This is part of NRN’s Consumer Picks special report, produced in partnership with WD Partners. The study rates top restaurant chains in the limited-service and full-service segments 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, pick up the Sept. 5th issue of Nation’s Restaurant News.
As the largest segment in the restaurant industry, casual-dining restaurants are often the go-to pick for consumers looking for a night away from their own kitchen, a place to celebrate with family and friends or a familiar location to have a quiet meal.
Some of the largest chains in foodservice, from Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar to Outback Steakhouse, make up the industry’s casual-dining segment, which utilizes a full-service operating model, holds various price points and sells alcoholic beverages.
In the inaugural Consumer Picks study from Nation’s Restaurant News and WD Partners, the casual-dining survey field included 33 restaurant chains. Consumers frequenting a casual-dining restaurant said they find food quality the most important attribute of dining out, followed by cleanliness, service, value and atmosphere.
• Learn more about Consumer Picks methodology
• Visit the Consumer Picks homepage
In addition to the 33 casual-dining restaurants ranked by consumers, the Consumer Picks larger full-service segment also included Ruth’s Chris Steak House and McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurants — two fine-dining establishments. The results of those two chains can be found in the full Consumer Picks special report in the September 5th issue of Nation’s Restaurant News. The magazine also outlines the foodservice industry’s additional full-service sector, family dining.
Here, check out a sneak peak of the top 10 casual-dining restaurants, beginning with consumers’ No. 10 pick, BJ’s Restaurants.
#10 BJ’s Restaurants
Headquarters: Huntington Beach, Calif.
No. of units: 102
Leadership: Chairman, president and CEO Jerry Deitchle
Known for: BJ’s Restaurants offers a wide selection of beers on tap to go with its American, pub-style menu choices.
Survey strengths: Variety of menu options.
#9 Romano’s Macaroni Grill
Headquarters: Dallas, Texas
No. of units: 222
Leadership: Chief executive Norman Abdallah
Known for: Romano’s Macaroni Grill serves Italian-style menu items in a relaxed, casual atmosphere.
Survey strengths: Performed best when it came to restaurant cleanliness.
#8 Red Lobster
Headquarters: Orlando, Fla.
No. of units: 670 in the United States, 28 in Canada
Leadership: Darden chief executive and chairman Clarence Otis Jr.; Red Lobster president David Pickens
Known for: Red Lobster prepares fresh seafood and proprietary sides, such as Cheddar Bay Biscuits.
Survey strengths: Service was a highlight.
#7 Outback Steakhouse
Headquarters: Tampa, Fla.
No of units: 778
Leadership: OSI Restarants chief executive Elizabeth (Liz) Smith; chain president Jeff Smith
Known for: Outback serves steaks and steakhouse-style dishes in an Australia-themed setting.
Survey strengths: High marks for its brand reputation and the cleanliness of its units.
Next: Olive Garden
Continued from page 5
#6 Olive Garden
Headquarters: Orlando, Fla.
No. of units: 750 in United States; 6 in Canada
Leadership: Darden chief executive and chairman Clarence Otis Jr.; Olive Garden president John Caron
Known for: Olive Garden prepares Italian-inspired meals in a casual atmosphere, with an emphasis on value. Its never-ending pasta bowl special, in which customers choose from several pasta and sauce options, is particularly notable.
Survey strengths: Performed well in food quality.
#5 Cheddar’s Casual Café
Headquarters: Irving, Texas
No. of units: More than 70
Leadership: Chairman and CEO Kelly Baltes
Known for: Cheddar’s homemade, from-scratch meals are delivered in a homey, casual setting.
Survey strengths: Performed best in the category's “likely to recommend” attribute.
#4 Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Headquarters: Tampa, Fla.
No. of units: 233
Leadership: OSI Restaurant chief executive Elizabeth (Liz) Smith; chain president Steve Shlemon
Known for: Carrabba’s prepares fresh Italian food in a casual setting with an open kitchen.
Survey strengths: High marks for food quality.
#3 The Cheesecake Factory
Headquarters: Calabasas Hills, Calif.
No. of units: 149
Leadership: The Cheesecake Factory Inc. chairman and CEO David Overton; chain president Michael E. Jannini
Known for: Offering a large selection of oversized cheesecake desserts, from Godiva chocolate cheesecake to red velvet cheesecake. Its lengthy menu with a wide range of choices also makes it stand out.
Survey strengths: Scored highest in reputation and menu variety.
#2 P.F. Chang’s China Bistro
Headquarters: Scottsdale, Ariz.
Leadership: P.F. Chang's China Bistro Inc. co-chief executives Richard Federico and Robert Vivian; chain president Lane Cardwell
Known for: A contemporary spin on Chinese food, from traditional dim sum to Asian-style tacos in a upscale-casual setting.
Survey strengths: Variety of dishes on the menu.
#1 Bonefish Grill
Headquarters: Tampa, Fla.
No. of units: 152
Leadership: co-founder Tim Curci, president John Cooper
Known for: Best known for its fresh fish dishes. Customers can also choose from an array of signature cocktails.
Survey strengths: Top-scoring chain among men and Millennials.
