The fast food industry has seen its fair share of legal battles over the years, from legitimate safety concerns to corporate negligence cases. But sometimes, customers file lawsuits that are so bizarre, they become internet sensations. Today, we’re bringing you 10 fast food-related cases that will either leave you scratching your heads or make your day.
10. Papa John’s Sued For Texting Too Much
Jonathan Anozie sued Papa John’s in court as they kept texting him pizza offers from the brand’s automated marketing system. Anozie did what he could to stop the texts from coming by texting back “STOP” to the system. Surprisingly, this is a violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, with a court filing argument stating that Anozie suffered anxiety, frustration, and annoyance.
9. Starbucks Sued For Putting Ice Over Iced Drinks
Yup, it’s that crazy. Starbucks received two cases with an argument about adding ice to their iced beverages. With that, customers weren’t receiving the same amount of drinks as they should have. One case was already dismissed with the California judge stating that a consumer knows that every drink they order comes with ice.
8. Burger King Sued For Different Prices Per Location
You may have seen the disclaimer “prices may differ by location” over a fast food brand’s promotional material. Well, that disclaimer post didn’t stop a woman from New York from suing Burger King. The woman claimed that a large Coke cost 89 cents at a Burger King location near her while she could get a cheaper 69 cents at a slightly farther Burger King. The woman sued the chain for $100 as compensation for the extra distance she needed to go. To say the least, Burger King won without showing up in court.
7. Popeyes Sued For Giving Spork Instead of Knife
Back in 2016, a man from Mississippi claimed that he choked on a Popeyes fried chicken. The reason? Because the chain gave him a spork with no knife. However, things started to get serious when the man was brought to surgery to have the chicken removed from his throat. Lesson learned: check your utensils before driving away, or maybe you could take smaller bites.
6. Krispy Kreme Sued Over Fruits
Jason Saidan from Los Angeles sued Krispy Kreme for five million dollars. He claimed that some of the chain’s fruit-flavored dessert lacks real fruit. Saidan also claims that the maple doughnuts have no actual maple. Based on his research, some doughnuts like the Glazed Lemon Doughnuts contain real lemon juice. With that, he believes the inconsistency is grounds for a lawsuit. However, he eventually lost interest in the case being voluntarily dismissed.
5. Jimmy John’s Sued For Forgetting Sprouts
Everyone makes mistakes at work due to different reasons, but this mistake is enough for a lawsuit, according to California resident Heather Starks. She sued Jimmy John’s after finding no sprouts in her sandwich, which was supposed to contain sprouts according to the menu. The chain resolved the matter with a free side item to customers who claimed that their sandwich lacked sprouts.
4. Dunkin’ Sued Over “Fake” Advertisement
A woman from New York is so done with “fake advertising.” In 2017, she sued Dunkin’ for advertising their sandwich as an ‘Angus Steak & Egg Sandwich’ when in reality it contained Angus beef and not steak. To say the least, it opened a discussion on what constitutes steak and beef.
3. KFC Sued Over Not Feeding The Whole Family
In another case of fake advertising, a woman from New York sued KFC for the “fill up” chicken bucket that isn’t full. Unlike the KFC commercials, the woman saw that the bucket was overflowing with chicken, which is enough for the family. However, she shared with the New York Post that it doesn’t feed the entire family. With this, KFC offered gift certificates, but the woman proceeded with her lawsuit until it was dismissed by the court.
2. Wendy’s Sued Over a Human Fingertip on Chili
For a gross entry, we have Annie Ayala suing Wendy’s after claiming that she found a human fingertip on a bowl of chili. It turns out that Ayala planted the fingertip all along, hoping to get something from the chain. The fingertip belonged to her husband’s workmate, who lost a fingertip after a work accident. The workmate willingly gave his finger to settle a debt. With that, Ayala and her husband pleaded guilty and spent time in prison.
1. McDonald’s Sued Over Removing a Menu Option
How far would you go for a lost menu item? For one couple, they sued McDonald’s for five million dollars. The reason was that the chain removed the Quarter Pounder option with cheese. They have the choice to add cheese, but that would cost them 90 cents more. To say the least, McDonald’s won the suit.