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Restaurant-review brand also judges casual chains as it goes beyond gourmet
CAN A RESTAURANT guide originally created for Manhattan's discerning diners have the same effect on Wendy's it does on Wolfgang Puck?
The Zagat Survey, best known for its citizen reviews of eateries for the power-lunch set, recently published its first ratings for chain restaurants. The results were revealing in more ways than one.
Panera Bread Co. topped all 24 quick-service chains rated, while Outback Steakhouse reigned supreme over 21 casual-dining chains. Wendy's scored the highest among "mega chains" (those with more than 5,000 units) and topped the list for burgers. Country-kitsch Cracker Barrel took top honors in facilities among full-service chains.
Perhaps most surprising: Pizza Hut and Dairy Queen ranked third and fourth, respectively, ahead of McDonald's among mega chains.
Like other Zagat restaurant ratings, 5,535 volunteer participants rated each chain on its food, faculties and service on a 30-point scale for...