What restaurant chains are worth studying? Ask consumers. That’s what research firm Market Force Information did in its nationwide study of favorite quick-service restaurants (QSRs).
A No. 1 finisher in many consumer polls, Papa Murphy’s took the top spot in the pizza category for the second consecutive year, followed by Pizza Ranch and Papa John’s. Little Caesar’s ranked highest for value.
In the Mexican category, Chipotle Mexican Grill and Qdoba tied—the former ranking first for food quality, healthy food and cleanliness, and the latter scoring high for fast and friendly service. Del Taco ranked highest for value.
And it was a close race in the chicken category, with Chick-fi l-A taking the top spot from Raising Cane’s by 1 percentage point.
Jason’s Deli was named the favorite sandwich chain, beating last year’s No. 1 brand, Firehouse Subs. Fast-casual powerhouse Panera Bread ranked fifth after McAlister’s Deli and Jersey Mike’s. Wawa took the No. 7 slot, scoring nearly as well as Jimmy John’s and actually outperforming Subway and Arby’s.
Wawa boasted the highest download rate for its mobile app, as well as the highest share of stomach, followed by McAlister’s Deli and Subway.
Market Force also used the January 2015 survey to take a litmus test of consumers’ use of technology to order and pay. It found that about half of respondents had used some form of technology to place food orders within the previous 90 days; 20% used a smartphone app, 16% used a tablet at the table and 13% used a kiosk in the restaurant.
Nearly 20% reported paying for their order using a mobile app or digital wallet. One in three consumers said they prefer using tabletop technology or apps to order and pay.
How this technology will wed with friendly, memorable service will be the next hurdle operators face.
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