Everyone loves something deep-fried and doughy, right? We’re recalling a line from Shrek 2 when Fairy Godmother says she wants something “deep-fried and smothered in chocolate.” Right in the comfort food feels. Enter Auntie Anne’s. Selling doughy treats and particularly hot salted pretzels, the pretzel dealer first opened its doors in Pennsylvania in the late 1980s. Frequently seen in shopping malls, it seems that the death of the shopping mall has signaled the death of the fast-food retailer within the said mall. Damn online shopping!
In order to adapt to the changing retail atmosphere, Auntie Anne’s threw themselves into areas where there were just more people passing through. But it seems that despite a relatively simple, tasty menu item, guests have received stale and burnt pretzels. Seriously, if you do one thing, just do it well, people! Consumer Score: 35%
Sonic Drive-In
Sonic Corp., or Sonic, is one of the most famous drive-in fast-food restaurant chains in the United States. Founded in Oklahoma in the early 1950s, it’s got links to Arby’s and Buffalo Wild Wings, coming under the Inspire Brands banner. Selling cheeseburgers, onion rings, corn dogs, thick shakes, and chili dogs, all from a retro-themed diner, it’s like stepping back in time when you take a bite or a slurp! But whilst it's perfectly cool and themed and fun, it seems that customers just aren’t happy with the freshness or quality of the food being served.
Dry beef just kills a hamburger, and if it has no flavour either, it’s like eating a piece of rubber between two slices of bread. You’d think something so bland would be low in cals, but nuh-uh – 10 of their hamburgers were found to contain over 1,100 calories before the fries or drink. Sheesh! Consumer Score: 36%
A&W
This has to be one of the oldest retailers in the fast-food game. A&W was founded all the way back in 1919, serving up burgers and draft root beer and root beer floats. One of the iconic burger chains in the United States, it seems that A&W is, in fact, more popular for its beer than for its food! Hey, at least they seem to be doing one thing right! Sure, the food isn’t amazing, so it’s received some flak for not being as high quality as expected.
Also, customer service seems to be a letdown – not just for A&W but for fast food retailers around the country (and the world, we’re sure!) Greasy fries aren’t great, but hey, at least you can wash down that cup of oil and carbs with draft beer…right? Consumer Score: 35%
Quiznos
Toasted subs were the… breadwinner for sub sandwich chain Quiznos. After the company filed for bankruptcy in 2014, it left the dying chain in a state where it was going to be difficult to resurrect. These days there are less than 800 locations in the United States, but we’re not sure they’re going to last all that long! Compared to its main competitor, Subway, Quiznos was struggling – especially after Subway began offering footlong subs for $5! In an attempt to compete, Quiznos offered free sandwiches, but franchise owners were already at a loss and just couldn’t give out free subs!
Anyone ever heard of communication? Yeah, great concept that. Anywho, it seems that there’s still a little life in Quiznos, and whoever is managing the Twitter account, we salute you! “Thinking about a watch party for that #Area51 Livestream? Order #QuiznosCatering”! Nice. Consumer Score: 35%
Hardee’s
One of the “Eat Like You Mean It” gang, next up sitting inside our top (or bottom?) 10, is Hardee’s. Popular in the South and Midwest states, it's known for its charbroiled hamburgers and er… questionable commercials. Like it’s a bit 1980s to be using scantily clad supermodels to endorse your products, right? Grow up! We know for sure that your market isn’t just deprived males! Okay, we got a little feisty there, but seriously!
Sure your rivals are McDonald’s but be a little smarter and less obtuse! But we’ve got to hand it to them; Hardee’s actually admitted they weren’t exactly the best with service or with their food. But it seems that instead of changing things, things stayed the same. Disappointing, hence their position on our list! Consumer Score: 34%