Can You Guess Which Chain Restaurants Have the Best Reputations? Leading the pack is a popular fast-casual chain, according to a recent survey.

By Kate Taylor

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Shutterstock

Panera has the best rep in the chain restaurant business, according to a recent survey.

Consulting firm Reputation Institute released the results of its 2015 survey of America's most reputable hospitality companies last week, with Panera leading the way. The fast-casual chain was the only company to achieve an "excellent" reputation, based on more than 50,000 interviews of 27,000 people.

Panera was followed by Dunkin' Brands and Subway. The top 10 restaurants with the best reputations in the industry also included companies as varied as Krispy Kreme (No. 4), Wendy's (No. 6) and Chipotle (No. 7).

Related: Deep-Fried Starbucks Coffee Is on the Menu at Fairs This Summer

A hospitality company's reputation is most influenced by two factors, according to the Reputation Institute: products and governance. While quality products seem like a no-brainer, entrepreneurs need to remember the importance of demonstrating to customers that a company is responsibly run.

Panera ranked No. 1 in both areas, standing out with transparent decisions such as releasing the "no-no list" of banned artificial ingredients the company is removing from the menu.

While the Reputation Institute declined to disclose the names of companies with uniquely poor reputations, the report did single out one restaurant chain in a reputation slump: McDonald's. While in 2014, around half of respondents said they would recommend or buy McDonald's food, the figures dropped to less than 40 percent in 2015. In the same period, global sales fell significantly -- a clear message on the importance of a company's reputation in financial realities.

Related: How Wingstop Aims to Fly Above the Fast-Casual Competition After Its Surging IPO

Kate Taylor

Reporter

Kate Taylor is a reporter at Business Insider. She was previously a reporter at Entrepreneur. Get in touch with tips and feedback on Twitter at @Kate_H_Taylor. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

'Nobody Ever Gave Me Anything': More Boomers Say They're Not Transferring Wealth to Family Until They're Dead

A new survey from Charles Schwab found boomers are more hesitant to distribute their wealth than other generations.

Business News

Fans of Costco's $1.50 Hot Dog Combo Are In for a Big Surprise

Costco CEO Ron Vachris announced a change that's coming soon to the company's food courts.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

Uber's CEO Says Drivers Have About 10 Years Left Before They Will Be Replaced

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi says the jobs of human drivers are safe for the next decade, but after that, another type of driver will take over.

Leadership

How a Mindfulness Practice Can Help You Beat Tech Overwhelm

This article explores how mindfulness can transform your tech choices, ensuring technology serves your business goals without adding unnecessary complexity.

Business News

Instagram Is Offering TikTok Creators Up to $50,000 Per Month For Exclusive Content

Leaked deals show that there are strict terms to receiving the money.