When a craving strikes, or you’re in a rush and need food ASAP, we all have our go-to chain restaurants. We can count on them being reliable and convenient, no matter where we are, but some definitely get more love than others and new awards highlight which ones they are.
Datassential, a company that provides food and beverage industry insights, has announced the winners of their 500 Awards for 2025, which recognize the most innovative and beloved restaurant chains in the U.S.
- The awards include a wide range of categories, from most unique menu to best restaurant experience.
- The winner for Best Healthy Chain is Cava, a fast casual restaurant specializing in Mediterranean cuisine. They serve everything from grain and salad bowls to pita wraps, and fan-favorite hot harissa pita chips.
- Portillo’s wins the People’s Choice Award. It goes to the chain with the “highest number of devoted customers who consistently choose this brand out of loyalty and dedication, not just for convenience.”
- The top award may be the one for America’s Overall Favorite chain, which goes to Chick-fil-A.
- They have the highest customer ratings in all metrics, including quality, value and experience.
More Winners of the 500 Awards for 2025
- America’s Most Craved - In-N-Out
- America's Best Burger Chain - Shake Shack
- America's Best Chicken Chain - Raising Cane's
- America's Best Coffee Chain - Dutch Bros
- America's Best In Beverage - HTeaO
- America's Best Restaurant Experience - Texas Roadhouse
- America's Fastest Growing Chain - Hangry Joe's Hot Chicken & Wings
- America's Most Unique Restaurant Menu - Crumbl
- America's Value Leader - Little Caesars
Source: Delish