The Most Popular Restaurant Chains Among Boomers

America’s dining culture has changed. Fast food got fancier, menus got harder to read, and acai bowls and matcha replaced the good ol’ Americana burger. But Boomers — being creatures of habit — still stand by the classics. 

A recent YouGov study measured public perception of major restaurant chains across categories like fame and favorability, broken down by age group. Among Baby Boomers, some names still hold strong. 

These are the chains they stick with.

65% popularity 

While Outback often finds itself on worst steakhouses lists, it still scores 65% with Boomers, who seem just OK with mediocre steak, potatoes, a Bloomin’ Onion, and the kitschy fake Aussie theme.

65% popularity

Denny’s still looks and tastes like it did in 1984. It’s open 24/7, and 65% of Boomers still go for the classic diner setup — especially those who wake up at 5 a.m. on Sundays and want a Grand Slam without any fuss.

65% popularity

Cracker Barrel is basically a roadside time machine with biscuits. The rocking chairs, the general store, the trinkets, the fried chicken — 65% of Boomers will eat this Americana up with a ladle of gravy on any given day.

65% popularity 

Also sitting at 65%, Taco Bell might seem like Gen Z territory, but Boomers still show strong support. It’s been around since the 1960s, and many Boomers grew up with it. The value pricing and unchanged staples like the Crunchy Taco help keep it in favor.

65% popularity 

Panera scores 65% with Boomers, probably because it feels like a “modern” place that doesn’t make them feel out of place. You get a sandwich, a soup, and maybe a cookie if you're feeling bold. 

65% popularity 

Dunkin’ still holds ground with Boomers — 65% have a favorable opinion. Many remember it as Dunkin’ Donuts, and while the branding may have changed, the coffee-and-donut combo hasn’t. 

66% popularity 

This one’s built into Boomer DNA. 66% are still loyal to A&W’s root beer floats and drive-in history. The chain may be fading, but Boomers would still take it over any Gen Z matcha nonsense.

67% popularity

Krispy Kreme gets a 67% rating among Boomers. The product hasn’t changed, and that’s a plus. You want a glazed donut, you get a glazed donut. Simple. That matters to a generation tired of overcomplication.

69% popularity 

Boomers give Cheesecake Factory a 69% rating. The menu is long, the portions are big, and it still feels like a place where you go to “celebrate something.”

73% popularity 

Wendy’s has been around since 1969 and has kept much of its original feel — square burgers, baked potatoes, and relaxed approach to fast food. Probably that’s why 73% of Boomers find it a go-to whenever they have a burger craving. 

74% popularity 

Olive Garden gets a lot of hate lately, but not among Boomers. 74% stay loyal to the garlic breadsticks, the bottomless salad, and the predictable plates of pasta. 

75% popularity 

Just like Wendy’s Dairy Queen hasn’t changed much over the years, and that’s probably why 75% of Boomers still like it. It’s soft-serve, sundaes, and burgers that taste the way they remember.  

84% popularity 

Baskin-Robbins has been around forever, the flavors haven’t gotten too weird, and you still get the same little pink spoon. That’s exactly why it leads as Boomers’ favorite chain in the country, with 84% popularity.