In-N-Out dethrones its rivals to become America's best burger chain
Now, a new ranking puts the California cult favorite the top spot in its annual list of the nation's best burger chains.
The list, released by Yelp for International Burger Day, ranked chains with more than 100 locations across multiple states based on user reviews and brand performance.
Struggling brands like Wahlburgers and Jack In The Box made the list, and BurgerFi was in at 13th, despite its bankruptcy filing last year.
McDonald's and Burger King, two of the largest chains in the world, were down at 17 and 19 on the list, while smaller chains like Cook Out and Fatburger were 12th and 21st, respectively.
Yelp's Kadecia Ber said: 'Today's consumers prioritize quality ingredients and customization in addition to convenience.
'What's evident from our rankings is that burger chains resonating most with customers today are those finding the right balance between consistency, quality, and a distinctive brand identity.'
In-N-Out Burger
Founded in 1948, In-N-Out Burger is known for serving simple and inventive burgers and fries.
More than 119,000 Yelp reviewers have praised the California based restaurant chain for its service and drive-thru experience.
Some of the chain's popular menu items include its Double-Double burgers and Animal Style fFench fries topped with onions, cheese, and a secret sauce.
With more than 400 locations, In-N-Out Burger was named the top burger chain in the Western region and is planning to open seven new restaurants while phasing out artificial ingredients from its menu.
Habit Burger & Grill
The Habit Burger & Grill cracked the top five burger chains and is the second-best burger chain in the US overall.
The first restaurant opened in 1969, and it now has nearly 400 restaurants worldwide.
Yelp reviewers praised the chain's Charburger, with onions, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and mayo.
The chain recently opened new restaurants in Washington and Idaho.
Shake Shack
What began as a New York hot dog cart in 2001 is now the nation's third-best burger chain that cracked the top 3 burger chain listings in each US region.
It's also the top-ranked burger chain in 21 states and Washington DC, and its original New York restaurant has over 5,800 Yelp reviews.
With over 320 restaurants across the U.S., the chain plans to open 80 to 85 company-operated restaurants this year and rolled out its first loyalty program this week.
Culver's
Culver's has served burgers to customers since opening its first restaurant in 1984.
It rests at number four on the national ranking, but Yelp named it the top burger chain in the South and Midwest regions.
Several fans have given positive reviews over its ButterBurgers and frozen custard.
There are currently over 1,000 Culver's across 26 states and it's adding 55 new locations this year.
Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks
Founded in 1982, the nation's fifth-best burger chain has less than 50 locations and only operates in Arizona and California.
Each restaurant provides a beachy atmosphere while serving unique items like the spicy Kilauea and the veggie-friendly Shorebird.
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is famous for its retro decor as well as its fan favorite Steakburgers.
However, reviewers also praised its Original Double and signature fry sauce.
The brand operates over 500 restaurants in the U.S. and Canada, and has been working on its plan to add 130 new locations between 2024 and 2025.
Five Guys
Five Guys has become a burger chain empire with over 1,800 locations worldwide.
Opening its first location in 1986, fans enjoy the variety of options offered when customizing their burgers and food that's 'cooked to perfection'.
The restaurant chain is one of the top brands in three U.S. regions, and has already opened more U.S. locations this year.
Wayback Burgers
Wayback Burgers operates over 170 restaurants worldwide and has experienced consistent franchise system growth.
Its also famous for its rotating specials and unique flavor combinations in the eyes of Yelp users.
The chain has opened new restaurants in Georgia and North Carolina and plans to open more in Texas, Ohio, and Iowa later this year.
MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes
The youngest restaurant chain on the list, MOOYAH brings a high level of burger customization to over 100 restaurants nationwide.
Customers can also choose between Angus beef, turkey, or veggie patties when ordering food.
While it is smaller than several chains, MOOYAH is planning to add 54 locations in Texas by 2030.
Red Robin
Red Robin has not let their potential 70 restaurant closures stop them from receiving positive Yelp reviews.
The family friendly chain is known for its massive menu and offers multiple fan favorite foods like Whiskey River BBQ Burger and teriyaki-glazed Banzai Burger.
The 56-year-old chain operates over 490 restaurants in the U.S. and Canada, and is one of the top-ranked burger chains in the Northeast.
Foodie finds: Founded in California, In-N-Out Burger also beat out Habit Burger & Grill as the top chain in the Western region
Top 25 burger chains in the U.S.
In-N-Out Burger
The Habit Burger Grill
Shake Shack
Culver's
Islands Restaurants
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Five Guys Burgers & Fries
Wayback Burgers
MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes
Red Robin
Jack in the Box
Cook Out
BurgerFi
Whataburger
Wahlburgers
Smashburger
McDonald's
Sonic Drive-In
Burger King
White Castle
Fatburger
Wendy's
Carl's Jr
Checkers and Rally's
Steak 'n Shake
SOURCE: Yelp
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
a minute ago
- Daily Mail
Inside the room where a $41 million 'House of Friendship' deal led to a titanic Trump and Epstein showdown
Donald Trump 's voice boomed out across the auction room as it became clear he was determined to win the bidding battle for one of the most palatial mansions in Florida. There was only one man standing in his way - the other bidder was Jeffrey Epstein. The auction on November 15, 2004 appears to have been the final time the two men's paths crossed and, by all accounts, it was not friendly. They appear to have never spoken after it. Around the same time, Trump banned Epstein from his nearby Mar-a-Lago club for being a 'creep.' Weeks later, police were pursuing Epstein over allegations involving underage girls. The titanic hour-long auction struggle was relayed to the Daily Mail by an insider present in the room on the seventh floor of non-descript office building in Palm Beach. Both Trump and Epstein were determined to buy Maison de l'Amitie - 'The House of Friendship' - a glorious six-acre French Regency-style estate on 'Billionaires' Row' overlooking the Atlantic. It had come up for auction after the owner, Abe Gosman, a nursing home tycoon, declared bankruptcy. Gosman died in 2013. Judge Steven Friedman presided over the hearing with a speakerphone next to him on his desk. 'This was before the advent of Zoom so the bankruptcy judge allowed bidders to bid by telephone,' the insider said. Bidders tended to use representatives and Epstein pursued that strategy. Trump had a lawyer representing him in the room, but placed his own bids from afar. 'There was a speaker on the judge's table and everyone had a dial-in number,' the insider said. 'Mr Trump did the bidding himself. We knew it was him, we recognized the voice. I was surprised. Mr Trump said he was going to outbid everyone. 'In my recollection he just made it clear he was going to win the bid. He said something to the effect of "I will continue bidding." 'The Apprentice had just started and he was that persona - very confident, very authoritative.' About 40 people - lawyers and Florida real estate types - packed into the room. Rather than a courtroom, it was a banal space in the offices of a medical company. The auction itself was the culmination of a lengthy battle for control of Maison de l'Amitie. According to the bankruptcy trustee Epstein and Trump had both already lobbied hard to buy it. The insider said the starting price had been 'about $20 million.' Epstein, his bids relayed by an intermediary, went all the way up to $38.6 million before finally dropping out. A third bidder, another Florida developer, then made a surprise entry. Trump was undeterred and outbid him too with an offer of $41.35 million. The third bidder did not return a request for comment. Another intriguing aspect of Maison de 'l'Amitie may have spurred Epstein's intense interest in it. It had once been owned by the Victoria's Secret fashion mogul Les Wexner. Epstein had started managing Wexner's money in the late 1980s. It was through Wexner that Epstein acquired his massive mansion in Manhattan, a seven-story, 21,000 square foot behemoth less than a block from Central Park. Wexner sold his entire interest through which he owned the Manhattan property to an entity owned by Epstein in 1998. Wexner later severed all connections with Epstein and said he was 'embarrassed' by his former ties to someone who was 'sick, so cunning, so depraved.' Previously, in 1988, Wexner had sold Maison de l'Amitie to Gosman for $12 million. Gosman built a 64,000 square foot home with a pool house and tennis pavilion, and filled it with expensive works of art before declaring bankruptcy. After winning the auction for it in 2004, Trump told the Palm Beach Daily News: 'My initial feeling is to utilize the existing house and create the second greatest house in America, Mar-a-Lago being the first. 'It's the finest piece of land in Florida and probably in the U.S..' A few years later he hired Karen Todd, the winner of season 3 of 'The Apprentice,' to oversee upgrades to the property. In 2008 Trump sold the property for a Palm Beach record residential price of $95 million to Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev. Epstein killed himself in a New York jail cell in 2019 after being charged with sex trafficking. That year, when asked about Epstein, Trump said he had not spoken to him since about 2004. He said: 'Well, I knew him like everybody in Palm Beach knew him. I mean, people in Palm Beach knew him. He was a fixture in Palm Beach. 'I had a falling out with him a long time ago. I don't think I've spoken to him for 15 years. I wasn't a fan.' The White House has since indicated that the falling out was to do with Epstein being a 'creep' rather than the property auction. This week, White House spokesman Steven Cheung said: 'The fact is that the president kicked him (Epstein) out of his club for being a creep.' It has been reported that Epstein behaved inappropriately with a Mar-a-Lago member's daughter. That may have added steel to Trump's determination to crush Epstein in the auction, and to declare victory in what would prove to be their final encounter.
Reuters
3 minutes ago
- Reuters
Wall Street gains, dollar firms ahead of a big week for market risk
NEW YORK, July 25 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks and the dollar firmed on Friday as investors girded themselves for the week ahead, which includes a Federal Reserve policy meeting, crucial corporate results and U.S. President Donald Trump's August 1 deadline for negotiating trade deals. "There's increasing confidence that the economy won't be derailed by tariffs," said Thomas Martin, Senior Portfolio Manager at GLOBALT in Atlanta. "In the meantime, companies are reporting good earnings, the economic numbers are coming in within the range and people want to own stocks. They don't want to miss out." All three indexes were modestly green in early trading, and were on course for weekly gains. Gold lost some shine, pressured by the dollar as healthy risk appetites lured investors away from the safe-haven metal. With Trump's negotiating deadline just a week away, the U.S. and its trading partners are scrambling to reach trade agreements, with European negotiators heartened by the deal with Japan announced on Tuesday. Intel's shares INTC.O, opens new tab dropped 9.4% after the chipmaker forecast steeper-than-expected quarterly losses and said it had halted or scrapped new factory projects in the U.S. and Europe. More than a third of the companies in the S&P 500 have posted results, 80% of which have beaten estimates, according to LSEG data. Analysts now expect year-on-year second-quarter earnings growth of 7.7%, compared with the 5.8% estimate as of July 1. Four members of the Magnificent 7 group of Artificial Intelligence-related megacap stocks - Amazon (AMZN.O), opens new tab, Apple (AAPL.O), opens new tab, Meta (META.O), opens new tab and Microsoft (MSFT.O), opens new tab are on next week's earnings docket, and market participants will scrutinize the companies' conference calls for signs that AI expenditures are beginning to pay off and whether tariff-related uncertainties continue to weigh on forward guidance. U.S. economic data released on Friday showed an unexpected decline in new orders for core capital goods, as companies hold back on big ticket purchases amid the fog of ongoing trade talks. The Fed is expected to convene next week for a two-day monetary policy meeting, which is expected to culminate in a decision to let its federal funds target rate stand in the 4.25% to 4.50% range. The meeting comes at a moment in which Fed Chair Jerome Powell is facing criticism from Trump for not cutting rates. "The Fed is going to do what it's going to do and Powell is going to stay in his job," Martin added. "The economy is doing great, so they really don't need to lower short-term interest rates." "Inflation is still a question, so they're better off not lowering rates if they don't have to," Martin said. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (.DJI), opens new tab rose 227.98 points, or 0.51%, to 44,921.89, the S&P 500 (.SPX), opens new tab rose 30.79 points, or 0.48%, to 6,394.14 and the Nasdaq Composite (.IXIC), opens new tab rose 84.09 points, or 0.40%, to 21,141.65. European shares settled lower as market participants parsed mixed corporate earnings and awaited developments in the U.S.-EU trade negotiations. MSCI's gauge of stocks across the globe (.MIWD00000PUS), opens new tab rose 0.47 points, or 0.05%, to 941.82. The pan-European STOXX 600 (.STOXX), opens new tab index fell 0.29%, while Europe's broad FTSEurofirst 300 index (.FTEU3), opens new tab fell 5.79 points, or 0.27% Emerging market stocks (.MSCIEF), opens new tab fell 10.43 points, or 0.82%, to 1,256.86. MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan (.MIAPJ0000PUS), opens new tab closed lower by 0.93%, to 661.15, while Japan's Nikkei (.N225), opens new tab fell 370.11 points, or 0.88%, to 41,456.23. U.S. Treasury yields drifted higher in a subdued trading as investors braced for a data-heavy week, updates on U.S. trade talks, and a Federal Reserve policy meeting. The yield on benchmark U.S. 10-year notes fell 2.4 basis points to 4.384%, from 4.408% late on Thursday. The 30-year bond yield fell 2.3 basis points to 4.9265% from 4.949% late on Thursday. The 2-year note yield, which typically moves in step with interest rate expectations for the Federal Reserve, fell 1 basis points to 3.915%, from 3.925% late on Thursday. The dollar gained strength but remained on course for its biggest drop in a month as investors focused on economic data, tariff negotiations and central bank meetings on the calendar for next week. The dollar index , which measures the greenback against a basket of currencies including the yen and the euro, rose 0.25% to 97.69, with the euro down 0.14% at $1.1738. Against the Japanese yen , the dollar strengthened 0.42% to 147.62. In cryptocurrencies, bitcoin fell 1.94% to $116,468.56. Ethereum declined 2.42% to $3,649.42. U.S. crude fell 1.32% to $65.16 per barrel, while Brent fell to $68.44 per barrel, down 1.07% on the day. Gold prices dropped in opposition to the firming dollar, amid signs of progress in U.S.-EU trade talks. Spot gold fell 0.87% to $3,338.54 an ounce. U.S. gold futures fell 1.24% to $3,329.10 an ounce.
Reuters
3 minutes ago
- Reuters
Centene raises Wall Street optimism that Medicaid insurers can improve profits
NEW YORK, July 25 (Reuters) - Wall Street regained confidence in Medicaid insurers after Centene (CNC.N), opens new tab said on Friday it expects to be able to raise rates charged to states for 2026 health plans for low-income Americans and strengthen profit margins. Insurer shares rose across the board. Centene shares were up 5% in early afternoon trading after falling 16% on the company's announcement of a second-quarter loss and forecast cut. Rivals UnitedHealth (UNH.N), opens new tab, CVS Health (CVS.N), opens new tab and Humana (HUM.N), opens new tab rose 1.61%, 2.69% and 3.45%, respectively. All three report earnings next week. Centene in an earnings call reassured investors it would work with states to ensure their payments for Medicaid plans match the company's increased medical costs for 2026. 'Our goal is to reprice 100%' of plans, said company CEO Sarah London. Insurers are paid a set amount by states for Medicaid plans, which are jointly funded with the federal government. Centene, UnitedHealth and Elevance have said this year that state reimbursements for these plans have lagged behind actual costs of care. Cautious investors have been looking for Medicaid health plan design changes and strategic geographic changes by the companies to reduce use of healthcare services. New work requirements for Medicaid recipients in President Donald Trump's signature tax-cut and spending bill have made some investors worry that healthy people could disenroll in coming years. The bill requires states to verify certain members are working or volunteering a minimum of 80 hours per month to qualify for Medicaid coverage starting in 2027. After a COVID-19 era requirement to keep people enrolled expired in 2023, Medicaid plans redetermined each person's eligibility. This pushed members off, changing the mix of sick and healthy participants, and some Medicaid insurers struggled. 'The Medicaid redeterminations have proven to be far more disruptive than anyone thought," said Jeff Jonas, a portfolio manager at Gabelli Funds. "The entire industry is focused on restoring margin over winning new contracts and membership." More detailed data could justify midyear price increases, said Kevin Gade, chief operating officer at Bahl & Gaynor, and correct mismatched rates set by states after the pandemic. More data over the next year will also enable insurers to improve cost management techniques and raise rates paid by states, Gade said. "With enough data you can take care of the problem.'
