“Each one of our Original Krystals features diced onions, tangy mustard, and a dill pickle, all sandwiched between our famously steamed square buns.” Now, does that make you hungry or… reaching for water at the thought of all that sodium? Most frequently, the chain is compared to its competitor White Castle – because both seem to serve up tiny burgers (by US standards anyway)! Corn Pups generally received positive feedback from diners, but it seems the burger joint still has some work to do.
Consumer Reports shared with the media that Americans think Krystal serves one of the worst burgers in the country! With a tiny patty on a big lump of bread, it seems that employees might need to be a little more generous when they’re adding toppings and sauce! Consumer Score: 41%
Bojangles’
Specializing in Cajun seasoning and fried chicken (we Americans love our fried chicken, there’s no doubting that!), Bojangles’ Famous Chicken ‘n Biscuits (whoops, we left out the buttermilk biscuits that are served alongside!) is pretty big in the Southeastern United States. Founded in Charlotte, North Carolina, back in the late 70s, the chain is still going reasonably strong, with over 750 locations, 319 of which are company-owned. Sure, the food isn’t too bad, but it’s still ranking on our list because its chicken and biscuits just don’t seem to be charming enough customers through their doors.
Washington Post taste testers really popped a few nails in the coffin with their cutting comments about the Bojangles’ biscuits, saying, “so many carbs, so little flavor. It’s crying out for jam, jelly, anything to distract from the bland-yet-fluffy body. I can taste leavening in this; it tastes like baking soda.” If anyone from Bojangles’ is reading this, please, work on your biscuit recipe! Consumer Score: 42%
Subway
Subway’s slogan is “Eat Fresh” (yeah, we hummed the tune in our heads too. Damn catchy marketing!), but we’ve got to say that they’re on our list because, well, freshness has been questioned at the sub sandwich giant. Despite having over 24,000 stores across the United States alone (that’s a lot of subs!) and selling their subs for a fiver, it seems that their menu items just aren’t wooing customers anymore.
In 2018, Subway was forced to close 1,000 stores. But the question is, has the quality improved? We’ll give it a year. If they don’t lift their socks up, well, that’s on them. Subway, the people have spoken! Consumer Score: 42%
Domino’s
Nothing like a piping hot pizza delivered to your door – now that we have your attention (because when was the last time you received exactly that when having pizza delivered?), next up on our list is one of the most iconic pizza joints in the world! Pre 2009, Domino’s was in a bad way – customers complained the pizza tasted like… cardboard. Yeah, pretty bad. Others commented that the tomato sauce tasted like KETCHUP. If an Italian tried a slice, we’re sure they’d not be able to digest a bite! Crimes against pizza. It’s a thing. But the power of the people got the execs to smell the pizza and make a change!
The company had a turnaround and worked on improving the flavour and quality of their pizzas. However, things still aren’t quite there, ten years down the track. Consumer Score: 41%
Long John Silver’s
Looooong John Silverrrrrrr’s! Ahoy there all, that’s the smell of the sea alright! The fish and chip restaurant chain is where you go if you want “fresh seafood.” Well, that’s what they claim anyway. We’ll let you decide. Oh wait, the Consumer Reports say you have – and it isn’t looking good for Long John Silver’s. It seems that the restaurant chain flounders helplessly with its menu options and food quality. Instead of serving up nice fresh fish with a light crispy batter, the majority of meals seem to be made of more batter instead of actual fish fillet. Pretty bad, eh?
You’re not exactly getting the Dory you paid for, are you? Add that to the long waits, poor customer service, and you’ve got a whole heap of frustrated diners. Let’s rethink visiting, and maybe spend a little more and get some real fish! Consumer Score: 41%