News

Online job site studies staff ratings of QSR employers

July 3, 2012

By now, comments from the McDonald's employee who dished some company secrets (mostly positive) on Reddit have gone viral. Prior to this story making headlines, Glassdoor, a social jobs and career community, asked employees across several leading quick-service brands to rate their working experiences. The new report was created using the question "Do you approve of the way your CEO is leading the company?"

The report is based on QSRs that received at least 20 approved reviews between June 18, 2011, and June 17, 2012. The average CEO rating on Glassdoor is 62 percent approval.

Other findings include:

• Highest rated QSRs: According to the report, In-N-Out Burger is the highest rated company with its 4.0 (very satisfied) rating. In-N-Out Burger is followed by Chick-fil-A with a 3.7 (satisfied) company rating, and Taco Bell, Arby's & Jimmy John's, share a 3.2 (OK) company rating. (Company ratings based on a 5-point scale).
• Highest Rated QSR CEOs: Chick-fil-A CEO S. Truett Cathy is the highest rated CEO on this list with an 88 percent approval rating among employees, followed by Subway CEO Fred DeLuca with his 72 percent approval, and Taco Bell CEO Greg Creed with 71 percent approval.
• Lowest Rated QSRs: Papa John's, Little Caesar's & Potbelly Sandwich Works are the three lowest rated companies on this list, sharing a 2.6 (OK) company rating.
• Lowest Rated CEOs: Papa John's CEO John H. Schnatter is the lowest rated CEO on this list with a 39 percent approval rating among employees, followed by Pizza Hut CEO Scott Bergren with 50 percent approval and Jimmy John's CEO Jimmy Liautaud with 55 percent approval.

Other brands of note include McDonald's, which received a 2.9 rating (near OK), and now-former CEO Jim Skinner receiving a 67 percent approval rating. Domino's also earned a 2.9 in the survey, while its CEO J. Patrick Doyle stood at a 65 percent approval rating.

Glassdoor's research provides specific comments about the brands, as well. For example: "In N Out provides a very upbeat and positive work environment. They motivate progress and promotions. Very well structured and professional." – In-N-Out Burger employee (location n/a)

"I'm a single young mother, attending college full time. My availability can get really hard, but my manager really understands and works with me to create my work perfect schedule." – Taco Bell cashier (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.)

"The payscale is great. And when your numbers fall in line you are left alone." – Pizza Hut RGM (Cleveland)

"Not actually a Christian company, just marketed as such. They are after every cent and sale as all other businesses out there." – Chick-fil-A General Manager

"No room for advance, no bonus plan reachable anymore, you should work there if you just like to settle in life." – KFC General Manager (location n/a)

"Be prepared to work all weekend nights, every football game, every boxing event, and to not see your family or friends if they're on a more traditional 9-5 schedule." – Papa John's Delivery Driver (Algonquin, Ill.)

Read more about staffing and training.