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This Is the Most Unpopular Restaurant Chain in America

Though it topped our Dissatisfaction Index, customers keep going back to this iconic brand.

Angry woman sitting at the table, waiting for her dinner with fists on the table
Anastasiya 99 / Shutterstock

Restaurants have had a rough year, considering they're one of the few places patrons can't enjoy with a mask on. But many diners have still turned to fast-food joints and carryout options throughout 2020 and now in 2021. And through the challenges, we've been able to see which restaurant chains could take the heat. With that in mind, we set out to find which major restaurants have the worst customer service, according to diners themselves. Yes, it's time to crown the most hated unpopular restaurant chain in America.


First, we used the 2020 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) report as a jumping off point for our list of 31 fast-food and casual-dining restaurants. We also factored in the report's customer satisfaction rating of the 31 contenders, with 100 being the highest level of satisfaction. In addition to that score, we gathered data from consumer review and rating sites Trustpilot and Pissed Consumer to find out where customers were the most—and least—satisfied. Both sites use a five-star rating system.

Finally, we gave each of these metrics a weighted value before running them through our exclusive algorithm to see how they scored on our 100-point scale Dissatisfaction Index, which is one test you don't want to score highly on if you're a restaurant.

Generally, consumers surveyed for the ASCI report were much more positive about their experiences. Internet commenters were less satisfied (not a huge surprise there). You also have to factor in that people tend to remember bad experiences more strongly than good ones, and are therefore more likely to write a negative review than a positive one.

Nevertheless, the end results of our number crunching may surprise you, as the most hated restaurant chain is a stalwart of American culture that won’t be going anywhere, no matter how much customers complain. Read on to discover the most unpopular restaurant chain in America and to see how your favorite eateries ranked. And if you want to learn more about bad consumer experiences, This Store Has the Worst Customer Service in America.

Read the original article on Best Life.

31 | Chick-fil-A

Chick-Fil-A sign on the side of the restaurant in Madison, WisconsinKeith Homan/Shutterstock

ASCI customer satisfaction score: 84 out of 100

Trustpilot stars: 2.9 out of 5

Pissed Consumer stars: 2.5 out of 5

Dissatisfaction Index Score: 0.00

30 | LongHorn Steakhouse

the exterior of a Longhorn, Steakhouse restaurant in Indianapolis, IndianaJonathan Weiss / Shutterstock

ASCI satisfaction score: 81 out of 100

Trustpilot stars: 4.1 out of 5

Pissed Consumer stars: 2.4 out of 5

Dissatisfaction Index Score: 4.32

29 | Texas Roadhouse

the exterior and logo of a Texas Roadhouse restaurant in Sioux Falls, South DakotaKen Wolter/Shutterstock

ASCI satisfaction score: 80 out of 100

Trustpilot stars: 3.2 out of 5

Pissed Consumer stars: 2.6 out of 5

Dissatisfaction Index Score: 16.93

28 | Cracker Barrel

the exterior of a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Indianapolis, IndianaShutterstock

ASCI satisfaction score: 79 out of 100

Trustpilot stars: 2.5 out of 5

Pissed Consumer stars: 2.6 out of 5

Dissatisfaction Index Score: 26.54

And for the place where money is everything, This Is the Greediest State in America.

27 | Olive Garden

Exterior of Olive Garden Italian KitchenShutterstock

ASCI satisfaction score: 79 out of 100

Trustpilot stars: 2.3 out of 5

Pissed Consumer stars: 2.5 out of 5

Dissatisfaction Index Score: 35.79

26 | Ruby Tuesday

the exterior of a Ruby Tuesday restaurant in Loganville, GeorgiaJaimieandkyleshootstock / Shutterstock

ASCI satisfaction score : 76 out of 100

Trustpilot stars: 3.7 out of 5

Pissed Consumer stars: 2.4 out of 5

Dissatisfaction Index Score: 37.11

25 | Red Robin

the exterior of a Red Robin restaurant in Raleigh, North CarolinaShutterstock

ASCI satisfaction score: 76 out of 100

Trustpilot stars: 3.5 out of 5

Pissed Consumer stars: 2.4 out of 5

Dissatisfaction Index Score: 40.11

24 | Red Lobster

the exterior of a Red Lobster restaurant in Indianapolis, IndianaJonathan Weiss/Shutterstock

ASCI satisfaction score: 79 out of 100

Trustpilot stars: 2.8 out of 5

Pissed Consumer stars: 2.3 out of 5

Dissatisfaction Index Score: 40.79

23 | Starbucks

Hesperia, CA / USA - December 28, 2019: Located at Ranchero Rd and I-15 in the town of Hesperia, California, this Starbucks is a popular stop for travelers in the Mojave Desert. (Hesperia, CA / USA - December 28, 2019: Located at Ranchero Rd and IiStock

ASCI satisfaction score: 78 out of 100

Trustpilot stars: 2.7 out of 5

Pissed Consumer stars: 2.4 out of 5

Dissatisfaction Index Score: 41.39

And for where in the U.S. you are unlikely to get a helping hand, This Is the Most Selfish State in America.

22 | Dunkin'

dunkin drive thru with car Shutterstock

ASCI satisfaction score: 79 out of 100

Trustpilot stars: 3.1 out of 5

Pissed Consumer star: 2.2 out of 5

Dissatisfaction Index Score: 42.54

21 | Panera Bread

the exterior of a Panera Brea restaurant in Indianapolis, IndianaJonathan Weiss/Shutterstock

ASCI satisfaction score: 79 out of 100

Trustpilot stars: 1.8 out of 5

Pissed Consumer stars: 2.5 out of 5

Dissatisfaction Index Score: 43.29

20 | TGI Friday's

The exterior and logo of a T.G.I. Friday's restaurantsteved_np3/Shutterstock

ASCI satisfaction score: 78 out of 100

Trustpilot stars: 3.3 out of 5

Pissed Consumer stars: 2.2 out of 5

Dissatisfaction Index Score: 44.89

19 | Outback Steakhouse

the entrance and sign of an Outback Steakhouse restaurant in Key West, FloridaAndriy Blokhin/Shutterstock

ASCI satisfaction score: 78 out of 100

Trustpilot stars: 2.3 out of 5

Pissed Consumer stars: 2.4 out of 5

Dissatisfaction Index Score: 47.39

18 | Chipotle Mexican Grill

the exterior and sign outside of a Chipotle restaurant in Hickory, North CarolinaNolichuckyjake/Shutterstock

ASCI satisfaction score: 80 out of 100

Trustpilot stars: 2.1 out of 5

Pissed Consumer stars: 2.2 out of 5

Dissatisfaction Index Score: 52.18

17 | Arby's

arbys store front, brand abbreviation namesShutterstock

ASCI satisfaction score: 79 out of 100

Trustpilot stars: 1.9 out of 5

Pissed Consumer stars: 2.3 out of 5

Dissatisfaction Index Score: 54.29

16 | Denny's

The exterior of a Denny's restaurant in Las Vegas, NevadaJonathan Weiss/Shutterstock

ASCI satisfaction score: 76 out of 100

Trustpilot stars: 3.2 out of 5

Pissed Consumer stars: 2.2 out of 5

Dissatisfaction Index Score: 57.11

15 | Little Caesars

the exterior of a Little Caesars restaurant in Kokomo, IndianaJonathan Weiss/Shutterstock

ASCI satisfaction score: 76 out of 100

Trustpilot stars: 3.0 out of 5

Pissed Consumer stars: 2.2 out of 5

Dissatisfaction Index Score: 60.11

14 | Applebee’s

the exterior of an Applebee's restaurant in Saugus, MassachusettsQualityHD/Shutterstock

ASCI satisfaction score: 77 out of 100

Trustpilot stars: 2.1 out of 5

Pissed Consumer star: 2.3 out of 5

Dissatisfaction Index Score: 62.00

13 | Burger King

burger kingShutterstock

ASCI satisfaction score: 76 out of 100

Trustpilot stars: 3.2 out of 5

Pissed Consumer stars: 2.1 out of 5

Dissatisfaction Index Score: 63.36

And for the fast food chain people can't stand, check out This Is the Most Hated Fast Food Chain in America.

12 | Domino's Pizza

The front of a Domino's restaurant and franchise sign in Berkeley, CaliforniaCassiohabib/Shutterstock

ASCI satisfaction score: 79 out of 100

Trustpilot stars: 2.0 out of 5

Pissed Consumer stars: 2.1 out of 5

Dissatisfaction Index Score: 65.29

11 | Subway

subway sandwich shop store front, trademark failuresShutterstock

ASCI satisfaction score: 79 out of 100

Trustpilot stars: 2.0 out of 5

Pissed Consumer stars: 2.1 out of 5

Dissatisfaction Index Score: 65.29

And for an index of indiscretions, This Is the Most Adulterous State in America.

10 | Sonic Drive-In

a sign and carhop spaces for Sonic Drive-In restaurant in Houston, TexasShutterstock

ASCI satisfaction score: 74

Trustpilot stars: 2.8 out of 5

Pissed Consumer stars: 2.3 out of 5

Dissatisfaction Index Score: 67.57

9 | Chili's

the entrance and sign of a Chili's restaurant in Jacksonville, FloridaJames R. Martin/Shutterstock

ASCI satisfaction score: 75 out of 100

Trustpilot stars: 2.8 out of 5

Pissed Consumer stars: 2.2 out of 5

Dissatisfaction Index Score: 68.46

And for customer service rankings, state guides, and more delivered to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.

8 | KFC

the exterior of a KFC restaurant in Columbus, OhioEric Glenn/Shutterstock

ASCI satisfaction score: 79 out of 100

Trustpilot stars: 2.0 out of 5

Pissed Consumer stars: 2.0 out of 5

Dissatisfaction Index Score: 71.54

7 | Papa John's

the exterior of a Papa John's restaurant in Hickory, North CarolinaNolichuckyjake/Shutterstock

ASCI satisfaction score: 78 out of 100

Trustpilot stars: 2.2 out of 5

Pissed Consumer stars: 2.0 out of 5

Dissatisfaction Index Score: 73.89

6 | Pizza Hut

Kokomo - Circa October 2016: Pizza Hut Fast Casual Restaurant. Pizza Hut is a subsidiary of YUM! BrandsJonathan Weiss / Shutterstock

ASCI satisfaction score: 77 out of 100

Trustpilot stars: 2.1 out of 5

Pissed Consumer stars: 2.1 out of 5

Dissatisfaction Index Score: 74.50

5 | Wendy's

the exterior and sign of a Wendy's restaurant in Seaside, CaliforniaKen Wolter/Shutterstock

ASCI satisfaction score: 76 out of 100

Trustpilot stars: 2.2 out of 5

Pissed Consumer stars: 2.1 out of 5

Dissatisfaction Index Score: 78.36

4 | Jack in the Box

A sign for and exterior of Jack in the Box restaurant in Temple, ArizonaThomas Trompeter/Shutterstock

ASCI satisfaction score: 73 out of 100

Trustpilot stars: 3.0 out of 5

Pissed Consumer stars: 2.0 out of 5

Dissatisfaction Index Score: 88.68

3 | Taco Bell

taco bell signShutterstock

ASCI satisfaction score: 74 out of 100

Trustpilot stars: 2.1 out of 5

Pissed Consumer stars: 2.1 out of 5

Dissatisfaction Index Score: 90.57

2 | Popeyes

the exterior of a Popeyes restaurant in Houston, TexasBrett Hondow/Shutterstock

ASCI satisfaction score: 74 out of 100

Trustpilot stars: 1.6 out of 5

Pissed Consumer stars: 2.1 out of 5

Dissatisfaction Index Score: 98.07

1 | McDonald's

people walk by mcdonald's restaurantShutterstock

ASCI satisfaction score: 70 out of 100

Trustpilot stars: 2.9 out of 5

Pissed Consumer stars: 2.1 out of 5

Dissatisfaction Index Score: 100.00

And for the place where people can't get enough cannabis, This Is the Most Stoned State in America.