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Applebee’s and Olive Garden Top Northeast Casual Dining List
April 22, 2025, 3:29.27 pm ET

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According to a new nationwide report by YouGov, Americans are still craving comfort—and in the Northeast, no brand delivers that more consistently than Applebee’s. The just-released “State of the Plate: US Casual Dining Report 2025” reveals that Applebee’s leads the pack in the region, with 20% of Northeasterners having visited the restaurant in the past 90 days, tied for first place with diners in the Midwest.

Nationally, Olive Garden comes out on top overall, with 19% of Americans choosing the Italian-inspired chain recently. The Darden-owned brand is especially favored by middle-income diners and scores highest in key categories like fast service, fresh food, and customizable menu options. Chili’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, The Cheesecake Factory, and Texas Roadhouse round out the top casual dining destinations, with notable appeal among younger guests and families alike.

The data, pulled from more than 9,400 survey responses, also finds that 66% of Americans visit casual dining restaurants at least once a month. More than half of those spend over $100 monthly dining out, highlighting the enduring popularity of sit-down chains even in an era dominated by delivery and fast-casual options.

Key takeaways include:

• Applebee’s reigns supreme in the Northeast and Midwest (20% visitation rate)

• Chili’s is winning over Gen Z, with 23% of 18–29-year-olds stopping by in the last 90 days

• Texas Roadhouse tops the charts for taste with the highest “great tasting food” score

• The Cheesecake Factory leads for innovation, just ahead of Texas Roadhouse and Chili’s

Cleanliness, food quality, and good service remain the top decision drivers for diners

With food quality (78%) and a clean dining environment (65%) named as the most important attributes for consumers, the report shows that brand loyalty in casual dining hinges as much on consistency as it does on creativity.

For the full breakdown, including insights into spending habits, regional preferences, and what diners value most, visit YouGov’s full report.


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