Fresh off endorsements from Zagat and Men’s Health, Red Lobster, the world’s largest casual dining seafood restaurant, has topped the “Best Seafood Chain” category in Restaurants & Institutions Consumers’ Choice in Chains study. Now in its 29th year, the Consumers’ Choice in Chains award is recognized as a key measure of success by restaurant chains across the country.
In the study, more than 3,000 consumers were asked to rate nearly 120 chain restaurants on eight customer satisfaction attributes: food quality, menu variety, value, service, atmosphere, cleanliness, reputation and convenience. Winners were named in 13 menu categories based on the scores given to each restaurant chain.
“We are honored that Restaurants & Institutions has recognized Red Lobster for its fresh, delicious seafood and culinary expertise,” said Red Lobster President Kim Lopdrup. “A key contributor to this has been our introduction of wood-fire grilling, which brings out the natural flavors of seafood.”
The chain also topped the “Best Seafood” category in Zagat’s most recent consumer study. The survey – released in June 2009 – ranked 103 chains nationwide in categories including food, facilities and service. In total, Zagat surveyed more than 6,107 consumers.
Additionally, Red Lobster was recently named the “best sit-down chain restaurant in America'” by Mens Health magazine in their “Eat This, Not That” restaurant ratings. The chain topped 11 other restaurants in the “Sit-Down” category and was recognized for its healthy menu offerings.
Red Lobster is accustomed to being praised for its high-quality seafood and fresh fish cooked over a wood-fire grill. In May 2008, the chain won a prestigious MenuMasters award for Best Menu/Line Extension in recognition of its Today’s Fresh Fish menu, as well as a Gold award in Restaurants & Institutions Consumers’ Choice in Chains 2008 contest.
