NEW YORK - McDonald??s, KFC, Burger King and Taco Bell received some unfavorable feedback last week, as Consumers Reports released its first major foodservice survey of quick-service restaurants.

The survey, composed of feedback from CR subscribers who made a total of more than 98,000 visits to 53 QSR chains, rated the aforementioned as their top four biggest losers. The main reasons being: uninspiring food and "so-so" customer service. Readers said those chains "don??t even offer much bang for the buck." Other major QSR chains with relatively low scores also include Arby??s, Quiznos, Domino??s and Pizza Hut.

On the flip side, CR readers gave high marks for food to: In-N-Out Burger, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Chick-fil-A and Papa Murphy??s Take 'N?? Bake Pizza, largely because of their "speedy and solicitous service that the industry giants couldn??t match."

Other key survey findings:

• Diners want better food: Many restaurants scored higher for customer service than they did for food.
• Cheap food may not be a bargain: Fifty-four percent cited low prices as a reason for picking a particular QSR, but despite the low prices only 19 percent said they got "excellent value for their money."
• Diners want a better experience: CR readers were much less pleased with QSRs than casual full-service eateries like Cracker Barrel, Outback Steakhouse and Red Lobster.
• Sometimes fast food isn't: The slowest QSRs to get fast food were KFC, Popeyes and Pizza Hut.
• Consumers talk thin but eat fat: Many QSRs are offering healthier options, but the problem is that consumers aren??t buying it. "Indulgence wins over healthfulness every time," Darren Tristano, executive vice president of Technomic, told CR. When asked if they had eaten a healthful meal during their most recent visit to a QSR, only 13 percent said yes.

On average, CR survey respondents bought lunch or dinner at a QSR four times a month. Although three-quarters said the economy didn??t affect how often they ate fast food, 22 percent said they eat out at QSRs less because of financial concerns.

To keep customers coming back, some chains have found success with with limited-time offers, like Whataburger??s Chop House Cheddar Burger and Domino??s pizza-and-chicken-wing package, both retailing for $5.99. However, some experts question whether rising commodity prices and fuel costs will start to mean fewer customers.

To enhance the customer experience ?" and the perception of value ?" QSRs like McDonald??s are remodeling and updating their interiors to create a more inviting atmosphere. Some QSRs have implemented online ordering, expanded their menus to include snacks and breakfast fare. Some are also starting to cater to customers with food allergies and dietary concerns by adding gluten-free options and reducing fat and sodium from their foods.