What do America’s Favorite Chains look like during a year of cautious consumer spending? Technomic’s 2024 survey of 112,000 Americans uncovered dining preferences split into at least two camps: consumers splurging their money on occasion meals at steakhouses or splurging their calories on quick-service treats like cakes, doughnuts, and cinnamon buns.
The top 10 companies in America’s Favorite Chains reflect this high-brow-low-brow contrast with snack-focused brands like newcomer Nothing Bundt Cakes (ranked first) and Tropical Smoothie Café (fifth), juxtaposed with full-service restaurants like Fogo de Chão (another newcomer, ranked seventh) and Texas Roadhouse (at number 10).
Burger and fried-chicken brands are mostly absent from the 2024 list, with the exception of a few regional favorites, and within individual cuisine category breakdowns. National fast-food chains with drive-thru lanes may be convenient, but they’re not necessarily the most beloved.
“It’s the prototypical barbell that people talk about,” said Robert Byrne, director of consumer and industry insights at Technomic. “You have treats with a low-barrier-of-entry cost at the opposite end of the price point spectrum [from steakhouses]. … I also think that convenience is overstated as a consumer need state. … I think the craving, or the need for the social experience, or to try something new, are more important now than ever before.”
This year’s rankings also highlight the value of socialization and unique, lively experiences, especially important in a post-pandemic restaurant industry. The top 10 includes vibrantly themed chains like Bahama Breeze Island Grille (ranked ninth) and Texas Roadhouse, known for its rowdy atmosphere and line-dancing servers.
An engaging experience doesn’t always require theming; steakhouse chains like Ruth’s Chris Steak House and The Capital Grille make annual appearances in this dataset, joined this year by Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chão.
“The only issue [with these restaurants] is that they are expensive, so consumers are not able to go there as often,” Byrne said. “So, when they decide to take the plunge and dine out, they’re going to go all out and not hold back. They’re going to make a night out of it and order the drinks and dessert because it’s a Friday or Saturday night and they saved up for this. So, yes: it’s all about that experience.”
Surprisingly, this “treat yourself” mindset extends to the quick-service brands on the other end of the barbell, where Nothing Bundt Cakes, Tropical Smoothie Café, and Smoothie King are dominant. This trend holds especially true for younger demographics, which favored nostalgic dessert brands. Krispy Kreme made the top 10 list for Gen Z, and Cinnabon ranked in the top 10 brands for millennials, even though neither brand appeared in other categories.
Comfort food could even factor into the love for Culver’s — the only quick-service burger chain to crack the top 10 — known almost as much for its frozen Concrete Mixers as for its burgers.
Hometown pride plays a significant role as well. While national chains were less frequently mentioned by customers, regional brands fiercely defended by locals stood out. The top three burger brands, for example, are Culver’s, In-N-Out, and Whataburger, each of which are considered brand icons for their home region or state.
“Everybody loves eating something that’s representative of where they come from,” Byrne said. “If you’re not in Wisconsin, the fact that you can get cheese curds at their locations is very exciting.”
This year, consumers also showed appreciation for value-focused brands like Sizzler and Golden Corral, reflecting the uncertain economic climate and a shift toward affordable meals.
The millennial top 10 list also oscillates between healthy options (like America’s Favorite Chains newcomer, Sweetgreen) for the growing group of health-conscious flexitarians, and the aforementioned indulgent treats.
America’s Favorite Chains in 2025 also reflects the surprising and enduring supremacy of sandwiches over bowls. Although build-your-own-bowl concepts like list-newcomer CAVA continue to gain traction, sandwich chains like Firehouse Subs, Portillo’s, Jersey Mike’s, Jimmy John’s, and HoneyBaked Ham Co. outnumber the bowl concepts, according to the data.
“Sandwiches are delicious and satisfying, but they also have the benefit of adjacency to health foods,” Byrne said. “A chain like Jersey Mike’s has fresh vegetables and deli meats sliced in-house. Plus, they have endless customization options and are approachable and appropriate for any occasion.”
