Worst customer service in fast food: these 7 chains make the list

Fast food built its empire on a simple promise: quick meals with no fuss. But when the counter clerk rolls their eyes, the fries arrive cold, or the line doesn’t move, that promise unravels. Some chains consistently get it right. Others, according to new national rankings, are falling behind badly.

The latest American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) scores reveal just how uneven the experience can be. While top performers like Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, and Panda Express are holding steady, several giants of the industry are dragging the average down. Diners flagged problems ranging from sloppy orders to long waits and dismissive staff.

Worst rated fast food restaurants

Here are the seven fast food chains with the worst customer service in 2025.

7. Little Caesars — Score: 77

“Hot-N-Ready” often means lukewarm and late. Customers complain about long waits, inconsistent prep, and brusque counter staff.

6. Subway — Score: 76

Build-your-own sandwiches sound appealing until you get stale bread or a rushed, sloppy assembly. Staff attitude is another recurring complaint.

5. Dairy Queen — Score: 72

Famous for Blizzards, but not for friendly service. Diners report cold food, long lines, and hastily prepared meals.

4. Taco Bell — Score: 73

A social media favorite, but inside the restaurant, accuracy and consistency lag. Wrong orders and uneven food quality drag it down.

3. Popeyes — Score: 75

The fried chicken gets rave reviews, but the wait times don’t. Half-hour delays for a sandwich are not unusual.

2. Jack in the Box — Score: 74

Its “made to order” slogan backfires when meals arrive wrong or incomplete. Follow-up from staff is often lacking.

1. McDonald’s — Score: 70

The golden arches are still dimmed by service woes. Customers regularly cite rude staff and error-filled bags, keeping the chain at the very bottom. It’s not mentioned in the commercials... ba ba ba ba ba.

Top scorers: who’s getting it right

Not every chain is struggling. A few continue to set the pace for customer satisfaction:

Chick-fil-A (83): Once again the industry leader, praised for polite staff, clean dining areas, and consistent service.

Starbucks (80): Customers highlight staff friendliness and a reliable mobile app that streamlines the process.

Panda Express (80): The biggest riser this year, climbing three points thanks to improved service and fresher food quality.

These brands show that fast food doesn’t have to mean frazzled employees or lukewarm meals. For the rest of the field, the challenge is clear: if service doesn’t improve, customers will keep voting with their feet, and mouths.

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