Survey suggests diners value good service, reliability, uniqueness, healthy options

Jan. 12, 2015, Chicago – In a survey that saw U.S. consumers
rate some 120 restaurant chains on attributes like friendly service and unique
items, Papa Murphy’s and Maggiano’s Little Italy were among the top eateries.

 Jan. 12, 2015, Chicago – In a survey that saw U.S. consumers
rate some 120 restaurant chains on attributes like friendly service and unique
items, Papa Murphy’s and Maggiano’s Little Italy were among the top eateries.

The study, undertaken by research firm Technomic, is based
on analysis of consumer ratings in five key areas: pleasant, friendly service,
welcoming, comfortable atmosphere, unique items you can't get elsewhere,
availability of healthy options and intent to recommend. Chain Restaurant
Consumers’ Choice Awards went to the following:

“These awards show that consumers recognize chains’ hard
work and attention to their needs regarding all aspects of the dining
experience,” said Darren Tristano, vice-president at Technomic in the release.

The Chain Restaurant Consumers' Choice Awards will be
presented at the Consumer Insights Planning Program Conference on Jan. 14 in
Newport Beach, Calif.

Consumer comments on the winners reveal what customers are
looking for in a restaurant:

Pleasant, Friendly
Service

Chick-fil-A: "The service is always excellent, and I
always leave with a good feeling attributed to the friendly crew."

McAlister's Deli: "They are friendly, helpful, and my
meal was made quick and accurately. The restaurant is always clean and the
staff is always well-groomed, polite and friendly."

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store: "The service was
great. The manager even came over to see how we were all doing. That was
impressive."

Welcoming,
Comfortable Atmosphere

Caribou Coffee: "The environment is cozy, and I don't
feel out of place. There are cushion seats and a fireplace and fun people doing
work."

Firehouse Subs: "It's always a friendly atmosphere,
clean and bright. I find all Firehouse Subs restaurants to have high
standards."

Maggiano's: "Our experiences there have always been
great. The service was great, food delicious and ambience fantastic."

Unique Items You
Can't Get Elsewhere

Cold Stone Creamery: "Cold Stone has so many creative
mouthwatering delicious options and coupons, who wouldn't bypass all other
creameries and head straight to Cold Stone Creamery!"

Zaxby’s: “The appetizers, sauce and method in which the food
is cooked is unique to Zaxby's and quite delicious.”

The Cheesecake Factory: “It offers the most delicious bread
before we even received our meals, and their cheesecakes are to die for.”

Availability of
Healthy Options

Jamba Juice: "I love Jamba Juice and have enjoyed their
products and service for many years. They take care of my needs by preparing
great healthy juice, smoothies and wheat grass when I am outside my own
kitchen."

Jason's Deli: "They do a great job of offering healthy
options that taste delicious."

Seasons 52: "I appreciate the use of fresh, wholesome
and organic ingredients and the creativity behind the menu."

Intent to Recommend

Papa Murphy's: "My son turned us on to Papa M's a
couple of years ago! They have a very good value for one's dollar, so we have
stuck with them."

Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers: "Their chicken fingers
are awesome, and their toast is to die for with their Cane's sauce. I recommend
this place to anyone who has never eaten there before."

Cheddar's: "I have been there countless times and they
never let me down. They have a friendly staff and even when they are really
busy, they always pull through on excellent food."

Consumer Brand Metrics is an ongoing research program that
tracks consumers' attitudes toward, and usage of, leading restaurant chains and
other foodservice venues. In 2014, the program includes 128 leading restaurant
chains operating within the U.S. This includes most of Technomic's Top 100 U.S.
Restaurants, as well as other category leaders and chains that have experienced
significant unit and sales growth. Chains are added with each quarterly survey
wave.