CHICAGO -- As part of its Consumer Brand Metrics program, Technomic asked consumers to rate more than 120 leading restaurant chains on more than 60 different attributes. The attributes capture the consumer experience from every angle, from the quality of the food to the overall brand reputation. The ongoing study records more than 85,000 consumer visits annually.
Based on analysis of consumer ratings in five key areas ("pillars of excellence"), Technomic has announced the winners of the Chain Restaurant Consumers' Choice Awards.
"These awards show that consumers recognize chains' hard work and attention to their needs regarding all aspects of the dining experience," said Darren Tristano, vice president at Technomic.
Consumer comments on the winners:
Pleasant, Friendly Service
Chick-fil-A: "The service is always excellent, and I always leave with a good feeling attributed to the friendly crew."
McAlister's Deli: "They are friendly, helpful, and my meal was made quick and accurately. The restaurant is always clean and the staff is always well-groomed, polite and friendly."
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store: "The service was great. The manager even came over to see how we were all doing. That was impressive."
Welcoming, Comfortable Atmosphere
Caribou Coffee: "The environment is cozy, and I don't feel out of place. There are cushion seats and a fireplace and fun people doing work."
Firehouse Subs: "It's always a friendly atmosphere, clean and bright. I find all Firehouse Subs restaurants to have high standards."
Maggiano's: "Our experiences there have always been great. The service was great, food delicious and ambience fantastic."
Unique Items You Can't Get Elsewhere
Cold Stone Creamery: "Cold Stone has so many creative mouthwatering delicious options and coupons, who wouldn't bypass all other creameries and head straight to Cold Stone Creamery!"
Zaxby's: "The appetizers, sauce and method in which the food is cooked is unique to Zaxby's and quite delicious."
The Cheesecake Factory: "It offers the most delicious bread before we even received our meals, and their cheesecakes are to die for."
Availability of Healthy Options
Jamba Juice: "I love Jamba Juice and have enjoyed their products and service for many years. They take care of my needs by preparing great healthy juice, smoothies and wheat grass when I am outside my own kitchen."
Jason's Deli: "They do a great job of offering healthy options that taste delicious."
Seasons 52: "I appreciate the use of fresh, wholesome and organic ingredients and the creativity behind the menu."
Intent to Recommend
Papa Murphy's: "My son turned us on to Papa M's a couple of years ago! They have a very good value for one's dollar, so we have stuck with them."
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers: "Their chicken fingers are awesome, and their toast is to die for with their Cane's sauce. I recommend this place to anyone who has never eaten there before."
Cheddar's: "I have been there countless times and they never let me down. They have a friendly staff and even when they are really busy, they always pull through on excellent food."
The company will present the Chain Restaurant Consumers' Choice Awards at the Consumer Insights Planning Program Conference on January 14 in Newport Beach, Calif.
Chicago-based Technomic offers research and data for food manufacturers and distributors, restaurants and retailers, other foodservice organizations and others aligned with the food industry.
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