McDonald's Burgers Not A Fan Favorite In Consumer Reports Survey
By John Dodge
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A new customer satisfaction survey is likely leaving a bad taste among executives at Oak Brook-based McDonald's this morning.
A new Consumer Reports survey found that burgers at the Golden Arches are the worst among nearly two dozen fast-food hamburger restaurants.
Americans spent $680 billion last year on fast food.
They are demanding more for their money and higher-quality fast food than the traditional big chains typically provide, Consumer Reports found.
After their readers ate 96,208 meals at 65 fast-food chains, Consumer Reports found that quality of the food has become more important in dining decisions, rather than convenience or location.
That has led to significant growth for fast-casual eateries such as Panera or Chipotle, which market higher-quality fare, charge higher menu prices, and focus more on a dine-in experience.
McDonald's received a rating of 5.8, well behind the second-to-last finisher, Jack In The Box.
The Habit Burger Grill, In-N-Out and Five Guys were ranked No. 1 through No. 3, with a rating between 7.9 and 8.1.
The news was much better for another Chicago-area icon.
Portillos was rated No. 1 in the sandwich and subs category.
Chick Fil-A took top honors for best chicken, while KFC finished last.
Chipotle was No.1 for burritos. Taco Bell finished last.
The top "fast casual" restaurants were:
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Firehouse Subs
Five Guys Burgers and Fries
Jason's Deli
Jersey Mike's Subs
Jimmy John's Gourmet Sandwiches
McAlister's Deli
Panera Bread
Schlotzsky's
While restaurants have been offering lower fat, more health conscious options, Consumer Reports found diners don't really care.
Only 20 percent of survey respondents considered the availability of healthy menu options when choosing a restaurant. And just 19 percent of readers admitted to ordering a healthy meal during their most recent dining experience.
