NRN presents Consumer Picks, a data-driven report on customer preference and restaurant brand strength. Data for this report is provided by market research firm Datassential. Find out more about the data here and read more about the methodology here.
Five casual-dining brands that landed in the top 10 for ambience — LongHorn Steakhouse, Texas Roadhouse, Outback, Red Lobster and Bonefish Grill — also made an appearance in the top 10 for food quality in addition to The Cheesecake Factory, a double winner. But two quick-service chains with cult followings showed that speedy service and high-quality food aren’t mutually exclusive. In-N-Out and Chick-fil-A, both known for an obsession with perfecting their signature menu items, were part of a four-way tie for second place.