But some fast-food restaurants may fail to hit these expected marks as time goes onand customers notice.
Hundreds of fans answered the question with a few popular chains racking up the majority of votes.
Unfortunately, it is now also known for its long lines.
Photo: Adobe Stock. Design: Joe Heroun / Eat This Not That
So long thatone location actually closed to change the location to drive-thru only.
Almost 40% of the respondent to our poll mentioned the chain.
A few had a bit more to say about why they’re turning away from the iconic chicken sandwiches.
Chick-fil-a / Facebook
“I can’t stand those soggy, tasteless sandwiches with a flat bun and the disgusting pickles.
Don’t get me started on the line thing,” says one.
Others praised the clean kitchens and some still adore those pickle-laden chicken sandwiches.
Photo: Boyloso / Shutterstock
It has long lines for a reason, after all.
People keep coming despite the chain’s spotty reputation with customers.
“Everything is super expensive,” says one.
In-N-Out Burger / Facebook
“Years ago they were really good and cheap.
Don’t know what happened but the chain definitely needs a revamp.
Yet everyone I see stays busy, go figure,” replies another.
Chipotle Mexican Grill / Facebook
Others think the chain is resting on its laurels too much.
“Needs more Management training for that to actually happen.
it’s possible for you to’t just throw someone in that position & expect good results.”
Courtesy of Taco Bell
Hasn’t improved a lick but prices always going up."
And while the app, which is themost popular fast-food app by far, has helped with prices.
it gives the impression of losing some of those great deals.
Photo: Whataburger / Facebook
But the chain did have its supporters.
And overall, this spotty perception does not appear to have hurt the company.
Whichopened more locations than it closed last yearfor the first time in over eight years.
Courtesy of Panera
It seems to be the fast-food giant that everyone loves to hate.
In-N-Out
Yes, the mythical In-N-Outat least to an East Coastergets thrown into the mix.
It pulled in about half the mentions of McDonald’s.
In-N-Out is a strictly West Coast chain, although it will beheading slightly more east in the coming years.
The chain is known for its100% fresh beef burgers, hand-cut fries, and superb shakes.
“You just GOTTA try it when you are out west, they say.
The burger was a greasier version of Culvers,” says one.
Numerous Reddit threads jump in on the debate about whether the chain is overrated.
Those who think it is have a lot to say.
One commenter on arecent onesays, “Agree!
It’s just burgers and fries!
Not very good ones either!
We are talking about fast-food again, right?
“It’s a totally average hamburger.
I would eat there occasionally if there wasn’t always a line.
I always told them, ‘ya it’s good but not a huge deal’.
“Caveat, emptor.
I don’t even think it tastes good.”
Another echoes this, calling the chain’s meals “90% rice.”
But a few had some thoughts.
“They’ve removed all their best-tasting items from the menu,” says one.
Another says, “Taco Bell has really changed for the worst.
It’s a real shame.”
It got nearly as many mentions as Whataburger, Chipotle, and Taco Bell in our poll.
In the originalReddit thread, it was at the top of the list.
One called it “overpriced hospital food.”
The first time I went I was shocked [at] how incredibly mediocre it was.
Basically just the crap you get at random airport cafes.”
Many former fans of the chain also wondered where Panera’s healthier options had gone.
