Technomic Identifies Consumers' Top Restaurant Chains

CHICAGO -- Technomic Inc. announced the winners of its 2014 Chain Restaurant Consumers' Choice Awards, which honor full-service, fast-casual and quick-service restaurant chains based on consumer responses to the research firm's Consumer Brand Metrics program.

Participating consumers rate more than 120 leading restaurant chains on more than 60 different attributes, such as food quality and overall brand reputation. This year's winners were selected by analyzing data collected from the fourth quarter of 2012 through the third quarter of 2013 for attributes that today's consumers say are particularly important. Results are based on top-two-box scores, with top-box scores used for ties and other considerations, Technomic said. The ongoing study collects more than 80,000 consumer visits annually.

"It's important to point out that consumers get credit for rating the chains and selecting the winners," said Technomic Executive Vice President Darren Tristano. "We're pleased to acknowledge the winning organizations, but these awards come directly from their customers."

This year's winners, by pillar of excellence, are:

• Kid Friendly
  Full service: Friendly's
  Fast casual: McAlister's Deli
  Quick service: CiCi's Pizza
   
• Pleasant, Friendly Service
  Full service: Bonefish Grill
  Fast casual: Firehouse Subs
  Quick service: In-N-Out Burger
   
• Craveability
  Full service: Joe's Crab Shack
  Fast casual: Zaxby's
  Quick service: Auntie Anne's
   
• Social Consciousness
  Full service: The Cheesecake Factory
  Fast casual: Panera Bread
  Quick service: Chick-fil-A
   
• Availability of Healthy Options
  Full service: Mimi's Cafe
  Fast casual: Jason's Deli
  Quick service: Subway

The 2014 Consumers' Choice Awards will be presented at Technomic's Consumer Trends & Directions Conference, to be held Jan. 22-23 in Newport Beach, Calif.