Saturday, July 2, 2011

More hamburger news: Consumer Reports says In N Out better than . . .

I don't want to take anything away from the June 30, 2011 Consumer Reports report that In-N-Out is better than a McDonald's -- but it does solicit a kind of, "okay so what else is new" response.

In case that's not enough to rock your world: Chipotle, according to Consumer Reports readers, is better than Taco Bell. Sherlock Holmes step aside.

Here are snippets from Consumer Reports:
"With high marks for food, service, value and speed, In-N-Out Burger topped the burger chart in Consumer Reports' first-ever major ratings of fast food restaurants. McDonald's, Burger King and Wendy's all ranked lower."

"Consumer Reports readers made over 98,000 visits to 53 fast food chains, and found that Burger King, KFC, McDonald’s and Taco Bell offered uninspiring food and so-so service. While In-N-Out Burger was the top-ranked burger chain, other restaurants also did well in their categories."

"Chick-fil-A topped KFC and all other chicken chains, with high scores for food, value, speed, and the politeness of its staff."

"Chipotle Mexican Grill beat out 8 other Mexican food chains, including Taco Bell."
Here are the Consumer Reports' top fast food restaurants for overall value, my comments in parentheses: 
  • In-N-Out Burger .... (have never been, can't wait to try 7th Street's)
  • Chipotle Mexican Grill ....(food always lukewarm when served . . . which I do not like)
  • Chick-fil-A .... (too many smiling white people. .. makes me nervous.)
  • Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake Pizza .... (have never been but wouldn't go anywhere named Take N Bake)
For fast food restaurant enthusiasts, of which I am one (if I might be serious for a moment), the report is pretty interesting: Consumer Reports.

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6 comments:

Anonymous said...

"Too many smiling white people"? We don't frequent the fast food restaurants, but Chick-fil-a has saved many bad days. And I've never found a hair in my food there. That counts for a lot in my book.

Francis Shivone said...

Jennifer -- another poor attempt at humor on my part.

That notwithstanding, I do find Chik-Fil-A kind of "WASPy.

As always, thanks. Jennifer

Sunni R. said...

Otherwise known as a "thank you Captain Obvious" situation. We had a Papa Murphy's in the Wal Mart in Hudson Oaks until it turned into an ATT store. I think I took home 1 pizza and was not impressed. I do like Chipotle and Chick Fil A. My .02 on Chick Fil A's success if you're interested- they cater to moms. They see you have 2+ kiddos dancing around while you're ordering so they carry your food to the table, come by to check if you need refills, take trash, etc. It's almost less of a fast food experience and more of a quick casual, which I know is splitting hairs but oh well. I agree with your other commenter that it is a consistently clean establishment. I know you're not much of a CFA fan, but if you ever go, notice the trained reply "It's my pleasure." They are definitely doing something right. I'm gonna be so ticked if there's a breaking story that working conditions are awful or some similar disappointment. Don't let the WASPs get you down, Fran. ;)

John said...

Chik-Fil-A is a restaurant to be avoided because of the name. We've had Papa Murphy's pizza a couple of times and it wasn't bad. I'm just surprised they remain in business because I rarely see people in there.

Francis Shivone said...

Sunni -- I think you're right about the appeal to mothers, children, etc. Not really a man's fast food place it seems to me. Oh, and the WASP's are always nipping at my heels, Sunni. :)

John -- to continue my Chik Fil A bashing... there's just nothing about it I like, including the billboards.

I take that back I like that they are closed on Sunday. Agree with the founder's policy or not, it does show a certain commitment to principle.

Anonymous said...

Oh not a poor attempt at humor - a very good one. Chick-fil-a employees are alarmingly cheerful. :)