The customer experience pros at Market Force Information just released the results of their annual quick-service restaurant study, showing America’s fast food favorites are a mix of old and new. Market Force reviewed survey responses from 11,000 people and found these are the country’s favorite fast food joints.
Burgers: For the second year in a row, In-N-Out takes the top spot, followed by Culvers and Five Guys. Surprisingly, McDonald’s finished last of the 13 burger chains they ranked. These are the top five burger spots:
- In-N-Out - 76%
- Culver’s - 66%
- Five Guys - 63%
- Smashburger - 54%
- Steak ‘n Shake - 52%
Chicken: Chick-fil-A came in at the top of the category once again, making this the fourth year they’ve won. Raising Cane’s was second, followed by Zaxby’s and El Pollo Loco, which tied for third. Here are the top five chichen chains:
- Chick-fil-A - 73%
- Raising Cane’s - 68%
- Zaxby’s - 51% & El Pollo Loco - 51%
- Boston Market 46%
- Popeye’s - 42%
Mexican: And despite its highs and lows, Chipotle “narrowly” came in first in this group again. These are the top quick-burrito winners:
- Chipotle - 46.3%
- El Pollo Loco - 46.2%
- Qdoba - 45%
- Moe’s Southwest Grill - 43%
- Taco Cabana - 40%
Pizza: In this category, there was a new favorite. Iowa-based Pizza Ranch and its 200 locations in 13 states became customers’ favorite pizza joint, beating out the big names in the game.
- Pizza Ranch - 64%
- Papa Murphy’s - 62%
- Marco’s Pizza - 55%
- Domino’s - 45%
- Papa John’s - 45%
Sandwiches: And if you want to get the best sub in the country, it couldn’t be more convenient because convenience store chain Wawa came in first in this group. It’s the first time a store has been ranked as the favorite spot for hoagies. Here are the top five:
- Wawa - 64%
- Firehouse Subs - 62%
- Jersey Mike’s - 59%
- Jimmy John’s - 58%
- Jason’s Deli - 57%
Source: Food and Wine