Special Reports

Gen Z's favorite chains

Photograph courtesy of Newk's Eatery

Gen Z is slowly gaining more spending power, thus is a major consumer base operators should watch. Price point is a large concern for this group, but they also prioritize freshness and portability to match their on-the-go lifestyles. As such, most of their top-rated chains are a mix of fast casuals and full-service spots with an eye toward better ingredients. 

Casual/Upscale Dining

 Overall RollupService & HospitalityAppearance & AmbianceFood & BeverageConvenience & TakeoutValue
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers & Brews62.6%66.8%64.4%63.4%61.1%55.9%
Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen59.7%63.9%61.0%60.9%55.0%55.3%
Mellow Mushroom57.2%60.7%54.8%59.6%59.7%50.4%
P.F. Chang's China Bistro55.5%63.0%56.2%55.3%57.1%48.7%
Pappasito's Cantina55.0%59.2%55.0%55.1%54.1%52.2%

Midscale

 Overall RollupService & HospitalityAppearance & AmbianceFood & BeverageConvenience & TakeoutValue
First Watch55.7%64.5%56.1%55.9%53.6%49.6%
Waffle House46.5%51.7%37.9%48.7%54.1%44.7%
Huddle House46.3%54.8%41.1%49.6%48.1%38.0%
Friendly's43.8%47.8%41.7%44.3%49.5%38.4%
Village Inn42.9%53.4%36.6%44.6%46.0%37.7%

Fast Casual

 Overall RollupService & HospitalityAppearance & AmbianceFood & BeverageConvenience & TakeoutValue
Newk's Eatery64.1%71.6%61.0%66.7%67.8%55.0%
Firehouse Subs59.8%64.0%52.1%61.0%67.1%59.0%
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers59.4%72.6%61.0%53.6%69.5%55.1%
Moe's Southwest Grill57.0%67.0%53.2%56.2%65.8%51.7%
Blaze Pizza54.2%64.9%48.9%56.8%60.7%44.4%

Quick Service

 Overall RollupService & HospitalityAppearance & AmbianceFood & BeverageConvenience & TakeoutValue
Chick-fil-A59.0%69.9%54.7%58.6%62.1%57.1%
Tropical Smoothie Cafe56.9%62.3%52.9%60/8%61.0%45.9%
Old Country Buffet56.1%57.8%50.3%62.7%55.3%47.0%
Cold Stone Creamery56.0%67.9%51.4%59.2%59.8%44.0%
Luby's55.9%66.4%54.9%54.2%58.0%54.9%

 

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