This Is the Cleanest Fast-Food Chain in America
Grabbing a soft drink, fries, and a chicken sandwich on the way to your kids' soccer practice or a big meeting is something many Americans do every day. While fast-food chains aren't necessarily known as the cleanest places to eat, some received top marks from consumers.
A 2018 survey from Restaurant Business looked at the overall interior cleanliness, from floors and silverware to tabletops and trays. The survey also asked fast-food restaurant customers to rate the perceived cleanliness of the kitchens and food prep area. The restrooms were also ranked for overall cleanliness, as they can be a major indicator of how clean the rest of the location is.
We're counting down the cleanest fast-food chains in America, from good to best. Each percentage indicates how many consumers rated each spot favorably in the Restaurant Business survey. Where does your favorite sit on the list?
And for more, don't miss these 15 Classic American Desserts That Deserve a Comeback.
Papa Murphy's (63%)
The take-and-bake pizza chain Papa Murphy's Pizza garnered a 63% overall cleanliness score. A full 65.5% of consumers rate the interior cleanliness of the store as being very clean, but only 44.4% of survey respondents praised the restrooms' cleanliness.
Newk's Eatery (64.9%)
Newk's Eatery is a fast-casual chain that offers up America's favorites, like soups, salads, and sandwiches. The restaurant had an overall cleanliness score of 64.9% in the Restaurant Business rankings. The chain had consistent scores in all categories, with 64.2% and 66.4% rankings for clean restrooms and interiors, respectively.
Firehouse Subs (65.8%)
Fast-casual sandwich shop Firehouse Subs was rated at 65.8% for cleanliness. Among survey respondents, 66.7% of consumers gave high marks for the cleanliness of the restaurant, and 64.4% ranked the restrooms as clean.
Culvers (67.1%)
Culvers is known for its butter burgers, cheese curds, and now, its high marks in being a clean restaurant, with an overall score of 67.1% in the Restaurant Business rankings. Among respondents, 69.5% of consumers said the interior of the restaurant is extra-clean, and 67.4% appreciated how clean the bathrooms were. And 63.4% of respondents saw the kitchens and prep areas as clean, too.
Chick-fil-A (67.2%)
Just edging out Culvers is Chick-fil-A, with a 67.2% overall cleanliness score. Across the board, the fast-food chain received high marks. A nice 68.6% of diners commented on how clean the interior of the restaurant is, and 65% of people claimed the restrooms were clean. The kitchen and prep spaces also received got high scores, with a 66.5% approval rating in the survey.
If you're looking for a clean place to grab a quick bite, you can't go wrong at Chick-fil-A.
And for more, check out these 108 most popular sodas ranked by how toxic they are.
