Fast food is all but integrated into the fabric of American culture quick, affordable, and just the thing for a road trip rest stop or a hectic day. And yet, as our palates evolve and we begin to demand more from our meals, certain chains simply aren’t doing the trick. Humans aren’t afraid to complain about their grievances, and reports like the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), last revised in June 2024, and discussion on sites like Yelp, Reddit, and Twitter reveal which establishments are failing. From misplaced orders to cold fries, these establishments are being called out on it. Here’s a glance at 15 fast food joints that just continue to reappear on America’s “least favourite” lists, according to ACSI scores, social media sentiments, and customer feedback, with all the facts maintained in their original form.
1. McDonald’s
McDonald’s is the emblem of fast food, with those famous Golden Arches everywhere you turn. But it’s not winning people over these days. The 2024 ACSI survey assigned it a paltry 71 out of 100, last among 24 chains, despite a small gain over 2023. It’s far behind spots like Chick-fil-A or Five Guys. The Daring Kitchen’s foray into 180,000 tweets discovered McDonald’s to be the most hated chain in 11 states, from Alabama to Vermont. A 2021 RAVE Reviews survey and CouponBirds.com poll, rating it 2.75 out of 5, support this. Customers complain it’s in a rut new products such as the Smoky BLT Quarter Pounder taste like old concepts. Even changes such as eliminating plastic utensils in the U.K. drew criticism. McDonald’s can’t seem to get a break.
2. Burger King
Burger King, where the Whopper reigns, is tied with McDonald’s for “most hated.” Twitter analysis by The Daring Kitchen declared it the most-hated chain in 15 states, such as California and Oklahoma. In a Jeff Bet survey, analysing Tripadvisor reviews, it was ranked second-worst with a 3.011 out of 5. Patrons aren’t happy, period, whether it’s the food, service, or something in between. The atmosphere is unmistakable: hands aren’t so much “having it their way” at Burger King, and the complaints accumulate on social media.
3. KFC
KFC’s “finger-lickin’ good” promise comes up short sometimes. The Jeff Bet study dubbed it America’s worst-rated chain, posting a dismal 2.958 out of 5 on Tripadvisor. The Daring Kitchen’s Twitter numbers made it the least preferred in Texas and Rhode Island. A Jeff Bet commentary noted that large chains such as KFC receive more reviews, but the incessant complaints about spotty food quality, dismal service, and dirty stores indicate underlying problems. KFC’s fried chicken may be legendary, but it’s not sufficient to satisfy all.
4. Taco Bell
Taco Bell is always experimenting, with breakfast tacos and Doritos Locos creations, but it’s not converting everyone. The 2024 ACSI survey scored it 73 out of 100, a move from its 2023 second-lowest ranking, yet still low. The Daring Kitchen rated it as being disliked in nine states, such as New York and Utah, and a 2020 best Life list ranked it third most-hated. Despite having a 2-3% order boost in 2023, according to CNN, the continuous menu changes appear to leave some people believing the quality’s unpredictable.
5. Popeyes
Popeyes’ “love that chicken” campaign is a mouthful, but the truth’s unsteady. The 2024 ACSI poll rated it 72 out of 100, decreasing three points from 2023, as the second-worst chain. It was ranked second and fifth most-loathed on a 2020 best Life list and a CouponBirds.com survey based on 160,000 reviews. The chicken’s a success, but inconsistent service or inconsistent quality elsewhere bring it down. To many customers, the love ends at the fried chicken.
6. Jack in the Box
Jack in the Box is expanding rapidly, with 123 new locations on the drawing board as of November 2023. But customers aren’t exactly thrilled. Its 72 out of 100 rating in the 2024 ACSI survey dropped a point from 2023 and placed it third-worst. The Daring Kitchen listed it as Arizona’s least favourite, and a 2020 best Life list placed it fourth most-despised. With all this growth, something’s not quite right perhaps the food or the general atmosphere isn’t resonating with customers.
7. Wendy’s
Wendy’s, square burgers and red-braided mascot and all, raised a ruckus in 2024 with “surge pricing” talk. They rolled it back, but the problem was done. The ACSI survey rewarded them with a 76 out of 100, three points higher, but still eighth-lowest. The Daring Kitchen reported dislike in Wisconsin and Nevada, and a 2020 Best Life list placed it fifth most-hated. A 2021 RAVE Reviews survey also reported worldwide gripes. Wendy’s is attempting, but it has some work to do to regain trust.
8. Subway
Subway’s ubiquitous, with more than 35,000 outlets, but quantity doesn’t equal affection. The 2024 ACSI survey rated it 74 on a 100-point scale, down one point from 2023. A 2021 RAVE Reviews poll listed it as one of the most reviled around the world. Despite its “build-your-own” charm, something’s amiss perhaps quality of ingredients or value isn’t quite getting it right. For a chain nearly everyone knows by name, Subway’s failing to keep the grins coming.
9. Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen’s Blizzards and soft-serve are iconic, but its hot food menu? Not so much. The 2024 ACSI survey gave its hot food a 74 out of 100, down a point from 2023. In southern states, where DQ’s a tradition, the burgers and fries aren’t winning fans. It’s like the ice cream’s carrying the team, but the rest of the menu’s letting folks down in a world where fast food’s gotta deliver on everything.
10. Little Caesars
Little Caesars’ $7.99 pizzas are a bargain, but cheap is not always cheerful. The 2024 ACSI survey rated it 75 out of 100, rising by one point, yet still low. Another survey ranked it among the “worst” as did Hardee’s. The “Hot-N-Ready” value option is excellent for speed, but customers usually feel that quality suffers. In a world yearning for greater flavors, Little Caesars must up its game.
11. Sonic Drive-In
Sonic’s retro drive-in atmosphere, complete with roller-skating carhops, is a blast from the past. But the grub? Not always a winner. The 2024 ACSI survey awarded it a 76 out of 100, a good six-point increase over 2023, but it’s still lower-half. A CouponBirds.com study ranked it sixth-worst, and a 2020 best Life list ranked it tenth most-hated. The nostalgia’s terrific, but the food must be up to par with the charm.
12. Panda Express
Panda Express rules American Chinese fast food, with orange chicken so popular it’s got copycat recipes galore. Yet, the 2024 ACSI survey gave it a flat 77 out of 100, unchanged from 2023. Customers aren’t as thrilled as you’d expect. Maybe it’s uneven quality across locations or a menu that feels repetitive. For such a big name, Panda’s got to find a way to reignite the spark.
13. Dunkin’
Dunkin’ coffee and donuts are a breakfast tradition for most, but all aren’t falling head over heels in love with it. The 2024 ACSI survey rated it 77 out of 100, even with 2023, but fell to eleventh place. The atmosphere is people aren’t “running on Dunkin'” as the ads imply. Whether it’s poor service or spotty drinks, Dunkin’ has to energize to retain its fan base.
14. Arby’s
Arby’s curly fries and roast beef are a beacon of hope in a burger sea, but it’s not enough to avoid criticism. Twitter analysis by The Daring Kitchen listed it as the most hated in four states, such as Florida and Illinois. Something’s not quite clicking perhaps food quality or value isn’t meeting the “we have the meats” buzz. Arby’s must discover what’s turning people off.
15. Taco John’s
Taco John’s isn’t as large as Taco Bell, but it’s got a larger reputation for disappointment. A study conducted by CouponBirds.com that sifted through 160,000 reviews named it America’s worst-rated chain. With only 400 locations in 18 states, the bad feedback is blistering. Whether food quality, service speed, or value is the issue, Taco John’s has a long way to go to regain consumers.
Fast food’s a tough game. It’s not all about dishing out a cheap, quick meal anymore. From McDonald’s repeat menus to Taco John’s focused grievances, these chains have all kinds of challenges. ACSI ratings, tweets, and reviews reveal that consumers desire better food, nicer service, and greater options. Consumers are more finicky than ever, and chains that don’t move with the times risk remaining on this unwanted list. It’s all in the details every bite, every smile counts to winning over America’s fast-food enthusiasts.
