The 20 best chain restaurants in America

Samantha Lee/Business Insider

Whether it’s indulging in a Bloomin’ Onion from Outback Steakhouse or digging into a basket of Olive Garden’s unlimited breadsticks, Americans love chain restaurants. But personal preferences aside, which chains get the most love?

Business Insider teamed up with Restaurant Business, a food-service industry expert and media outlet, to compile a definitive ranking of the best chain restaurants in America. Using proprietary data collected by Restaurant Business and its sister research firm Technomic, we looked at 45 of the largest US chains and rated them on three criteria that we considered the most telling for all-around excellence: financial performance, customer satisfaction, and overall value.

Our calculations accounted for sales growth, average sales at each location, consumer-sentiment ratings, and the average cost of a meal, among other metrics. (For more on how we came up with this ranking, check out our list of the best fast-food chains in America, which uses a similar methodology.)

The 20 highest-rated spots raked in a combined $28 billion in revenue last year and include popular joints like The Cheesecake Factory and Cracker Barrel, as well as lesser-known chains such as Bahama Breeze Island Grille and Maggiano’s Little Italy.

Read on to learn more about the 20 best chain restaurants in the US.

20. O’Charley’s

Headquarters: Nashville, Tennessee

US sales: $526 million

Number of US locations: 212

Financial performance rank: 28

Customer satisfaction rank: 23

Value rank: 8

Nearly 45 years ago, Charley Watkins opened the first O’Charley’s in Nashville, Tennessee. With its 212 locations, the midsize chain gives customers an experience full of Southern hospitality, fresh baked pies, and generous portions that appeal to the value-conscious customer.

Despite suffering a data breach this year that led to customer card information being accessed and a 2.5% decline in same-store sales, O’Charley’s continues to attract customers with its revamped menu and low prices.

19. Red Lobster

Headquarters: Orlando, Florida

US sales: $2.41 billion

Number of US locations: 662

Financial performance rank: 18

Customer satisfaction rank: 20

Value rank: 43

Founded in 1968, Red Lobster began as a casual dining concept for high-quality seafood at an affordable price. Known for its cheddar biscuits, the chain serves popular seafood dishes such as snow crab legs, coconut shrimp, and rock lobster.

Red Lobster reported over $2.4 billion in sales last year, and the chain gained some cultural cachet and experienced a 33% boost in sales the day after being referred to in Beyoncé’s song “Formation” in February, finally breaking into the millennial market.

18. P.F. Chang’s China Bistro

Headquarters: Scottsdale, Arizona

US sales: $892 million

Number of US locations: 214

Financial performance rank: 18

Customer satisfaction rank: 25

Value rank: 15

Known for its handmade dim sum and iconic lettuce wraps, P.F. Chang’s was born in the early 1990′s out of a partnership between Philip Chiang, owner of staple Los Angeles Chinese restaurant Mandarette, and Paul Fleming, an Arizona restaurateur and avid Mandarette fan. Still running strong with 214 locations nationwide, P.F. Chang’s prides itself on always using fresh ingredients and serving every dish made-to-order. And while the spot treats customers to an upscale experience, the average bill comes out to only $14.33.

In 2012, the private-equity firm Centerbridge Partners purchased the chain for a $1.1 billion, putting the franchise back into the private sector and helping to boost profits.

17. Outback Steakhouse

Headquarters: Tampa, Florida

US sales: $2.6 billion

Number of US locations: 755

Financial performance rank: 8

Customer satisfaction rank: 26

Value rank: 43

The Australian-themed steakhouse is a cult favorite whose newest menu item —  the french-fry-topped, loaded Bloomin’ Onion — made national headlines last month in part because of its 2,360 calories. But the colossal dish is really nothing new for the chain. Since 1988, Outback has been offering generous portions of hand-trimmed steaks, grilled chicken, tender ribs, fresh seafood, and potatoes and vegetables.

There’s no doubt that American diners love Outback. The Tampa-based chain raked in nearly $2.6 billion in sales last year from its 755 US locations.

16. Buffalo Wild Wings

Headquarters: Minneapolis

US sales: $3.6 billion

Number of US locations: 1,145

Financial performance rank: 2

Customer satisfaction rank: 31

Value rank: 41

Known for its signature wings and 16 specialty sauces, Buffalo Wild Wings is the destination for sports fans, beer lovers, and wing aficionados. Customers participate in sports brackets and viewing parties throughout the year.

Earning over $3.5 billion in revenue last year, the franchise offers affordable fare with the average bill coming to $13.89. Buffalo Wild Wings is continuing to grow, projecting to open nearly 40 new locations in 2016.

15. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse

Headquarters: Huntington Beach, California

US sales: $920 million

Number of US locations: 171

Financial performance rank: 9

Customer satisfaction rank: 21

Value rank: 35

Giving a Southern California twist on the traditional Chicago deep-dish pizza, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse offered great pizza and a family-friendly menu when it opened in 1978.

By 1996, the franchise had seven locations and experienced a pivot: craft beer. In the 20 years since, BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse has been given more than 150 awards for its craft brews, winning the gold medal for robust porter at the World Beer Cup 2016 with its PM Porter. The chain now operates six of its own breweries, along with its 171 restaurants.

14. Red Robin Gourmet Burgers & Brews

Headquarters: Greenwood Village, Colorado

US sales: $1.5 billion

Number of US locations: 510

Financial performance rank: 15

Customer satisfaction rank: 17

Value rank: 32

It’s all about burgers, burgers, and more burgers at Red Robin Gourmet Burgers & Brews. The souped-up burger joint boasts 510 US locations, featuring signature creations such as the Prime Chophouse, topped with sautéed mushrooms, steak sauce, and crispy onion straws, and the Chili Chili Cheeseburger, smothered in cheese, chipotle aioli, and — you guessed it — a hefty portion of chili.

The chain began a huge rebranding project in 2012, which included modernizing decor, rethinking restaurant layouts, and boosting its bar business. And it worked — revenue has increased annually since 2013, and updated locations show strong same-store-sales growth.

13. Bonefish Grill

Headquarters: Tampa, Florida

US sales: $635 million

Number of US locations: 215

Financial performance rank: 30

Customer satisfaction rank: 4

Value rank: 28

Friends Tim Curci and Chris Parker’s love for catching and cooking fish was manifested in the opening of the first Bonefish Grill in St. Petersburg, Florida, in 2000. The chain focuses on “elegant simplicity” in its fresh, seasonal seafood dishes. And the dedication pays off: Consumers voted Bonefish Grill the best restaurant for quality of food in a 2016 Technomic survey.

Employees at Bonefish Grill elevate the dining experience by greeting every guest individually, guiding them through their menus, and providing what the restaurant calls “chef’s coat service.” All things considered, the chain earned a fourth-place ranking in customer satisfaction.

12. Yard House

Headquarters: Irvine, California

US sales: $473 million

Number of US locations: 61

Financial performance rank: 15

Customer satisfaction rank: 14

Value rank: 28

Brews, food, and tunes are what keep customers coming back to Yard House, the modest Irvine-based restaurant chain founded in 1966. It was dubbed the sixth-fastest-growing chain in the country in 2015.

With more than 100 brews on draft and a 4,000-gallon keg room, Yard House prides itself on having some of the most extensively cultivated beer selections in the nation. Dedicated to customer experience, Yard House pairs its brews with a traditional menu with modern twists, such as its kurobuta pork burger, and rock music playlists crafted for every mood.

11. Carrabba’s Italian Grill

Headquarters: Tampa, Florida

US sales: $729 million

Number of US locations: 247

Financial performance rank: 21

Customer satisfaction rank: 10

Value rank: 28

Started by two Sicilian guys from Texas, Carrabba’s Italian Grill serves traditional Italian cuisine based off recipes passed down generations in the founding family. The uncle-nephew team of John Carrabba and Damian Mandola opened the first Carrabba’s in Houston in 1986.

Now boasting more than 240 locations, Carrabba’s offers customers Italian dishes that showcase the diverse cuisine, from traditional pastas to Tuscan-grilled steak. The chain gave away 1 million free meals after announcing its new menu this year.

10. Bahama Breeze Island Grille

Headquarters: Orlando, Florida

US sales: $204 million

Number of US locations: 37

Financial performance rank: 30

Customer satisfaction rank: 5

Value rank: 8

The smallest chain on our list, with just 37 US locations, Bahama Breeze Island Grille serves up Caribbean-inspired fare with tropical cocktails to match. The menu features everything from Jamaican jerk chicken to conch fritters, as well as drinks laced with pineapple juice, coconut, and plenty of rum. Live reggae completes the atmosphere, with a show almost every night.

Owned by the same parent company that controls Olive Garden and Red Lobster, Bahama Breeze gains loyal customers through its fresh food, fun atmosphere, and great happy-hour deals.

9. Maggiano’s Little Italy

Headquarters: Dallas

US sales: $401 million

Number of US locations: 51

Financial performance rank: 24

Customer satisfaction rank: 7

Value rank: 20

The Italian-American restaurant Maggiano’s began in Chicago 25 years ago. The family-style chain features classic homemade Italian dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, and chicken parmesan. With just 51 US locations, Maggiano’s may still be a well-kept secret.

Employees at Maggiano’s also put in time outside the kitchen. This year, the restaurant celebrated a 13-year partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, to which it has donated more than $6 million.

8. Olive Garden

Headquarters: Orlando, Florida

US sales: $3.74 billion

Number of US locations: 841

Financial performance rank: 11

Customer satisfaction rank: 16

Value rank: 15

Serving unlimited hot, buttery breadsticks is one way the Italian-American chain Olive Garden keeps customers coming through the doors. The casual dining chain opened its first restaurant in Orlando in 1982. It now operates 841 locations globally, earning almost $3.75 billion in sales last year.

After years of decline, the chain just reported its best quarterly sales performance in years, with same-store sales rising 6.8%. Known for its affordably priced menu, Olive Garden has been offering its popular never-ending pasta promotions for more than two decades. 

7. The Cheesecake Factory

Headquarters: Calabasas, California

US sales: $1.91 billion

Number of US locations: 187

Financial performance rank: 3

Customer satisfaction rank: 9

Value rank: 37

The Cheesecake Factory began as a family business that started with one homemade cheesecake in 1949, officially opening its first full-service restaurant in 1978 thanks to David Overton, whose mother’s recipe is the “Original” cheesecake in the restaurant.

Boasting over $1.9 billion in revenue last year, the California-based chain is widely popular for its generous portions, extensive menu, and more than 50 signature cheesecakes, living up to its tagline that there’s “something for everyone.”

6. The Capital Grille

Headquarters: Orlando, Florida

US sales: $397 million

Number of US locations: 54

Financial performance rank: 13

Customer satisfaction rank: 2

Value rank: 28

Upscale and modern, The Capital Grille aims to put customers at ease and engage them in a meal that stimulates all five senses. Dry-aged steaks are hand-carved in-house, the wine list runs more than 350 options deep, and many restaurant locations boast historical and cultural significance.

A small chain with only 54 locations, The Capital Grille still pulled in an impressive $397 million in revenue last year. It’s no surprise, though: Customers flock to the chain for its impeccable service, earning the spot top marks in customer satisfaction from Technomic.

5. Seasons 52

Headquarters: Orlando, Florida

US sales: $244 million

Number of US locations: 42

Financial performance rank: 11

Customer satisfaction rank: 1

Value rank: 26

Though it’s the second-smallest chain on our list, with just 42 US restaurant locations, Seasons 52 has made a big impact on diners. The grill and wine bar earned the top ranking for customer satisfaction and is favored for its elevated farm-to-table fare and “rustic cooking techniques.” But the fresh seasonal and local ingredients come at a price: the average check comes in at $31.80.

The restaurant doesn’t just source its food from the surrounding communities; it also gives food back to them. Since 2007, Seasons 52, which belongs to Darden Restaurants alongside other favorites like Yard House, The Capital Grille, and LongHorn Steakhouse, has donated 420,000 pounds of unserved food to local food banks, shelters, and charities.

4. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

Headquarters: Lebanon, Tennessee

US sales: $2.29 billion

Number of US locations: 635

Financial performance rank: 5

Customer satisfaction rank: 11

Value rank: 1

With its Southern charm and fluffy biscuits, Cracker Barrel provides an authentic atmosphere for its chain of combined country-cooking restaurants and old-fashioned general stores. The first Cracker Barrel was opened in 1969 by Dan Evins in Lebanon, Tennessee, to attract highway travelers.

Cracker Barrel now operates 635 locations and ranks first in value as one the most affordable chains on our list, with an average guest check of only $9.96. Customers flock to the popular chicken n’ dumplings and country fried steak, accompanied by sides like turnip greens, fried okra, and mashed potatoes with gravy.

3. Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen

Headquarters: Irving, Texas

US sales: $707 million

Number of US locations: 168

Financial performance rank: 9

Customer satisfaction rank: 8

Value rank: 2

Founded in 1979, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen gets its name from its commitment to “scratch-made recipes” made fresh for each order. The Texas-based chain claims to hire twice as many kitchen cooks as other restaurants to achieve its fresh yet timely service.

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen offers traditional American cuisine and introduced a “575 calories and under” menu for customers wanting healthier options, such as grilled baja chicken and lemon pepper whitefish. The chain ranks second in value, with the average guest check coming to only $12.45.

2. LongHorn Steakhouse

Headquarters: Orlando, Florida

US sales: $1.57 billion

Number of US locations: 487

Financial performance rank: 4

Customer satisfaction rank: 3

Value rank: 8

After an unexpected blizzard stranded motorists in Atlanta and forced them to wander into LongHorn Steaks Restaurant & Saloon in 1982, word began to spread about the then-unknown steak spot. Renamed LongHorn Steakhouse in 1996, the chain now has 487 locations across the US.

The casual steakhouse draws customers in with the promise of tender filets, expertly grilled salmon, and flavor-packed chicken. LongHorn also touts its sizable margarita selection, which includes flavors like pineapple coconut and watermelon.

1. Texas Roadhouse

Headquarters: Louisville, Kentucky

US sales: $2.14 billion

Number of US locations: 473

Financial performance rank: 1

Customer satisfaction rank: 6

Value rank: 7

Since its opening in 1993, Texas Roadhouse has gained a huge cult following, as evidenced by its surging sales, which topped $2 billion in 2015. The Western-themed, family-run restaurant is known for its hand-cut steaks, tender ribs, generously portioned sides, and unlimited, fresh-baked bread and cinnamon butter. And when diners arrive at their table, they are given a bucket of peanuts and encouraged to toss the shells on the floor, a testament to Texas Roadhouse’s casual atmosphere.

The chain’s growing customer base is hard won. It places a premium on “legendary food and legendary service,” drawing an average of 5,000 guests to each of its 473 locations every week.

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