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Release date 06/01/2009
YONKERS, NY — The tough economy has put diners in the drivers seat to find good meals, good deals and choices for every budget and taste according to Consumer Reports latest Restaurant Satisfaction Survey.
The Capital Grille, First Watch, Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano, Maggiano’s Little Italy and McCormick & Schmick’s earned top marks among Consumer Reports ratings of 101 of America’s most popular chains.
The Consumer Reports National Research Center gathered responses from 70,403 subscribers who made 158,744 visits to 101 restaurant chains between April 2007 and 2008. Diners were asked about their overall satisfaction, and to rate the quality of food, value, service, mood and choice.
Diners gave 21 chains top marks for food including, The Original Pancake House, Bravo Cucina Italiano, Texas Roadhouse, Bonefish Grill, Morton’s The Steakhouse and Abuelo’s. Five chains earned exceptional scores for value: Black-eyed Pea, Sonny’s Real Pit BBQ, Azteca Mexican Restaurant, Cheddar’s Casual Café, and First Watch.
At the other end of the spectrum, with lower marks across the board, were Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar, Joe’s Crab Shack, and Friendly’s.
Where to Eat?
For great meals for less than $20, Consumer Reports readers recommend: Mimi’s Café, Abuelo’s, Cheddar’s Casual Café, Elephant Bar Restaurant and Texas Roadhouse. Those restaurants earned better-than-average marks for food and value. First Watch and The Original Pancake House were also standouts for food and value, but are limited to breakfast and lunch fare.
When dining at a chain for a special occasion, Houston’s, J. Alexander’s, Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano, Bravo Cucina Italiano, Maggiano’s Little Italy, Il Fornaio, Bonefish Grill, McCormick & Schmick’s, The Capital Grille, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Ruth’s Chris Steak House and The Melting Pot all earned the highest marks for food, mood, and service.
Not many respondents ordered take-out food, but at more than 70 percent of visits, people who picked up food were very satisfied with the service. Respondents cited Famous Dave’s, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Olive Garden, and P.F. Chang’s China Bistro as better choices.
What’s the problem?
While respondents were generally satisfied with their overall dining experience, they did have at least one complaint on 43 percent of restaurant visits. On 10 percent of their visits, they had two and on 14 percent, respondents had three or more complaints.
Noise (from loud customers and crowded tables) was the complaint cited most often. The Texas Roadhouse, Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar, and Hooters were among the chains cited with higher than average noise complaints. Sloppy service (waiters or waitresses were inattentive or slow to bring food or the check) was next. The Rainforest Café, Friendly’s and the Cheesecake Factory were among the eight chains with above average complaint rates.
Friendly’s, Shoney’s, and Logan’s Roadhouse were among the chains cited for lack of cleanliness (bathrooms or floors were dirty, tableware was grimy). On average food-prep problems complaints (dishes were under- or overcooked, had too much or too little seasoning, or looked unappetizing) were low—only about 7 percent.
There were also complaints about long waits, which were more likely than average at The Cheesecake Factory, Rainforest Café, Texas Roadhouse, Houston’s, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, and Outback Steakhouse. At those restaurants, 6 to 14 percent of respondents waited 30 minutes or more to be seated.
Dine for Less
Consumer Reports found that diners are all but guaranteed to come out ahead if they try any of the following great ways to save:
For complete ratings on all 101 chain restaurants in Consumer Reports survey and more advice on how to find incredible dining deals, check out the July issue of Consumer Reports, on sale June 2, 2009 or visit www.ConsumerReports.org.
Consumer Reports is a nonprofit membership organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education, and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto safety standards, to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.
© 2009 Consumer Reports. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to work side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports® magazine, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our prior written permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent unauthorized commercial use of its content and trademarks.
Consumer Reports is a nonprofit membership organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education, and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto safety standards, to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.
© 2009 Consumer Reports. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to work side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports® magazine, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our prior written permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent unauthorized commercial use of its content and trademarks.