steer clear of complicated drinks that hold up service. Inspect donuts for freshness before purchasing. The chain’s travails call for wise decisions. Your morning pick-me-up should get the job done.
9. Little Caesars
Little Caesars’ “Hot-N-Ready” guarantee is failing, with 274 stores lost. Its 2024 ACSI score of 75 is low, indicating quality problems. My pizza was greasy and flavorless. X users describe it as forgettable against competitors. The chain is having trouble standing out.
Make it snappy:
- Order cheese pizzas for predictability.
- Inspect pizza for uniform toppings.
- Order ahead to skip waiting.
Crusts tend to be doughy, and toppings are light, according to online reviews. Service may be hasty, resulting in mistakes. Convenience is a selling point, but quality is lacking. Order during busy times for more freshly made pies. Little Caesars’ plight makes it a last choice.
10. Long John Silver’s
Long John Silver’s is barely keeping its head above water, having lost 201 locations and having a -40% growth rate. My fish was soggy, joining X grievances about quality. People wonder how it manages. The seafood menu is old-fashioned. This chain is going down quickly.
Fried foods generally have a stale taste, according to online reviews. The service is slow at most locations. Sides such as hushpuppies are a standout but not consistent. Go to newer locations for improved food. Long John Silver’s shortcomings make it a bad decision.
Stick to shrimp or sides for better quality, as X users suggest. Check fish for freshness before eating. Avoid peak hours to dodge delays. The chain’s issues demand caution. Your meal should satisfy, not baffle.
11. Jack in the Box
Jack in the Box’s non-traditional menu isn’t impressing, even with new sites on the way. Its 72 ACSI score for 2024 is down, and my tacos were flavorless. X users report that the menu is not excellent. With 76 locations closed, the chain can’t seem to impress.
Make it flavorful:
- Order breakfast items for improved quality.
- Inspect tacos for crunch.
- Don’t go late at night for quicker service.
Breakfast items and burgers are very different, according to complaints online. Service is slow, particularly late at night. The tacos are a throwback but usually greasy. Go for lunch for fresher fare. Jack in the Box requires a flavor injection.
12. Papa Murphy’s
Papa Murphy’s take-and-bake pizzas are fresh but lost 166 stores. My pizza was good but took work to bake. X users comment on the hassle versus delivery. The -6% growth rate indicates challenges. The idea isn’t working for everyone.
Toppings may be uneven, according to online feedback. Crusts occasionally bake unevenly at home. The model is suitable for planners but not for busy eaters. Prepare ingredients in advance to make baking easier. Papa Murphy’s must simplify to survive.
Order uncomplicated pizzas for predictable results, according to X posts. Inspect toppings before baking. Bake at the correct temperature for crunchy crusts. The chain’s problems demand planning. Your pizza night should be effortless.
13. Taco Bell Express
Taco Bell Express’ lean menu isn’t rescuing it, with 153 stores lost and a -30% growth rate. My tacos were cold and meager. X users complain that it doesn’t have the whole Taco Bell atmosphere. The format is restrictive. Convenience only isn’t sufficient.
Make it fast:
- Limit your order to quesadillas for consistencies.
- Inspect your purchase before leaving.
- Go to free-standing locations for higher quality.
Service is hasty, causing mistakes, according to online grievances. Quesadillas are better than those with a lot of components. Store-in-mall or gas station locations seem mixed. Use online ordering for consistency. Taco Bell Express can’t get it done.
14. Auntie Anne’s
Auntie Anne’s pretzels are nostalgic but lost 235 stores. My pretzel tasted chewy but service was slow. X users comment that decreasing mall traffic harms the brand. The -8% growth rate is a warning sign. The snack is not enough to carry the flag.
Sweet glazes overwhelm some of the pretzels, according to online reviews. Lines are long in peak hours. Savory flavorings are more reliable than sweet. Go early for pretzels that are fresher. Auntie Anne’s struggles in a changing market.
Order plain or savory pretzels for quality, as X posts suggest. Avoid busy mall hours for faster service. Check for freshness before buying. The chain’s woes require smart timing. Your snack should be a treat, not a hassle.
15. DQ Treat
Dairy Queen’s signature Blizzards stand out, but DQ Treat lost 96 stores with a -9% growth rate. My burger was middling, and the 2024 ACSI score of 74 indicates mixed commentary. X users adore dessert but avoid savory. The chain’s identity is divided.
Ice cream desserts are dependable, hot food is a letdown, according to online reviews. Individual service at each location, some stores being slow. Blizzards are the attraction, not a meal. Just have desserts for satisfaction. DQ Treat must refocus to succeed.
Order sundaes or Blizzards for optimal experience, according to X posts. Shun complicated hot food orders. Go during slow times to zip through. The chain’s plight necessitates dessert-centric options. Your indulgence should please, not let down.
Navigating Fast Food’s Future
These 15 fast food restaurants, from Subway to DQ Treat, are fighting with closures and quality problems. My eating experiments and X insights show where they fail and how to make intelligent decisions. With these suggestions, you can avoid the failures and appreciate what’s still tasty. Choose wisely, and your fast food trip can still be right on target in 2025!
