Zagat readers rank fast-food chains

[Robin Garr]

Interesting stuff here, Nation's Restaurant News reports, as the folks at Zagat sample public opinion about fast food in a variety of categories:

Zagat users rank top restaurant chains
August 16, 2010 | By Bret Thorn

Zagat's survey divided chains into four categories: large fast-food chains with up to 5,000 U.S. outlets, mega fast-food chains with more than 5,000 units, full-service chains and quick-refreshment chains. The 6,518 participants in the survey ranked the chains’ food, facilities and service on a 30-point scale.

Among large fast-food chains, In-N-Out had the best food, Panera had the best facilities and Chick-fil-A won for best service.

Among mega chains, Wendy’s won for food, McDonald’s for facilities and Subway for service.

For quick refreshment, Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shops won for food, Caribou Coffee for facilities and Peet’s Coffee & Tea for service.

Among full-service restaurants, Bonefish Grill won for both food and service, and P.F. Chang’s China Bistro won for facilities.

Panera Bread, Subway, Starbucks and P.F. Chang’s were selected as the most popular chains in their respective categories of large fast-food chains, mega fast-food chains, quick refreshment and full service.

Zagat surveyors also voted on best burgers, fries, salads and other specific menu items.

Best burger honors went to Five Guys for fast food and Red Robin Gourmet Burgers for full service. Starbucks took top coffee honors in fast food, while IHOP had the top-ranked coffee among full-service chains. Panera and The Cheesecake Factory were selected as having the best salads in their respective categories.

McDonald's and Olive Garden were chosen as offering the best value.

KFC was voted as having the best fried chicken among fast-food restaurants. Chick-fil-A won for grilled chicken. McDonald’s won in the categories of best value menu, best French fries and best breakfast sandwiches.

Among full service restaurants, Outback Steakhouse won for best steak, Cracker Barrel for best breakfast, and P.F. Chang’s won for appetizers. Not only did Cheesecake Factory rank highest in salads, but also in desserts. Bonefish Grill won for best seafood.

Full results can be seen at www.ZAGAT.com/fastfood.


Read more: http://www.nrn.com/article/zagat-users- ... z0wrZqFdNd

Stirrin' the pot a bit early in the morning, eh?

I just do not understand the 5 Guys hype. I've eaten at the one at the Summit twice because people told me about how wonderful it was, etc. and both times came away completely unimpressed. The burgers were pressed to the point of being dry and almost completely flavorless and the fries were soggy and pretty much unseasoned. (the second trip was a 'maybe I just went on a bad day' re-visit, and it was either another bad day or their food is just 'meh' - not going to shoot for the third strike.)

[Robin Garr]

I just do not understand the 5 Guys hype. ...

In fairness, I hit them on a fairly good day. That being said, though, I liked Home Run Burgers better. On the other hand, Five Guys gives out free peanuts.

I think the real point to this story isn't so much to praise the "winners" as it is to observe the choices by Zagat readers, who may not be foodies or fans of local indies as are many of us. When we lived in New York City a while back, all the foodies I knew laughed at Zagat.

I just do not understand the 5 Guys hype. I've eaten at the one at the Summit twice because people told me about how wonderful it was, etc. and both times came away completely unimpressed. The burgers were pressed to the point of being dry and almost completely flavorless and the fries were soggy and pretty much unseasoned. (the second trip was a 'maybe I just went on a bad day' re-visit, and it was either another bad day or their food is just 'meh' - not going to shoot for the third strike.)

It might be that particular 5 Guys.... I've been to them around the country, and also in New Albany, and the burgers have never been dry, and the fries are always freshly done. I understand not giving that particular spot a retry, but if you spot one out elsewhere, I'd give it a shot.

That being said, there are several places around town that have better burgers, Home Run being one of them.

I like 5 guys and I haven't found a better burger at a national fast food chain.

I have just returned from Reno where I relished in In and Out burger. Now there's a burger!

No love for What-A-Burger?


I'm crushed.

Have any of you been to a Hardee's lately? They're really turned their act around since they scaled back years ago. The food is better (it's always hot) & the customer service is great. I honestly haven't been to the one in Louisville but I hit up a few while on the road in other states (as well as the one in Bardstown) & I must say that I'd now rate them #1 (out of what I've had). I'm honestly not a big fast food guy but when the person you're traveling w/ is paying...

You guys have all the Home Runs you want...never again for me.

[quote="Michael Mattingly"]Have any of you been to a Hardee's lately? [/quote]

Don't swing by the one in Seymour, unless you like having to swat a path through the flies to the counter... Now the one in Jeffersonville and Hodgenville are pretty decent, I always ask if I can wait for a fresh burger and fries unless I am in a super hurry (rarely so these days, business-wise).

Have any of you been to a Hardee's lately? They're really turned their act around since they scaled back years ago. The food is better (it's always hot) & the customer service is great. I honestly haven't been to the one in Louisville but I hit up a few while on the road in other states (as well as the one in Bardstown) & I must say that I'd now rate them #1 (out of what I've had). I'm honestly not a big fast food guy but when the person you're traveling w/ is paying...

Sorry but the poor management that went on for YEARS at the old Breckinridge Ln/Taylorsville Rd. location turned me off Hardees forever. At that time we lived close by and would visit at least once a week. We marveled how they always got our order wrong no matter what we ordered. Dried condiments on the wall on the inside. Surly staff. The final straw was when someone was raped in the bathroom during store hours. The length of duration for all this spoke not only of bad local management but of pure negligence on the part of the corporation. And a perfect example of why so many people hate chains.
Hardees? Never again!

I like Five Guys. I've only eaten at the New Albany State Street location. Burgers properly cooked and juicy, fries crisp, salted and awesome.

I'm surprised people jumped on Five Guys and skipped over the Red Robin win.

Red Robin is ok I suppose, but for the money I can think of about a dozen burgers I'd rather have.

Including Five Guys and Home Run.

Sorry, but for me, those two are interchangeable. Basically the same place. Both very good, but if you put a burger from each place in front of me I'm not sure I could tell them apart. I don't see how you can like one and not the other.

I like that Home Run is locally owned, but Five Guys is obviously what they are shooting for... and their aim is true.

Hardees in J-Town is the polar opposite of the Breckinridge location. And, one restaurant should not be used to set an example for all chains.

I'm more interested in people's opinions on different chain joint in relation to Zagat's report. Not whether or not they hate chains. I read this all the time.