This is part of NRN’s 2012 Consumer Picks special report, produced in partnership with WD Partners. The study rates top restaurant chains based on customer preferences. Visit Consumer Picks on NRN.com for more information. For the full report, including detailed rankings on the more than 100 chains, see the Aug. 6 issue of Nation’s Restaurant News.
In addition to presenting chain preferences across the thousands of consumers who participated in this year’s Consumer Picks, Nation’s Restaurant News and WD Partners also have segmented consumers based on demographic groups and income levels to find their top restaurant chain preference. Looking at women, men, Millenials and consumers with income above and below $25,000, find which restaurants strike which cords with customers.
Who likes what?
Favorite limited-service chain among each group
Women: Marble Slab Creamery
Men: Potbelly Sandwich Works
Millenials: In-N-Out Burger
Gen X: Marble Slab Creamery
Boomers: Marble Slab Creamery
Matures: Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake Pizza
Income level:
<$25K: Souplantation/Sweet Tomatoes
$25K-$49,999K: Marble Slab Creamery
$50K-$74,999K: In-N-Out Burger
$75K-$100K: Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake Pizza
>$100K: Bruster's Real Ice Cream
Who likes what?
Favorite casual-dining chain among each group
Women: The Cheesecake Factory
Men: P.F. Chang's China Bistro
Millenials: Bonefish Grill
Gen X: P.F. Chang's China Bistro
Boomers: BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
Matures: The Cheesecake Factory
Income level:
<$25K: The Cheesecake Factory
$25K-$49,999K: The Cheesecake Factory
$50K-$74K,999K: BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
$75K-$100K: Bucca di Beppo
>$100K: Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers
Editor's Note: Millennials born 1982-2000. Only Millennials 17 or older qualified to take the survey; Gen X born 1965-1981; Boomers born 1946-1964; Matures born 1945 or earlier.
ALSO: Check out NRN's special report, "Targeting Your Demographic," to see how demographics matter when deciding the best strategies for your business.