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Tampa Bay’s Hometown Morning Krewe

Tampa Bay’s Hometown Morning Krewe

Tampa Bay’s Hometown Morning Krewe

What People’s Favorite Restaurant Chains Are In 2024

Author Tampa Bay's Morning Krewe

People have their favorite restaurant chains, but now Americans have spoken and told us what their favorites are. This report comes from Eat This, Not That. Firstly, they teamed up with a market research firm called Technomic, and they did a research to find out which chains are favorites for 2024. Secondly, the way they came up with the list is the restaurants were rated on service and hospitality. Additionally, appearance and ambience, food and drinks and convenience and value.

America’s Top 10 Favorite Restaurant Chains

  1. Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
  2. Seasons 52
  3. Dutch Bros Coffee
  4. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse
  5. Bahama Breeze
  6. Longhorn Steakhouse
  7. Cooper’s Hawk
  8. Tropical Smoothie Cafe
  9. The Capital Grille
  10. Smoothie King

All of those restaurants, except for Dutch Bros coffee are located in the Tampa Bay area. Dutch Bros Coffee is opening up two locations in the Orlando area, but they are not open yet. Most of their stores are along the West Coast in California, Oregon, and Washington.

Honestly, I am surprised that the main fast food restaurants like McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Taco Bell did not make the top 10 of this list. They seem to be the most popular restaurant chains but according to this survey, they are nowhere to be seen.

So the number one overall restaurant is Ruth Chris, and customers really love their experience at the restaurant. The only downside about Ruth Chris is that customers are not happy with their prices. Period people spend a lot more there than they do at other restaurants on the list.

What Restaurant Chain Made The Most Money

Now, there is another list based on how much sales each restaurant made. Firstly, this is where McDonald’s comes in number one overall. In a 2022 survey it was reported they sold $48 billion. McDonald’s was followed by Starbucks, Chick-fil-A Taco Bell, and rounding out the top five was Wendy’s. Finally, that is based on sales not by what peoples favorite restaurant chains are in the United States.

 

 

4 Reasons Why People Love Chain Restaurants

Lately, the subject of first dates occurring at chain restaurants has garnered significant attention. A recent survey asking women about their least preferred venues for first dates has ignited a debate on the internet. This list, which was shared on Instagram by @DuvalPromo, is reportedly the result of polling women to determine their least favored first-date locations.

Among the 28 establishments on the list are restaurant chains such as Applebee’s, Chili’s, and Denny’s are featured. The top spot for the most unsuitable first date location is occupied by The Cheesecake Factory, followed by Applebee’s, Chili’s, Chipotle, and Olive Garden, rounding out the top five. It’s worth noting that the list includes not only restaurants but also specific first-date situations, including “your house,” family functions, a bar solely for drinks, and church.

Whether it’s a first date or a casual meal, the question arises: Why do some people have reservations about restaurant chains?

According to Farm Credit Canada, a chain restaurant is defined as a business with four or more locations. These restaurants are typically large-scale operations with multiple branches, sometimes spanning different countries or continents.

More Background on Chain Restaurants.

The expansion of chain restaurants did not occur overnight. Many of them have humble origins in smaller, local establishments. For instance, the Cheesecake Factory, which currently operates over 300 restaurants in the U.S. and Canada, began as a small bakery in Detroit and eventually evolved into The Cheesecake Bakery in Los Angeles in 1972, according to their website. It wasn’t until the late ’90s and early 2000s that additional locations began to appear.

Critics often express their reservations about chain restaurants, and there are valid reasons for their concerns. Many people prefer supporting local businesses over large corporations, as chain restaurant food is often mass-produced and served uniformly across various locations. Dining exclusively at upscale or independent establishments offers a sense of social prestige, something to brag about, and the feeling of indulging in a unique experience. However, ultimately, it’s all about eating a meal.

“Fancy like Applebee’s on a date night.”

There’s something comforting about knowing that, for the most part, you can find something familiar to eat at any time and almost anywhere. Maybe that’s why singer Walker Hayes dedicated his song Fancy Like, to the simple joys of eating a chain like Applebee’s. So, let’s chat about some of the reasons people actually enjoy dining at chain restaurants.

  • Safer Bets & Convenience

    One of the advantages of dining at a chain restaurant is the predictability that comes with it. Local, independent establishments can be more hit-or-miss, often offering a more limited menu selection, which makes them a riskier choice for a date or group outing. When you open the menu, you can expect to find the same menu items prepared and presented consistently. Chain restaurants usually follow uniform recipes and they use the same ingredients, equipment, and standardized training procedures. You can expect a consistent experience whether you’re in one part of the country or another. Restaurant chains are like your reliable pals on a road trip. You spot their logo on an exit sign, and you know it’s there. It’s that simple convenience that makes chain restaurants a go-to option, no matter where you are.

    Young women seated at a table holding menus in a restaurant. Young girls at cafe making choice and place their order, while waiting standing by with a digital tablet.

    jacoblund/ Getty Images

  • Familiarity & Nostalgia

    For many people, chain restaurants served as the primary dining option simply because they were the most accessible. You know how the place will look, how the wait staff is dressed, and how you are expected to dress at chain restaurants, ensuring a familiar dining experience wherever you go. Many diners have a soft spot for the food we know and love. It’s like a comforting experience. Chain restaurant grub often brings back memories of late-night munchies after Friday night football games, college hangouts, and road trips.

    Couple in restaurant eat sandwiches and have fun together. Happiness, people,enjoyment and lifestyle concept.

    Ivanko_Brnjakovic/ Getty Images

  • Affordability

    Chain restaurants tend to be easier on the wallet compared to standalone establishments with more specialized menus and daily chef’s specials. Most of us keep an eye on our dining budget and wouldn’t want to feel like we’ve emptied our pockets for a single meal. That’s why diners appreciate restaurant chains with Happy Hour, Budget Menus, and Late-Night deals.

    Tip money on restaurant's table.Change money on table

    kittimages/ Getty Images

  • Seating & Space

    Many local places struggle to seat larger groups, especially if you’ve got more than four people in your party. Unless you’ve made a reservation or a special request, you might end up waiting a while for enough room to open up, regardless of the size of your party. Additionally, local establishments sometimes arrange tables in closer proximity to maximize their limited space. Not everyone’s a fan of dining elbow-to-elbow with strangers and involuntarily eavesdropping on neighboring conversations throughout their meal.

    Happy people drinking beer at brewery bar out doors - Friendship lifestyle concept with young friends enjoying time together at open air pub - Dark color tones on vivid filter

    ViewApart/ Getty Images

Kevin is a member of Tampa Bay‘s Hometown Morning Krewe on 995 QYK. He has been with the station for 25 years, is a Tampa native, and went to Jesuit High School and USF. Go Bulls!. He is passionate about all things Tampa Bay. Kevin writes articles on the ongoing road projects around the Tampa Bay area, awards that Tampa Bay cities and businesses have won and country music happenings around the Bay area. He is always doing many things with his wife and kids. He loves to read books and play video games in his spare time.

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