Food intelligence platform Datassential is announcing the winners of the Datassential 500 Awards, a first-of-its-kind recognition program spotlighting the most dynamic brands shaping the future of foodservice.

The Datassential 500 blends proprietary data, predictive analytics, and real consumer sentiment to spotlight not only America's largest and most beloved brands, but also the emerging innovators making waves across the chain restaurant landscape.

"The foodservice landscape is evolving faster than ever, and we're proud to recognize the brands rising to meet that moment," said Jim Emling, CEO of Datassential. "From flavor innovation to operational excellence, the Datassential 500 showcases the brands that are leading with creativity, consistency, and connection to their customers."

In the the 2025 Datassential 500 Award Winners America's Favorite Chain is Chick-fil-A. The chain has the strongest consumer ratings across all major metrics, from food quality to value and experience. America's Fastest Growing Chain is Hangry Joe's Hot Chicken & Wings. The chain saw the most significant unit percentage growth in 2024. America's Most Craved Chain is In-N-Out. The chain that earns top marks for consistently good-tasting food.

The People's Choice Award goes to Portillo's. This is the chain with the highest number of devoted customers who consistently choose this brand out of loyalty and dedication, not just for convenience. America's Best Restaurant Experience goes to Texas Roadhouse, the chain that earns top ratings for service, ambiance and guest experience. America's Value Leader is Little Caesars, the chain that earns top ratings for affordability and value-for-money perception.

America's Restaurant Innovation Leader is Outback, the chain with the strongest-performing limited-time offers and menu releases across metrics like purchase intent, uniqueness, draw and value. America's Best To-Go Chain is Wingstop, the chain that excels in off-premises experience, from order to doorstep.

America's Best Burger Chain is Shake Shack, the burger brand with the strongest growth, alongside strong consumer ratings for taste and satisfaction. America's Best Chicken Chain goes to Raising Cane's, the chicken brand with the strongest growth, alongside stellar consumer ratings for taste and satisfaction.

America's Best Healthy Chain is CAVA, the chain that ranks high when consumers crave healthy, better-for-you or plant-forward dining. America's Global Flavor Favorite is KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot., the chain that ranks high when consumers crave international or globally focused cuisines.

These awards reflect the full spectrum of modern foodservice leadership, from culinary expression to value and hospitality. Winners were determined using a combination of Datassential's core proprietary tools, chain performance data and expert and AI-supported analytics.

"This elite, exclusive group of brands truly exemplify what restaurants do best: inspiring, engaging and delighting customers," said Dana Konwiser, president and chief operating officer of Datassential. "These brands set the standard for excellence and innovation, giving us a glimpse into the future of food — one that's powered by insightful data, driven by genuine consumer connections, and increasingly shaped by the dynamic influence of AI."

Source: Datassential