• Ad Age, Wednesday, May 23, 2007 10:45 AM

The Zagat Survey--best known for its citizen reviews of eateries for the power-lunch set--recently published its first ratings for chain restaurants. Panera Bread Co. topped all 24 quick-service chains, while Outback Steakhouse reigned supreme over 21 casual-dining chains. Wendy's scored the highest among "mega chains" (those with more than 5,000 units) and topped the list for burgers. Country-kitsch Cracker Barrel took top honors among full-service chains.

The ratings seem to defy the recent sales results of many chains. Panera's same-store sales were flat for the first quarter, for example, while No. 3-overall Chipotle's comparable sales grew 8.3%. The demographics of the 5,535 volunteer participants may have something to do with the results: 61% were women; 39% were men, and their average age was 43--not the profile of the typical fast-food consumer.

At the very least, the results offer fast feeders new bragging rights. Wendy's put on its internal Web site a banner that reads "best mega chain with the best hamburger." CKE Restaurants' Carl's Jr. and Hardee's posted press releases trumpeting their scores. And Subway "in all likelihood" will post the reviews in stores.

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