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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