Wondering which are the highest quality fast food restaurants in America? America was the birthplace of fast food restaurants, and new chains keep appearing alongside the classical brands that continue to hold sway in the market today. These chains have different products, and offer various types of foods, catering to almost everyone’s taste. The thing with fast food restaurants is that they provide quality food, in a short time, and at average to low prices. According to a report presented by Consumer Reports, Americans have been spending more than ever to dine out, topping $680 billion per year.
Yet fast food chains aren’t only big in America. The Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) phenomenon has spread all over the world, and units have popped-up in different cities around the globe. Some of the 10 Biggest Fast Food Chains In the World have conquered not only western societies but also other places of the world. Of course, it might not come as a surprise that the names of the top three are known to all of us: McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD), KFC Corporation, and Subway.
The restaurant industry is huge in America. And the QSR category is among the top regarding annual sales and revenues. Moreover, the franchise system has allowed these highest quality fast food restaurants in America to spread across the country, lowering their overall costs, and increasing their units as well as their presence and intangible assets. Although the market is pretty steady for some of the big names, some other fast-food restaurant brands might go up and down, depending on their performance, public acceptance and popularity. Moreover, the increasing awareness of the need of a good diet and consuming quality products has changed consumers’ habits, forcing companies to adapt to these new tastes.
Therefore, while fast-food chains spread, consumers start demanding more quality on food products, as well as larger variety. According to Consumer Reports’ latest fast-food survey, quality of food has become more important for customers. And some new companies such as Chipotle, Noodles & Company, and Panera Bread have started offering health-conscious meals. Over the past few years, some changes regarding fast-food chains’ performance have taken place. We have compiled a list featuring some of the highest quality fast food restaurants in America, taking into account the results compiled by the Consumer Reports survey. The magazine asked more than 32,000 readers – who ate more than 96,000 meals at 65 chains – what they thought. Check out the list!
No. 10 Culver’s
Consumer Reports Grade: 84/100
Extremely popular in the Midwest, Culver’s offers fresh frozen custard and burgers, and also features its own brand of root beer. The staff is very polite, and restaurants are very clean and well arranged.
No. 9 Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill
Consumer Reports Grade: 84/100
This fast food chain was founded in California in the 1980s, and is characterized for offering high quality Mexican food, with fresh sustainable seafood, and an emphasis on tacos. Rubio’s operates 190 locations in California, Arizona, Utah, Colorado and Nevada.
No. 8 Potbelly Sandwich Shop
Consumer Reports Grade: 84/100
Specialized in sandwiches, Potbelly has locations in over 23 states, and offers a plentiful menu with sandwiches and subs. Moreover, Potbelly often has local musicians performing live at its restaurants.
No. 7 Firehouse Subs
Consumer Reports Grade: 84/100
Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Firehouse Subs started specializing in hot subs. This chain offers salads under 500 calories, and already has more than 700 restaurants in 36 states.
No. 6 Chick-Fil-A
Consumer Reports Grade: 85/100
Headquartered in Atlanta, Chick-Fil-A is a relatively new restaurant which specializes in chicken sandwiches. A rather odd detail about this restaurant chain is that its owners opposed same-sex marriage legislation, which brought down widespread criticism upon the company and brand. It nevertheless made it to the list as one of the best fast food restaurants in America.
No. 5 Jason’s Deli
Consumer Reports Grade: 85/100
Ever since it was founded in 1976, Jason’s Deli has been offering a deli-style menu with sandwiches, salads and soups. Today it has over 240 locations across 28 states. Over the last decade, the company decided to provide healthier food, eliminating trans fats, high fructose corn syrup and MSG from all of its food.
No. 4 The Habit Burger Grill
Consumer Reports Grade: 86/100
This company started in California in 1969 and has kept its small side format, with only 100 locations in California, Arizona and Utah. Their focus is on food quality, staff politeness and cleanliness.
No. 3 Portillo’s Hot Dogs
Consumer Reports Grade: 87/100
Chicago-style hot dogs and sandwiches are Potrillo’s Hot Dogs specialty. It doesn’t have more than 50 locations, mainly within the Chicago area. It has released an online portal for ordering. Food quality is the key to their success, and fresh products, their main focus.
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No. 2 Papa Murphy’s Take N’Bake Pizza
Consumer Reports Grade: 88/100
The best pizza fast-food restaurant in the country seems to be Papa Murphy’s. The take-and-bake pizzeria offers customers the possibility to order their pizza in the store, but take it home to bake, reducing the restaurant’s costs significantly while providing consumers the chance to enjoy a fresh, home baked meal. There are more than 1,400 Papa Murphy’s in the U.S.
No. 1 In-N-Out Burger
Consumer Reports Grade: 88/100
Okay so we’ve reached the top one. If you were expecting to see McDonald’s, you were wrong. The top burger chain wants to remain small and confines itself to the West Coast. The quality of its food is what customers prefer, and the reason why they praise it as the best.
