With the multitude of quick-service (fast food) restaurants available in the United States, Harris Interactive took its annual poll to determine consumer favorites.
It has been a while since Subway spokesman Jared Fogle has shown us his pre-weight loss pants, but Americans are still buying into Subway’s “Eat Fresh” nutritional slogans. Subway was rated the top quick service restaurant chain for the eighth consecutive year.
“Subway’s consistently high ranking in the Harris Poll EquiTrend study clearly indicates that consumers are graduating from just saying they’re interested in better nutrition choices in restaurants to actually changing their purchase behavior,” Mary Bouchard, Harris Interactive vice president of consumer goods, retail and restaurant research said in a press release. “For some time, the media spotlight on obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, and the importance of making better meal choices away from home, has driven growth in the range and number of lower calorie/better nutrition dishes being offered in all types of restaurants. These study results show just how strongly Subway’s positioning around fast and healthy meal choices is resonating with consumers.”
While the front-runner banks on its low calorie appeal, the second through fourth place winners lean more toward the traditional burgers and fries model.
Top quick-service restaurants:
- Subway
- Dairy Queen
- Wendy’s
- Five Guys Burgers and Fries
- Chick-fil-A
- McDonald’s
- Burger King
For the first time in eight years, Papa John’s edged Pizza Hut out of the top slot in the pizza category. Einstein Bros. Bagels remains the smart choice for consumers in the coffee and quick service category, knocking Dunkin Donuts out of the top spot. Foodies who love nothing more than to mock the Olive Garden will be pleased to hear that Maggiano’s Little Italy Restaurant beat out the Olive Garden in the Italian Casual Dining category.
Top Casual Dining: American style restaurants:
- Panera Bread
- Longhorn Steakhouse
- Bonefish Grill
- Outback Steakhouse
- Applebee’s
- IHOP
-Follow Elise Rambaud Marrion, @emarrion_cmn.
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