Bundt Cakes and Coffee Chains Dominate US Restaurant Rankings
For the second consecutive year, Nothing Bundt Cakes has secured the top position as America's favourite restaurant chain, according to comprehensive data from Technomic and Nation's Restaurant News. The punny patisserie has displaced high-end steak chain Ruth's Chris from the number one spot in 2024, marking a significant shift in consumer preferences.
Changing Tastes and Rankings
The latest rankings reveal a notable trend, with Ruth's Chris Steak House finding itself tied for fifth place alongside Dutch Bros Coffee in 2026. The beef purveyor has been surpassed not only by the cake bakery but also by two additional coffee chains and Honey Baked Ham Company, indicating changing dining habits across the United States.
Robert Byrne, Senior Director of Consumer Research at Technomic, clarified that the drop in rank for established chains doesn't necessarily reflect declining quality. 'Their scores haven't necessarily been downgraded,' Byrne explained regarding the shifting positions. He noted that coffee chains' surge to the top was driven by their qualification through substantial growth. 'Very quickly they became large enough for us to track,' he added, highlighting how expansion has brought newer chains into the ranking system.
The Small Chain Advantage
At first glance, the absence of major fast-food and fast-casual names appears surprising, but analysis of subjective customer reviews provides clarity. Neil Saunders, Managing Director and Retail Analyst for GlobalData Retail, observed that 'Sometimes, it is easier for smaller chains to achieve higher scores as they are servicing a smaller or more targeted group of customers.'
Byrne further elaborated that scale can sometimes work against companies in such rankings, though not due to any operational failures. 'Ubiquity creates sort of a given expectation, and if a brand is meeting that expectation, that brand is doing great,' he commented, suggesting that widespread presence creates different consumer expectations compared to smaller, more specialised chains.
Gen Z Driving Change
Carol Spieckerman, President of Spieckerman Retail and a respected retail analyst, identified customer demographics as a crucial factor, emphasising that the Gen Z market is critical to dining success in today's landscape. 'It's about the third-place environment and affordable indulgence,' Spieckerman noted. 'Bundt cakes and coffee shops beating established steakhouses? That's Gen Z prioritizing experiences and value over tradition.'
She highlighted that for Generation Z, the differentiator lies in service and social spaces rather than product recognition or established brand names. Up-and-coming coffee chains like 7 Brew received exceptional marks for service and hospitality on the list, while traditional high-end steakhouses don't typically offer the casual hangout environment younger consumers seek.
'These aren't fleeting preferences - Gen Z will carry these brand loyalties as they age, build families, and keep the registers ringing for decades,' Spieckerman predicted, suggesting long-term implications for the restaurant industry.
Future Predictions and Industry Outlook
Looking ahead, Byrne offered his prediction that a niche snack brand might potentially sneak into the top ten in 2025, though he anticipated minimal movement among current leaders provided they maintain their successful formulas. 'The brands that have that winning culture, you can see it, and you can touch it when you engage with the restaurant, they're always going to be the brands that are finding themselves either within or just outside this top 10,' he concluded.
Top Ten Restaurant Chains Analysis
1. Nothing Bundt Cakes
Founded by Dena Tripp and Debbie Shwetz in Las Vegas during 1997, this bakery franchise has expanded remarkably to 550 locations across the United States. The rapidly growing cake specialist is reportedly in discussions for a potential sale valuing the company at approximately $2 billion this year, according to Reuters sources. This valuation underscores its substantial success in offering more than forty different cake flavours. Nothing Bundt Cakes achieved outstanding scores in Convenience & Takeout and Service & Hospitality categories while maintaining high marks for ambiance and product quality.
2. 7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee
With origins dating back less than a decade to Rogers, Arkansas, 7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee was established with the mission 'to Cultivate Kindness and serve bold, flavorful drinks' according to its official website. Operating approximately 600 locations, this on-the-go cafe excelled in both Convenience & Takeout and Service & Hospitality categories. Spieckerman remarked that '7 Brew's employees are incredibly well-trained and treat customers like old friends,' distinguishing them from larger chains where personal connection may diminish with scale.
3. Scooter's Coffee
Another drive-thru beverage success story, Scooter's Coffee was founded in Nebraska by Don and Linda Eckles in 1998. The company's official website attributes their achievement to finding excellent locations while remaining committed to high-quality drinks, speedy service, and genuine customer engagement. With 881 locations nationwide, nearly 97% operating as franchises, Scooter's consistently performs well in the same key categories as its competitors. Originally named Scooter's Java Express, the brand maintained its mission of helping customers efficiently 'scoot in and scoot out' while enjoying quality beverages.
4. Honey Baked Ham Co.
Introducing variety to the list, Honey Baked Ham Company represents a departure from beverage-focused chains. This family-owned business began in 1957 when Detroit, Michigan resident Harry J. Hoenselaar established the operation. While specialising in whole baked hams, the company offers diverse beef selections, side dishes, desserts, and complete meal combinations. With more than 512 locations nationwide, Honey Baked Ham maintains a strong presence across the country.
5. - TIED - Dutch Bros Coffee
The distinctive cafe concept that affectionately terms its beverage servers 'broistas' has reached the top five, tying with Ruth's Chris Steakhouse and proving particularly popular with Generation Z consumers. Brothers Dane and Travis Boersma initiated the business as a simple pushcart in Oregon during 1992. Today, Dutch Bros operates more than 1,000 locations promoting their signature Rebel energy drink concept alongside traditional coffee offerings.
5. - TIED - Ruth's Chris Steak House
Occupying the more premium price segment among top contenders, this steakhouse derived its unique name from founder Ruth Fertel of New Orleans, who couldn't retain the original Chris' Steak House franchise name. A dining mainstay since 1965, the sit-down restaurant operates more than 150 locations worldwide, with most situated within the United States. Ruth's Chris earned particularly high scores in the Service & Hospitality category, maintaining its reputation for quality despite shifting consumer trends.
7. Jersey Mike's Subs
The sandwich brand experienced significant growth after 17-year-old part-time employee Peter Cancro purchased a Mike's sub shop location in 1975. As one of the largest chains on this list, the popular sandwich specialist boasts 3,268 US locations with an additional 297 planned according to their website, demonstrating continued expansion momentum.
8. Chicken Salad Chick
Founded in 2008 by Stacy and Kevin Brown in Alabama, this restaurant concept stands out as possibly the only chain focusing primarily on chicken salad variations. The fast-casual establishment operates over 300 locations across 22 states, having opened an impressive 42 new outlets in 13 states during just the previous year alone.
9. Carrabba's Italian Grille
Two Texans of Sicilian heritage, Johnny Carrabba and his Uncle Damian Mandola, shared their passion for Italian cuisine by opening their first restaurant in 1986. Since that beginning, the brand has expanded to 207 locations throughout the United States, with 66 concentrated specifically in Florida, maintaining strong regional presence alongside national growth.
10. The Capital Grille
Demonstrating that upscale steak chains maintain relevance despite shifting trends, The Capital Grille was founded by Edward P. “Ned” Grace, III in Rhode Island during 1990. Originally conceived to attract business professionals and politicians, the restaurant continues this tradition thirty-six years later across its 74 locations, proving that premium dining experiences retain their appeal within specific market segments.
