Food and beverage intelligence provider
Datassential recently published its first Datassential 500, “a recognition program spotlighting the most dynamic brands shaping the future of foodservice,” compiled from
“proprietary data, predictive analytics and real consumer sentiment.”
Unsurprisingly, the report found that Chick-fil-A ranks as consumers’ top chain, showing the
“strongest consumer ratings across all major metrics, from food quality to value and experience.”
Yet despite Chick-fil-A coming in top overall, Raising Cane's actually ranked as
the “best chicken chain,” with consumers giving high marks for the brand’s taste and satisfaction.
Named “America’s fastest growing chain” is Hangry Joe's
Hot Chicken & Wings, which, since its launch in 2021, has grown to over 100 locations in the U.S. as well as in the UAE, Japan, and South Korea. Most U.S. locations of the chicken chain are
concentrated in the South and Midwest.
The “most-craved chain,” is the Southern California burger staple In-N-Out, which recently announced the opening of a corporate office in
Franklin, Tennessee. The chain has expanded its footprint beyond the West Coast in recent years, opening locations in Utah, Texas, Colorado and Idaho.
But despite In-N-Out’s
craveability, the “best American burger chain” is Shake Shack, which had high ratings for taste and customer satisfaction.
Chicago-based Portillo’s emerged as the favorite
for the “people’s choice” designation, which was determined by “highest number of devoted customers who consistently choose the brand out of loyalty and dedication, not just
for convenience.”
While its high prices may provoke a lot of social media chatter, Crumbl still took the spot as America’s most unique chain, with unusual cookie flavors such as
Almost Everything Bagel, Cornbread and Pineapple Dole Whip.
America's value leader is Little Caesars, the only pizza chain to take a top slot in the study, due to top ratings on affordability
and value-for-money perception.
Additional winners included Wingstop as America's “best to-go chain,” and Canadian import Dutch Bros, which was voted “best coffee
chain.”