Wendy’s was the clear winner in the recent Fast Food version of the Zagat Survey commissioned by the Today Show in its near infinite wisdom. The burger chain won “Top Burger” as well as “Top Overall” of the mega-chains. If you include the smaller chains, Panera Bread took “Top Overall” and “Top Food.”

The survey also considered chain restaurants, with Outback Steakhouse winning “Top Overall” and “Top Food.”

Wendy’s CEO and President Kerrii Anderson issued a press release (for the purpose of self-congratulation) claiming,

“We use fresh, never frozen, beef and make every hamburger to order right off the grill, just like Dave Thomas did when he founded Wendy’s in 1969. We top every sandwich with fresh condiments – tomatoes and onions that we slice every day in our restaurants and whole-leaf lettuce. Quality is our recipe, and a major point of distinction between Wendy’s and other quick-service restaurant chains. We don’t cut corners.”

Isn’t that special. A restaurant can win an award by simply serving actual food.

More results inside.

Zagat Fast Food Results:

Mega-Chains:

Top Food

Wendy’s, Subway, Pizza Hut, Dairy Queen, KFC

Top Overall

Wendy’s, Subway, Pizza Hut, Dairy Queen, McDonald’s

Large and Small Chains:

Top Food

Panera Bread Co., Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Quizno’s Sub, Wendy’s

Top Overall

Panera Bread Co., Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Sonic Drive-In, Quizno’s Sub

Chain Restaurants:

Top Food

Outback Steakhouse, Red Robin, Cracker Barrel, Chili’s Grill & Bar, Olive Garden

Top Overall

Outback Steakhouse, Cracker Barrel, Red Robin, Olive Garden, Chili’s Grill & Bar

So there you go, the best of the worst. —MEGHANN MARCO

Full Fast Food Results (PDF) [Zagat]
Chain Restaurant Results (PDF) [Zagat]

Zagat/Today Show Fast-Food Survey [Zagat]
Wendy’s Named “Best Burger” by Zagat Survey (Press Release)[Business Wire]
(Photo: cmorran123)

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