R&I’s 2007 Consumers’ Choice in Chains Awards: Casual Dining

Special Report: R&I’s 2007 Consumers’ Choice in Chains Awards: Casual Dining

By Staff -- Restaurants & Institutions, 9/15/2007

P.F. Chang’s
Headquarters: Scottsdale, Ariz.
Chairman-CEO: Richard Federico
Units: 152
Average check: $19.50
R&I Top 400 Chains rank: 55
Respondents aware of chain: 34%
Respondents who visited in previous 12 months: 8%
STRENGTHS: The Asian concept scores a near-perfect 99% return-intent score from Hispanic diners. P.F. Chang’s category-leading food-quality and value ratings are especially high among customers with $100,000+ household incomes. It has a high Gen X awareness score.
WEAKNESS: Its lowest return-intent score comes from diners ages 26 or younger.

The Cheesecake Factory
Headquarters: Calabasas Hills, Calif.
Chairman-CEO: David Overton
Units: 126
Average check: $17.50
R&I Top 400 Chains rank: 35
Respondents aware of chain: 69%
Respondents who visited in previous 12 months: 13%
STRENGTHS: The Cheesecake Factory’s 87% return-intent score is impressive; those ages 26 or younger are most certain they’ll be back. The chain’s menu-variety rating is strong across the board, but women are especially pleased with it (90% rate it 4 or 5). Variety scores very high in the West as well.
WEAKNESS: Men rate The Cheesecake Factory’s atmosphere lower than do women.

California Pizza Kitchen
Headquarters: Los Angeles
Co-CEOs: Larry Flax, Richard Rosenfield
Units: 216
R&I Top 400 Chains rank: 60
Respondents aware of chain: 33%
Respondents who visited in previous 12 months: 6%
STRENGTHS: Baby boomers give California Pizza Kitchen its highest scores for atmosphere, service and value. On most attributes, women give higher ratings than do men, but guys rate the atmosphere and service higher. Customers with children rate menu variety very high.
WEAKNESS: Customers ages 26 or younger gave a relatively low rating for service.

How Casual-Dining Chains Stack Up With Consumers