News

Wendy's, Panera top Zagat survey

May 10, 2007

NEW YORK — Wendy's was named queen of the fast-food mega-chains, and Panera Bread Co. as the most popular overall, according to a survey released by Zagat this morning.

Forty-five chains were surveyed, with voters weighing in on everything from pizza to poultry, burritos to burgers and salads to subs. The winners were announced live on The Today Show this morning, with the full results released on Zagat.com.

With the increasing public scrutiny over the nutritional value of fast food in the last few years, health was on the minds of Zagat respondents. Ninety-three percent report being somewhat or very concerned with the fat and calorie content of fast-food. When asked how the banning of trans fats in fast-food restaurants would affect them, 96 percent said they would eat out the same amount or more.

Sandwich chain Subway ranked No. 1 in the healthy options category.

Wendy's garnered 30 percent of the best burger vote, compared to 22 percent for Burger King and 13 percent for McDonald's. Wendy's also snagged the No. 1 spot among fast-food mega-chains (those with at least 5,000 outlets) in the food, facilities and popularity categories.

Panera Bread Co. secured the top spots in the overall popularity, food and facilities categories among both large and small fast-food chains.

Click here to view the entire survey.