SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. — A California-based market researcher has issued its annual list of what quick service chains cultivate the best customer satisfaction. In its Quick-Track study, researcher Sandelman & Associates in 2011 surveyed 107,400 fast-food users in 87 domestic media markets.

Listed below are the top ten large fast food chains of 500 or more U.S. units that are most ranked as excellent by consumers (rating the brand experience "5" on a 5-point scale).

Source: Quick-Track Publisher: Sandelman & Associates

63 percent of Chick-fil-A's customers rated their most recent visit "excellent" overall in 2011. While the list above is for "overall" rating, the survey ranks 16 specific metrics as well. For example, for four consecutive years, Little Caesars has garnered the top spot for "value for the money". Fast-food unit leader Subway continues to be highest rated for healthy and nutritious food. And for the first time, McDonald's has been supplanted in the No. 1 spot for kid appeal by Chick-fil-A.

"Some of the best-rated large chains have so ingrained excellence in the minds of their employees, not only have they grown, but they've grown better in the minds of their customers," says Bob Sandelman, CEO and founder of Sandelman & Associates. "These Top 10 chains offer high-quality fresh food, served in comfortable and inviting surroundings. Several of the fast-food giants have responded with better food and better spaces."

Quick-Track studies respondents on fast-food chains that they have visited in the past three months.