AI Playbook for Restaurant Owners
This AI playbook covers restaurant tools for voice ordering, staffing, compliance, menu pricing, inventory, marketing, ChatGPT prompts, and SEO.
May 15, 2026
This AI playbook covers restaurant tools for voice ordering, staffing, compliance, menu pricing, inventory, marketing, ChatGPT prompts, and SEO.
May 15, 2026
Opening a coffee shop in 2026 requires careful cost planning across rent, equipment, labor, technology, menu strategy, marketing, and sustainability.
May 15, 2026
Hardee’s giant Boddie-Noell inks 31-unit Scooter’s Coffee deal for NC and VA, leveraging drive-thru growth and local roots with rollout over 12–18 months.
May 15, 2026
Wingstop turns match weeks into a multi-sensory festival, aligning bold pop-ups with World Cup energy to build brand affinity and measurable momentum.
May 15, 2026
Learn how to develop a memorable restaurant brand identity that stands out in a crowded market, attracts loyal customers, and drives repeat business with actionable strategies and affordable tools.
May 15, 2026
The parent company behind Dunkin', Buffalo Wild Wings, and Arby's has filed for an IPO a move that could reshape how Wall Street views the restaurant sector.
May 15, 2026
Papa Johns has teamed up with Alphabet's Wing for drone delivery of its new sandwich lineup in parts of Charlotte marking the first partnership of its kind between Wing and a national QSR brand.
May 15, 2026
Dirty soda chain Swig is expanding into Colorado through a 10-unit franchise deal, riding a consumer beverage trend that's catching the attention of major QSR players nationwide.
May 15, 2026
A warm, expert-led look at McDonald’s Q1 results, menu makeover, and the refranchise question shaping its growth.
May 14, 2026
A reflective look at Habit Ranch, its immersive desert activation, and what it signals for brand loyalty and mindful, experiential dining.
May 14, 2026
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Discover the latest insights into consumer preferences and trends in the restaurant industry based on Technomic America's Favorite Chains data.


Consumer preferences in the restaurant industry are constantly evolving, with a mix of traditional steakhouses and newer snack brands making waves among diners. While steakhouses have traditionally been popular choices for dining out, the inclusion of snack brands among the most-loved chains showcases a shift towards more casual and convenient dining options. This diversification in consumer preferences reflects changing lifestyles and dining habits.
When it comes to choosing their favorite restaurant chains, consumers consider various factors that contribute to their overall dining experience. Factors such as service and hospitality, unit appearance and ambiance, food and beverage quality, convenience and takeout options, and value for money play crucial roles in influencing consumer choices. These factors collectively shape the perception of a dining establishment and impact consumer loyalty.
Consumer surveys play a vital role in determining the popularity and success of restaurant chains. The data collected from these surveys provide insights into how guests rate their experiences across different aspects of a dining establishment. The composite top-box rating, expressed as percentages, indicates the proportion of recent guests who gave a particular brand the highest possible rating for each guest experience attribute. This feedback is invaluable for restaurants looking to enhance their offerings and improve customer satisfaction.
The landscape of America's favorite restaurant chains is dynamic, with certain brands consistently ranking high in consumer surveys. By analyzing the data from Technomic America's Favorite Chains, the top 10 restaurant chains with the highest overall scores are highlighted. These chains have excelled in providing exceptional guest experiences across various factors, solidifying their positions as favorites among diners nationwide.