Operations

Newsweek readers name Next Level Burger 'best fast-food chain'

Photo: Next level

July 26, 2024

Next Level Burger, a plant-based burger joint chain based is the winner of the 2024 Newsweek Readers' Choice Awards contest for best fast-food chain.

The top ten winners in the contest are as follows:

• Next Level Burger.
• Whataburger.
• Chipotle Mexican Grill.
• Chick-Fil-A.
• Jersey Mike's.
• Zaxby's
• In-and-Out Burger.
• Popeyes.
• Firehouse Subs.
• Culver's

Nominees are editorially driven with contributions from a panel of travel experts, and the final list is determined by Newsweek editors. Readers can vote once per category, per day.

Next Level Burger was the only 100% plant-based brand nominated by Newsweek's expert panel for the contest, and winners were decided on by votes from the public.

"The fact that our 10-unit vegan restaurant chain was able to beat out chains with thousands of units and global brand presence is an incredible honor," Matt de Gruyter, co-founder and CEO of NLB and Veggie Grill by Next Level, said in a press release. "For us, the significance of this win is even deeper, as it shows that consumers are becoming more aware of the footprint of their food choices. This is the story of forward-thinking stewardship and sustainability — for ourselves, our planet and the sentient beings we share it with. At NLB, we believe the future is bright, but that it's up to all of us to make sure of it."

NLB and Veggie Grill by Next Level have a combined 25 locations nationwide.