To zero in on the healthiest restaurants, we separated national chains that offer sit-down service from those that have primarily counter or fast service and scored each group based on criteria from our expert panel. Out of 43 sit-down and 53 fast-service chains, those that did not provide any nutritional information (maybe next year, Cheesecake Factory!) were automatically eliminated. The rest were judged on healthy food preparation; the availability of organic or hormone-free foods; whole grains on the menu; limited or no trans-fats in all dishes; low-sodium options; healthy beverages; and portion control; as well as how easily you, the customer, can access nutritional information—so you know exactly what you’re getting in your spaghetti and meatballs.
—The Editors
