Americans Have a New Fast Food Champion

[MTI]

Chick-Fil-A, Texas Roadhouse Are America's Favorite Restaurants - NBC News

Among fast-food restaurants, Chick-fil-A was the runaway favorite in its first year in the survey. Its score of 86 was the highest level of customer satisfaction ever recorded by a fast-food or "limited service" restaurant.

Apparently, Americans want to eat more chikin.

[aklim]

I'll have to try the Chick-Fil-A someday. I just passed one this afternoon, I think. I do like the Texas Roadhouse.

Why are the fast-food heavyweights suffering? "Consumer perception is that the traditional burger chains are becoming a bit tired," VanAmburg said. "They're just not keeping up with the newer kids on the block, like Chipotle and Panera Bread, companies that offer a fresher alternative; something that's different and better."

I'm a little skeptical though. I haven't been to Chipotle since I don't really like Mexican so I can't be certain but how do you compare McDonald's with Panera Bread? The price is way out of my range of comparison to be even close. Arby's and Wendy's and KFC? Sure but Panera Bread prices are way above that class to be fudged into the same comparison.

[bsharp8256]

I love Chick-fil-A, but my favorite place by far is what seems to be a local chain around here called Cookout. They cater to the college crowd, and their combo allows you to pick an entree, two sides (your usual fries are there, but you can also choose stuff like chicken nuggets or a chicken wrap instead), and a drink for $5. You can upgrade the drink to one of their milkshakes for an extra $1. The food is excellent.

[Can't Know]

Technically you can't compare Chipotle and Panera with McDonalds, Taco Bell etc. because the former are categorized as "fast/casual." I have eaten at Chick-Fil-A a couple of times; there isn't one near me, though and I while I think it's very good, particularly in the category of fast food, it's not exactly inexpensive, either.

I really like Chipotle, though it certainly doesn't fall into the true category of Mexican food any more than Taco Bell. I'd rather think it is "Mexican inspired" or something like that. Aklim, you might want to give it a try, they have a few things on the menu that are pretty innocuous and, for the most part, they are a pretty healthy place to eat.

[Phillytwotank]

Originally Posted by bsharp8256

I love Chick-fil-A, but my favorite place by far is what seems to be a local chain around here called Cookout. They cater to the college crowd, and their combo allows you to pick an entree, two sides (your usual fries are there, but you can also choose stuff like chicken nuggets or a chicken wrap instead), and a drink for $5. You can upgrade the drink to one of their milkshakes for an extra $1. The food is excellent.

Their MilkShakes are da bomb!

[aklim]

Originally Posted by Can't Know

Technically you can't compare Chipotle and Panera with McDonalds, Taco Bell etc. because the former are categorized as "fast/casual." I have eaten at Chick-Fil-A a couple of times; there isn't one near me, though and I while I think it's very good, particularly in the category of fast food, it's not exactly inexpensive, either.

I really like Chipotle, though it certainly doesn't fall into the true category of Mexican food any more than Taco Bell. I'd rather think it is "Mexican inspired" or something like that. Aklim, you might want to give it a try, they have a few things on the menu that are pretty innocuous and, for the most part, they are a pretty healthy place to eat.

What the hell. Chipotle for dinner it is.

[KarTek]

I love the Chik-fil-A! Their food is great and the staff is always pleasant.

I have noticed that other FF joints have started to started upgrading their facilities and the staff has started modeling itself after CFL - a welcome change.

Bojangle's clears your tray and trash from the table after you eat.
Hardee's gives you a number and brings your food to you, restaurant style.
Cook out is awesome but expensive. I only stop there for shakes.

[aklim]

Noodles and Company also brings food to you and clears the table. However I would, based on price, say they are not in the same class as McDonald's. Probably a grade higher?

[Skippy]

I like Chik-fil-A, but the nearest one is in Folsom, about 2.5 hours away, so it's a once or twice a year thing for me. Locally, I have In-N-Out and Five Guys. They are about equal in food quality, but In-N-Out is quite a bit cheaper, so I eat there more often. Jack in the Crack and Mickey Dee's are closer, cheap as well, and edible, but not as good. I've found myself getting Wendy's a bit, but they've discontinued the Jalapeno Chicken, so I may not be going as much in the future.

[JB3]

The only chikfila in the state is painfully convenient to me, and they have the small simple menu done properly format down pat.

All this talk i might have to have some chicken to keep my belt properly tensioned