The Best and Worst Rated Fast-Food Restaurants in the U.S.

"Should you tip fast food employees? It's no secret that the United States has a serious tipping culture. But this long-standing practice, previously reserved for personal services and sit-down restaurants, is now creeping into new territories. Even fast-food restaurants are now asking for tips. The question of whether you should be tipping when picking up your meal is sparking heated debates across our country."

"Some people believe that tipping fast food workers can help provide necessary support and closer to a living wage. Others view it as an unwelcome expansion of tipping, which many already view as problematic. Whichever side you're on, it's clear that the fast-food industry is reaching a tipping point (see what we did there?!) and consumers are beginning to get frustrated by the extra costs involved."

Tipping culture in the United States has expanded from personal services and sit-down restaurants into fast-food establishments, with many chains now requesting tips. The practice has ignited debates between those who see tips as necessary support toward a living wage and those who view tipping expansion as an unwelcome, problematic cost burden. Consumers are increasingly frustrated by added expenses as the fast-food industry approaches a tipping point. 24/7 Wall St. evaluated customer satisfaction across major chains using the American Customer Satisfaction Index Restaurant and Food Delivery Study 2025 and ownership data. Inflation-related price increases have reduced visits from households earning under $75,000, and the study was updated on October 23, 2025.

Read at 24/7 Wall St.