As Shakespeare famously wrote, “What’s in a name?” Well, when it comes to the world of restaurants, we might beg to differ with the Bard. In reality, the name of a restaurant might be just as important as the food. It’s your first impression, enticing you to come in and sit down for a meal or, on the flipside, put your dinner plans back on the drawing board.
So, why do some names make our mouths water while others leave us high and dry? Based on a recent Tinting Chicago survey, we’ll delve into the most popular restaurant names across America — and what they say about our dining preferences.
China Wok Ranks #1
In the United States, Chinese restaurants take the cake — or maybe the wonton — when it comes to the most popular eateries, and there’s one name that stands out: China Wok. After a robust analysis of more than 300,000 restaurants via Google Reviews, China Wok emerged as not only the most common moniker for Chinese restaurants, but also across all types of cuisine.
Hot on its heels at second and third place were China King and China House. Interestingly, all 80 China Wok establishments discovered are independently owned.
What does this all mean? The Chinese American Restaurant Association offers a fascinating insight: There are more Chinese restaurants in the U.S. than McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC, and Wendy’s combined. An astounding testament to the power of a name in the restaurant landscape.
As we pick over the smorgasbord of dining options, similar trends emerge for other cuisines. “Hibachi Express” takes pole position among Japanese joints, while “Taste of India” whets appetites for Indian cuisine. For chicken wing aficionados, “America’s Best Wings” shows up the most (can they all be the “Best”?). Thai cuisine is represented by “Thai Kitchen,” and sushi houses use, you guessed it, “Sushi House.”
While each cuisine showcases its unique charm and appeal, there’s clear evidence that strategic naming plays a role in setting expectations and attracting patrons. How’s that for food for thought?
Cities that Stand Out from the Others
If we break it down city by city, restaurant naming trends get a little more nuanced. For example, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, an impressive 84.7% of eateries have one-of-a-kind names, suggesting local restaurateurs want to break the mold. Not far behind, Bakersfield, California is another hotbed of originality, with 78% of its restaurants bearing unique names. Over in sunny Miami, Florida, the dining scene is equally eclectic, with 77.9% distinctive restaurant names adding to the city’s vibrant flair.
On the flip side, some cities seem to favor tried and tested monikers. For instance, in North Las Vegas, Nevada, a mere 26.2% of restaurants sport unique names. You’re more likely to run into a “New York Pizza” or “China Express” here.
Similarly, Riverside, California, and Lincoln, Nebrask, favor common restaurant names with 38.2% and 39.9% of their restaurants, respectively, making their mark with one-of-a-kind brands. Clearly, every city has its own taste when it comes to restaurant naming, adding to the variety of America’s dining scene.
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Restaurant Names That Go Beyond Cuisine
One trend stands out in the world of restaurant naming is the use of human names. Across America, restaurants like Joe’s Diner or Tony’s Pizzeria use this naming strategy to give their customers a personal touch and a friendly or homey feel.
The name “Joe” leads the pack with 152 locations, followed closely by “Tony” with 138 appearances. “Jimmy” graces 98 establishments, while “Mama,” with its connotations of home-cooked food and a warm atmosphere, gets 95 mentions. “Nick” rounds out the top five with 92 restaurants bearing the name.
Try Something New
Before you leap to conclusions and think you’ve seen it all, remember: Just because a restaurant shares a similar name to another doesn’t mean the food experience will be the same. So keep an open mind and palette — you never know where your next favorite dish might be hiding.
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