Olive Garden remains the most considered casual-dining brand in the U.S., according to a recently released report.
YouGov’s 2026 U.S. restaurant brand rankings show Olive Garden leads all sit-down chains in consideration at 30.7 percent, followed by Texas Roadhouse and Applebee’s. The brand also ranks No. 1 in value perception among casual-dining peers.
Texas Roadhouse claims the top spot for quality in the segment.
The report draws on data from YouGov CategoryView, BrandIndex, and BrandIndex Voices collected between March 1, 2025 and February 28, 2026 using nationally representative samples of U.S. adults.
Consideration scores reflect the percentage of consumers who say they would consider a brand when purchasing food or drink. Quality and value are measured as net scores based on positive minus negative perceptions. Rankings include only brands with at least six months of tracked data and a minimum sample size of 300 respondents.
Elsewhere in the report, fast food continues to dominate frequency. Roughly two-thirds of Americans purchase fast food at least once a month, and 30 percent do so weekly.
McDonald’s remains the most considered fast-food brand in the U.S., with nearly 40 percent of consumers saying they would consider purchasing from the chain. Chick-fil-A and Wendy’s round out the top three.
While McDonald’s leads in reach, Chick-fil-A continues to set the standard for quality perception, ranking No. 1 among fast-food brands. Sandwich-focused chains like Jersey Mike’s and Firehouse Subs also perform strongly.
Additionally, value is increasingly shaping decision-making. Wendy’s ranks as the top brand for value, followed by Taco Bell and Domino’s.
The report also states that value and discounts are the most influential factors for frequent fast-food diners, followed by clean dining environments and promotions.
Five Guys ranks as the top burger brand, Subway leads in sandwiches, and Taco Bell controls tacos and burritos. Chick-fil-A holds the top position in chicken, and Pizza Hut leads in pizza. McDonald’s, despite broader competition, remains the clear leader in fries.
In specialty dining, Starbucks and Dunkin’ continue to dominate consideration. Starbucks leads in coffee quality perception, and Cold Stone Creamery ranks as the top ice cream brand.
Across segments, the report suggests a restaurant industry increasingly shaped by routine behavior and clear brand positioning.
“Restaurant brands that succeed today are those that consistently deliver on the fundamentals—value, quality, and a reliable customer experience—while also adapting to evolving consumer expectations,” Ashley Brown, senior director, YouGov America, said in a statement. “What this data makes clear is that brand strength isn’t just about awareness or scale; it’s about relevance. Whether it’s McDonald’s maintaining broad appeal, Chick-fil-A excelling on quality, or Starbucks and Dunkin’ competing closely in specialty dining, the brands that win are those that understand exactly what matters most to their customers and deliver on it every day.”
