Zagat, a leading provider of consumer survey-based information for restaurants and other leisure activities, has announced the results of its annual Fast-Food Survey of 274 national restaurant chains. More than 10,500 diners voted on everything from salads and sandwiches to pasta and pizza. These avid consumers—who report eating at a chain restaurant 9.4 times a month—separately rated the chains on food, decor and service on Zagat's 30-point scale and selected their favorites in a number of subcategories.

The survey divided restaurants into four categories: mega chains (more than 5,000 U.S. locations), large chains (up to 5,000 U.S. locations), quick-refreshment (beverages, ice cream, etc.) and full-service chains (with table service).

This year’s most popular mega chains are Subway (first), Wendy’s (second), McDonald’s (third), Taco Bell (fourth) and Burger King (fifth).

This year’s most popular large chains are In-N-Out Burger (first), Panera Bread (second), Chipotle (third), Five Guys (fourth) and Chick-fil-A (fifth).

This year’s most popular quick-refreshments chains are Starbucks (first), Dunkin' Donuts (second), Ben & Jerry's (third), Peet's Coffee/Tea (fourth) and Auntie Anne's Pretzels (fifth).

This year’s most popular full-service chain is Cheesecake Factory.

This year’s top food mega chains are Wendy’s (first), Subway (second), Pizza Hut (third), Taco Bell (fourth) and Burger King (fifth).

This year’s top food large chains are In-N-Out Burger (first), Papa Murphy’s (second), Chipotle (third), Panera Bread (fourth) and Bojangles’ (fifth).

This year’s top food quick-refreshments chains are Rita’s Italian Ice (first), Ben & Jerry's (second), Haagen-Dazs (third), Peet's Coffee/Tea (fourth) and Culver’s (fifth).

This year’s top food full-service chain is Cheddar’s.

For the complete survey results, visit the Zagat blog at http://blog.zagat.com/2012/09/2012-fast-food-survey-results-are-live.html

Source: Zagat, PRNewswire