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Quick-service brands score high for value perception

December 18, 2012

A new study from HuffPost Food and YouGov BrandIndex showcases consumers' perception of American restaurant chains (130 brands were included). The polling data specifically looked at which chains offer the best value and the highest quality.

Metrics were scored from a 100 to -100 range, which is YouGov BrandIndex's typical methodology. Scores are reached by subtracting negative consumer feedback from positive feedback. A score of zero means equal positive and negative.

Quick-service chains topped the best value perception list, ranked from polls conducted between Jan. 1 and Dec. 6, 2012. The top 10 include:

1. Subway (value score of 53.7)
2. Wendy's (35.5)
3. Dairy Queen (34.4)
4. Olive Garden (33.3)
5. Outback Steakhouse (30.6)
6. Cracker Barrel (28.6)
7. Applebee's (27.9)
8. IHOP (27.5)
9. A&W (25.2)
10. Panera Bread (25.0)

The team also polled which dining chains gained the most value perception during 2012. Notably, Starbucks made the biggest jump from 2011, although the company still has an overall negative value perception. The top 10 include:

1. Starbucks, from -24.7 in 2011 to -18.9 in 2012 (5.8 change)
2. Domino's, 12.3 in 2011 to 16.3 in 2012 (4 change)
3. Little Caesars, 11.6 to 15.5 (3.9)
4. Cheesecake Factory, 13.9 to 17.6 (3.7)
5. Krispy Kreme, 13.9 to 17.6 (3.7)
6. Panera Bread, 8.2 to 11.9 (3.7)
7. Golden Corral, 16.9 to 19.7 (2.8)
8. Pizza Hut, 21.1 to 23.3 (2.2)
9. Red Robin, 11.6 to 13.9 (2.2)
10. Cracker Barrel, 26.5 to 28.6 (2.1)

Read moiré about trends and statistics.