Which grade of beef is commonly associated with fast-food restaurants?

The grade of beef commonly associated with fast-food restaurants is Select. This grade is characterized by its moderate tenderness, juiciness, and flavor compared to higher grades like Prime and Choice. Fast-food chains typically opt for Select because it offers a good balance of quality and cost-effectiveness, allowing them to provide items like burgers and sandwiches at a competitive price point while still ensuring adequate taste and quality for their customers.

Prime grade beef, while superior in tenderness and flavor, is often too expensive for the mass-produced nature of fast food. Choice beef, although it is more common in casual dining and some fast-food establishments, is not as widely used as Select in the majority of fast food. Standard grade beef is generally considered lower quality and is primarily used in processed products rather than in restaurant offerings. Hence, Select is the most fitting answer for the context of fast-food restaurants.