In this article, we will be covering the 13 worst-rated fast-food restaurants in America. If you want to skip our detailed analysis of the fast-food and quick-service restaurant industry, you can go directly to the 5 Worst Rated Fast Food Restaurants in America According to Reddit.
The Fast-Food and Quick-Service Restaurant Industry in the US
The fast-food industry in America has seen its fair share of highs and lows, with some restaurant chains struggling to meet customer expectations. The fast-food and quick-service restaurant industry in America is extremely competitive. According to a report by Custom Market Insights, the US fast-food and quick-service restaurant market was estimated to have reached a value of $293.8 billion in 2023. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6% during 2024-2030, reaching $454.3 billion by the end of the forecasted period. The market’s growth is influenced by evolving consumer lifestyles and the increasing urban population. Disposable income levels are rising and more consumers are ready to eat out and go for fast food, which is contributing to the market’s growth.
The growing working population and their busy schedules have led to a significant increase in the demand for fast food. Moreover, continuous innovation in menu offerings by fast-food restaurant chains, including new flavors, ingredients, and meal options, is attracting more customers. The fast-food and quick-service restaurant industry is also witnessing a shift towards digitization and technology integration in operations, which is further driving growth and transforming the way fast-food and quick-service restaurants operate.
Major Players in the US Fast-Food and Quick-Service Restaurant Market
Some fast-food restaurant chain stocks that are expected to benefit from the rising demand for fast food include McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD), Restaurant Brands International Inc. (NYSE:QSR), and The Wendy’s Company (NASDAQ:WEN).
The Wendy’s Company (NASDAQ:WEN) is an American holding company for the major fast-food chain Wendy’s. There are more than 6,000 Wendy’s restaurants in the US. On January 22, The Wendy’s Company (NASDAQ:WEN) announced the launch of a new Breakfast Burrito, which is now available in over 4,500 Wendy’s restaurants in select regions across the US. The latest morning delight by The Wendy’s Company (NASDAQ:WEN) is a combination of all the best parts of Wendy’s breakfast menu, including two fresh cracked eggs, six strips of oven-baked applewood smoked bacon, seasoned breakfast potatoes, two slices of American cheese, and cheese sauce, all wrapped in a tortilla. The Breakfast Burrito is served with two Cholula Original Hot Sauce Packets on the side for customers looking for an added spicy kick.
Restaurant Brands International Inc. (NYSE:QSR) is one of the world’s largest quick-service restaurant companies with more than 30,000 restaurants in over 100 countries around the world. Restaurant Brands International Inc. (NYSE:QSR) owns some of the most popular quick-service restaurant brands, which are Tim Hortons, Burger King, Popeyes, and Firehouse Subs. On January 16, Restaurant Brands International Inc. (NYSE:QSR) reported that they have reached an agreement to acquire Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:TAST), the largest Burger King franchisee in the US, for approximately $1 billion. Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:TAST) operates 1,022 Burger King restaurants in 23 states. It also owns and operates 60 Popeyes restaurants in 6 states. The transaction will be completed in the second quarter of 2024.
McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) is one of the world’s largest fast-food restaurant chains with restaurants in more than 100 countries. On December 6, CNBC reported that McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) is aiming to open over 8,800 new locations and add 100 million members to its loyalty program by 2027. The fast-food giant projects a 4% net new restaurant growth for 2024, with an additional 2% of systemwide sales growth from expanding its footprint. Beyond 2024, the company plans to annually increase its restaurant count by 4% to 5%, contributing about 2.5% of systemwide sales growth. This expansion will lead to higher capital spending, with an anticipated $2.5 billion in capital expenditures for 2024 and a sequential increase in capital expenditures from 2025 through 2027. McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) aims to have a global footprint of 50,000 locations by 2027, with plans to open 900 locations in the US, 1,900 restaurants in its internationally operated markets segment, and approximately 7,000 units in its international developmental licensed markets division.
Now that we have discussed what’s going on in the fast-food and quick-service restaurant market, let’s take a look at the 13 worst-rated fast-food restaurants in America according to Reddit.
Methodology
For this article, we compiled a list of the 13 worst-rated fast-food restaurants in America according to Reddit. We went through multiple Reddit threads and used search terms like “worst fast-food in the US”, “worst fast-food chains in America”, and “America’s worst fast-food restaurants” to find relevant threads.
To ensure the authenticity and relevance of our research, we focused on restaurant chains that were most frequently mentioned by Redditors across various threads and discussions. Redditors discussed both the best as well as the worst fast-food restaurants and chains in the US. However, for this article, we only considered the negative reviews or opinions and the discussions about the worst fast-food chains in America. We looked at the number of comments and upvotes on several Reddit threads and ranked the restaurant chains based on the number of negative reviews and the number of upvotes on such reviews and comments. This approach led to a list of the 13 worst-rated fast-food restaurants in America according to Reddit, which are listed below in ascending order of the negative reviews they received.
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13 Worst Rated Fast Food Restaurants in America According to Reddit
13. Arby’s
Number of Negative Reviews / Upvotes: 26
Arby’s is an American fast-food sandwich restaurant chain that ranks among the 13 worst-rated fast-food restaurants in America according to Reddit. With more than 3,500 restaurants in 9 countries, Arby’s is one of the world’s largest sandwich restaurant brands. While some Redditors spoke out in favor of the sandwich restaurant chain, many Redditors pointed out that Arby’s is grossly overpriced and can be flavorless.
12. Taco Bell
Number of Negative Reviews / Upvotes: 37
Taco Bell is an American multinational chain of fast-food restaurants that serves a variety of Mexican-inspired foods, including tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas, and specialty items. However, several Redditors seemed disappointed with Taco Bell. Some Redditors also pointed out that Taco Bell made them feel sick or unwell.
11. Carl’s Jr.
Number of Negative Reviews / Upvotes: 44
Carl’s Jr. is an American fast-food restaurant chain that is known for its iconic charbroiled burgers. It is operated by CKE Restaurant Holdings, Inc., which is also the parent organization for Hardee’s. Both Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. received criticism on Reddit, but Redditors spoke out more against Carl’s Jr. than Hardee’s, which is why Carl’s Jr. made it to our list of the worst-rated fast-food restaurants in America according to Reddit.
10. Sonic Drive-In
Number of Negative Reviews / Upvotes: 84
Sonic Drive-In, more commonly known as Sonic, is an American drive-in fast-food chain. It ranks among the top 10 on our list of worst-rated fast-food restaurants in America according to Reddit. Redditors found Sonic underwhelming and some even pointed out how greasy the food can be.
9. Krystal
Number of Negative Reviews / Upvotes: 99
Krystal is an American fast-food restaurant chain with locations in the Southeastern US and Puerto Rico. It is best known for its small, square hamburgers, called sliders. Redditors were not pleased with the service they received at Krystal restaurants and many labeled the food as terrible.
8. Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ:JACK)
Number of Negative Reviews / Upvotes: 218
Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ:JACK) is an American fast-food restaurant chain. As one of the biggest fast-food burger chains, Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ:JACK) has approximately 2,200 restaurants in the US and Guam. However, many Redditors seemed to believe that Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ:JACK) is not as good as it once was.
7. White Castle
Number of Negative Reviews / Upvotes: 285
White Castle is an American hamburger restaurant chain that is considered to be the world’s first fast-food hamburger chain. White Castle is known for its small, square hamburgers that are known as “sliders”. However, White Castle got an overwhelming amount of negative reviews on Reddit.
6. Pizza Hut
Number of Negative Reviews / Upvotes: 441
Pizza Hut is an American multinational pizza restaurant chain that ranks 6th on our list of worst-rated fast-food restaurants in America according to Reddit. Pizza Hut is one of the largest pizza chains in the US. Redditors were not happy with how Pizza Hut has declined in quality in America over the years.
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Disclosure: None. 13 Worst Rated Fast Food Restaurants in America According to Reddit is published on Insider Monkey.