Zagat Releases Fast-Food Survey Results

NEW YORKZagat released results of its 2010 Fast Food survey based on responses from 6,518 Zagat.com diners who ate at chain outlets an average of 10.7 times per month. The survey covered 97 major fast-food chains and 39 full-service chains, and survey respondents weighed in on everything from chicken and cheeseburgers to smoothies and seafood, separately rating each chain on the quality of its food, facilities and service using Zagat's signature 30-point scale.

The survey results divided the chains into four categorieslarge (up to 5,000 U.S. outlets), mega (more than 5,000), full-service (with table service), and quick-refreshment (focusing on beverages, ice cream and the like).

Wendy's is this year's No. 1 Top Food winner, dominating the mega-chain category. In-N-Out Burger came in at No.1 in Top Food among large chains. Bonefish Grill took Top Food honors in the full-service category, while Ben & Jerrys scooped up the Top Food spot in quick-refreshment category.

Celebrating a commitment to health-conscious menu items, the winners for Top Healthy Options include Subway in the mega-chain category; Jamba Juice's in the quick-refreshment category; Jason's Deli in the large chains category; and Bonefish Grill in the full-service category.

Taking home the prize for Best Value among fast-food establishments is McDonald's, which also celebrated top honors for its Breakfasts, Value Menu, Child Friendliness and Drive-Thrus. The remaining top-ranked values among fast-food chains are Panera Bread, Chipotle, Taco Bell and Chick-fil-A. The top three full-service winners for Best Value are Olive Garden, Cracker Barrel and The Cheesecake Factory.

Starbucks took home top honors in the Best Coffee category, followed by Dunkin' Donuts and McDonald's, respectively.

Five Guys earned bragging rights in the hotly-contested Best Burger category. McDonald's won the Best French Fries category, and Dairy Queen tasted sweet victory in the Best Milkshakes category.

Click here for a complete list of category winners.