AllergyEats, the leading guide to allergy-friendly restaurants, released its 2014 list of Most Allergy-Friendly Restaurant Chains nationwide. The chains on this list hold the highest ratings on AllergyEats’ website and smartphone app, per feedback from the food allergy community. AllergyEats restaurant ratings are based solely on how well restaurants have accommodated food-allergic diners, as opposed to other review sites that measure restaurants' ambiance, service, or food quality.
"We're pleased to announce the 2014 list of the Most Allergy-Friendly Restaurant Chains in the country. These restaurants have demonstrated a superior willingness and ability to accommodate guests with food allergies. We applaud their exemplary efforts around food allergy protocols, training, and education and congratulate them for earning a place on this prestigious list," says Paul Antico, founder and CEO of AllergyEats, father of three food-allergic children, and food allergy advocate.
"Some exceptional restaurant chains who were leaders on the 2013 list are once again recognized this year, including Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, large chain; Bonefish Grill, medium chain; and Burtons Grill, small chain. We congratulate two restaurant chains that are new to our list this year: Romano's Macaroni Grill and Mellow Mushroom," Antico says. "Statistics have shown that maintaining a more allergy-friendly restaurant leads to increased traffic, customer loyalty, and ultimately, profits."
The Most Allergy-Friendly Restaurant Chains were grouped into three categories: large, with more than 200 units; medium, with 50–200 units; and small, with less than 50 units. Results were based on diner feedback from the AllergyEats website and app through December 31, 2013:
Large:
- Red Robin Gourmet Burgers (4.45 rating)
- P.F. Chang’s China Bistro (4.43 rating)
- Chipotle Mexican Grill (4.41 rating)
- Outback Steakhouse (4.35 rating)
- Romano’s Macaroni Grill (4.20 rating)
Medium:
- Bonefish Grill (4.43 rating)
- Ninety Nine Restaurant (4.28 rating)
- Mellow Mushroom (4.26 rating)
- Uno Chicago Grill (4.24 rating)
- Bertucci’s Brick Oven Restaurant (4.17 rating)
Small:
- Burtons Grill (4.90 rating)
- Maggiano’s Little Italy (4.73 rating)
- Papa Razzi (4.68 rating)
- Legal Sea Foods (4.67 rating)
- Not Your Average Joe’s (4.66 rating)
"Based on praise from the food allergy community, endorsements from food allergy organizations, and the numerous awards it has won over the years, AllergyEats is clearly meeting a need in the food allergy community," Antico says. "The Most Allergy-Friendly Restaurant Chains list, and the growing number of AllergyEats ratings of all restaurants, help the entire food allergy community make more informed decisions about which restaurants to visit and which to avoid, based on how well or poorly they’ve accommodated others’ food allergies."
