Chick-fil-A Voted Top Fast Food, McDonald’s Voted Worst

For the seventh straight year, Chick-fil-A took home the trophy for the best fast food place in America. The American Customer Satisfaction Index released its list of best fast-food restaurants, and Chick-fil-A took the top title yet again. 

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Chick-fil-A Scores 83 Out Of 100

Out of the many fast food places nominated, Chick-fil-A ended with a final score of 83 over 100. This is enough to earn the company its 7th title as best limited-service (fast food) restaurant.

This 83 score was enough to beat LongHorn Steakhouse, which topped the full-service restaurant's category with an 80 point score. David VanAMburg, ACSI managing director, said that even with the return to dine-in seating, convenience still plays a major part. 

Even as Chick-fil-A won this year, the chicken sandwich joint dropped a point from last year. It won last year’s competition with an 84 score. However, 83 was more than enough to lead the race. Second place Domino’s PIzza only managed 80 points, while KFC and Starbucks tied for 3rd at 79. Five Guys rounded out the top five at 78. 

McDonald’s Scores Lowest

Meanwhile, fast-food pioneer McDonald’s ended up worst among the fast-food entries. It came up with a paltry 70 points, a full 13 points behind the eventual winner. Joining the bottom circle was Jack in the Box, Popeyes, Sonic, and Wendy's who each scored 73. Sandwich chain Subway registered the highest drop in scores, falling four points from its last year's score of 79 and ended up with 75. 

Given the performances of the fast-food companies last year, the average score for fast food is 78. Meanwhile, full-service restaurants received an overall score of 80. This is the second-highest of all rated industries behind breweries.

No Going Back From Delivery Services

To determine rankings, ACSI conducted a survey from nearly 20,000 random customers via email between April 1, 2020, to March 29, 2021. The rankings account for other factors such as cleanliness, accuracy, staff helpfulness, and reliability of mobile apps.

VanAmburg noted the effect of the coronavirus-led decision to stay home and order delivery. “During the pandemic, folks got a taste for what it’s like to have food from their favorite restaurants delivered right to their door.

And now that they’ve gotten used to this service, there’s no going back. Restaurants need to continue to give customers all the options they’ve become accustomed to over the last year and a half. If not, they might grab a bite somewhere else,” VanAmburg said in a statement.

Chick-fil-A Remains On Top

Even as it celebrated its 7th straight winning year, Chick-fil-A isn’t a stranger to controversy. Despite criticism for the company's opposition to the LGBTQ movement, Chick-fil-A managed to resist the cancel culture. 

Media outlets identified CEO Dan Cathy as a donor to the National Christian Charitable Foundation, which has a history of funding opposition to the Equality Act.

Trying to capitalize on the issue, rival Burger King announced it will donate 40 cents for every chicken sandwich sold in June, which is Pride month. BK said their donation can go up to $250,000, the equivalent of 625,000 sandwiches, and will go to the Human Rights Campaign.

Watch the KPRC2 Click2Houston news reporting that Chick-Fil-A tops fast food list:

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Do you agree that Chick-fil-A is the top fast food outlet in the US? Do you personally enjoy their chicken sandwiches? Or do you find their outlets very professional?

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