Chick-fil-A has done it again—having been awarded America’s favorite restaurant for the 8th straight year! This according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index Restaurant Study. Their tally is divided up into “quick-service” and “full-service” restaurants. Or what ordinary people would call fast food or sit-down places.
The Chick-fil-A index score was 83—same as last year. Behind Chick-fil-A, and ruffling a few feathers, were Jimmy John’s (79), Domino’s (78), KFC (78), Chipotle (77), Panera Bread (77), Pizza Hut (77), and Starbucks (77).
McDonald’s finished lowest, with a score of 68. Their arches have fallen lately.
Who were the kings of the sit-down places? LongHorn Steakhouse (80) tied with Texas Roadhouse (80). Cracker Barrel (78) and Fridays (78) tied for third. Also worth noting: Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, and Red Robin scored a 77.
Chili’s and The Cheesecake Factory earned a 76. Denny’s and Red Lobster a 75. Buffalo Wild Wings got a 74. Applebee’s and IHOP were bottom feeders at 73.
Now for my reviews.
Chick-fil-A: I love their chicken sandwich, fries, and diet lemonade. And the fact they close on Sundays. They’re highly profitable and support families. However…it IS one expensive chicken sandwich meal.
Jimmy John’s: Freaky fast. Decent food. But my choice for a great sub is Jersey Mike’s.
Domino’s: Not even sure we have one close by. So can’t vouch for them. I’ve been more of a Pizza Hut guy over the years.
KFC: Love their chicken. Frustrated that many locations do not serve their green beans. The closest location doesn’t always serve the freshest chick. Personnel should take customer service lessons from Chick-fil-A. In fact ALL of these places should!!
Chipotle: Decent food and service…but overpriced!
Panera Bread: Great for bagels and baked goods. Sandwiches, salads, and combos are overpriced. Service has been mostly okay.
Starbucks: This is heavily dependent on location and the manager. We LOVE our Starbucks at Rt 59 and 111th in Naperville. We’re there twice a week. Service and friendliness are high on our scale. Plus, we love their coffee drinks.
On to the sit down places…
LongHorn Steakhouse and Texas Roadhouse both scored the high number of 80. But my vote goes to Texas Roadhouse. HIGHLY patriotic and generous to veterans. They have a fine country fried steak with dee-lish-us gravy. And those rolls!!
Cracker Barrel: Good food and good value for your money, assuming you don’t spend another $100 in the store on your way out.
Fridays: Hardly make the trip there anymore. Nothing really distinctive.
Olive Garden: Any place that offers unlimited refills and wonderful breadsticks is worth your money if the food is good. And it is.
Outback Steakhouse: One of our favorite places. They took away their wedge salad but the replacement salad with the dressing and add-ons make up for it. Plus, delicious steaks and warm bread.
Red Robin: Just one word…YUMMM. (Ok, and unlimited fries.)
Chili’s: are there more often than anyplace. Members keep getting free appetizers, or chips and salsa, or soft drink every time. Plus, a few times a year, buy a $50 gift card—get TWO $10 gift cards free. Such a deal.
The Cheesecake Factory: Wonderful food after you spend an hour looking over the menu.
Denny’s: What can you say? It’s……..Denny’s.
Red Lobster: Love their cold salads and warm biscuits and unlimited shrimp whey they offer it.
Buffalo Wild Wings: Party crowd. Noisy. A gazillion TV sets. Not a real fan but the wings are good.
IHOP: (See Denny’s)
Applebee’s: True confession. I LIKE Applebee’s a lot. But we hardly go there. They closed many of them including one just blocks away. Wish they were closer ‘cuz I’d be going there. Especially for our Saturday date night. ‘Cause we’re fancy like ...
Every one of these restaurants should learn the message of Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-A. It’s all about service!! And why do this? As it is written, “Obey the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. Remember the great things he has done for you.” 1 Samuel 12:24 (CEV)
So serve well in whatever you do. And spread those wings.
That’s Forward Thinking.
You can find a number of YouTube episodes and podcasts of Mark’s program, Moving People Forward at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCosyuBzdSh1mXIas_kGY2Aw?
For more information on the Elfstrand Group, please visit www.elfstrandgroup.com
Articles of interest:
(Photo shown above was taken with founder of Chick-Fil-A, Truett Cathy, in his corporate office.)
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.