The 8 Worst Family Restaurant Chains in America
This breakfast-all-day chain received low marks for value and atmosphere in a recent annual survey by industry analyst Nation’s Restaurant News, though diners did like its menu variety. We’ll just add that Rooty Tooty Fresh ‘N Fruity is fun to say.
This burger chain, which was founded in 1936, got low scores for atmosphere and craveability. Its best mark was for reputation. Those trademark statues of the chubby boy in red-and-white checkered overalls must help.
flickr/Brian Wallace
This chain, with more than 400 locations across much of the U.S. and Canada, scored poorly on value, atmosphere and craveability.
Flickr/Sabal Hotels
East Coast diners might not be familiar with this all-day-breakfast chain founded in 1958, since its more than 200 locations are primarily in the Rocky Mountain region, the Midwest, Arizona and Florida.
Recalling the classic American diner, this family-friendly dining chain based in Atlanta received low marks for reputation, atmosphere and craveability.
flickr
Open all day and on holidays, this famous chain had the lowest score for craveability among the family dining restaurants in the survey. It also got low ratings for cleanliness, reputation and atmosphere.
Known for its sundaes and milkshakes, this East Coast chain had low scores in five categories: value, service, reputation, atmosphere and craveability. In other words, diners were not all that friendly.
flickr/Mike Mozart
Despite all the hashbrown toppings it offers (smothered, covered, chunked, diced, peppered, capped, topped and country), Waffle House scored lowest among family dining chains for menu variety — as well as food quality, cleanliness, reputation, service, atmosphere and diners being likely to recommend it. Ouch.
Steven A. Miller