See the three lowest scorers in the Limited-Service, Casual-Dining and Family-Dining segments, and the lowest scoring Fine-Dining chain, in the 2016 Consumer Picks survey.
Overall Scores for the 112 Limited-Service chains in the survey ranged from 73.4 to 32.4.
McDonald's
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McDonald's had an Overall Score of 39.5, the third-lowest in the segment. Its lowest attribute score was 25.7, for Atmosphere. McDonald's has lost market share over the past three years and recently has made several changes to increase sales and win back customers.
A&W Restaurants
A&W Restaurants had an Overall Score of 38.6, the second-lowest in Limited Service. Its lowest attribute score was 28.3, for Menu Variety. A&W serves burgers, chicken, hot dogs, sides and sweets, along with its signature root beer.
Chuck E. Cheese's
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Chuck E. Cheese's had an Overall Score of 32.4, the lowest among the Limited-Service chains. Its lowest attribute score was 20.3, for Value. Chuck E. Cheese’s has been working on modernizing its menu for Millennial parents and their children.
Overall Scores for the survey's 40 Casual-Dining chains ranged from 74.2 to 54.3.
Ruby Tuesday
Ruby Tuesday had an Overall Score of 55.7, the third-lowest score in Casual Dining. Its lowest attribute score was 40.7, for Value. The chain has been working to increase traffic and sales, with a focus on new menu promotions, refreshed interiors and a shift in advertising strategy to include more digital marketing.
Logan's Roadhouse
Logan's Roadhouse had an Overall Score of 54.9, the second-lowest in Casual Dining. Its lowest attribute score was 41, for Value. Logan’s has been struggling for some time, with falling sales and a heavy debt load.
Buffalo Wild Wings
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Buffalo Wild Wings posted the lowest Overall Score among the Casual-Dining chains — 54.3. Its lowest attribute score was 38.3, on Value.Buffalo Wild Wings is considered a bright spot in the casual-dining sector, but same-store sales in the fourth quarter ended Dec. 27 did not meet expectations.
Overall Scores for the 16 Family-Dining chains in the survey ranged from 68 to 42.9.
Denny's
Denny's had the third-lowest Overall Score in Family Dining — 51.9. Its lowest attribute score was 41, for Atmosphere. Denny’s has been introducing a new “Heritage” design to revitalize its 1,710-unit system.
Friendly's
Friendly's Overall Score of 48.6 was the second-lowest among the Family-Dining chains. Its lowest attribute score was 31.1 for Atmosphere. The 81-year-old company and its franchisees have been remodeling units in recent years.
Waffle House
Waffle House had an Overall Score of 42.9, the lowest in the Family-Dining segment. Its lowest score was 31.1, for Atmosphere. Waffle House locations have basic decor, with many located near major highways and catering to travelers.
The five Fine-Dining chains in the survey had Overall Scores ranging from 79.9 to 75, far higher than any other segment.
McCormick & Schmick's
McCormick & Schmick's Overall Score of 75 was the lowest among the Fine-Dining chains. Its lowest attribute score was 61.5, for Value. McCormick & Schmick's serves fresh seafood, aged steaks, poultry, entrée salads and pasta.