Regional and small chains scored the highest marks in a fast-food excellence survey that ranks that top 10 best chains in the country, according to Sandelman & Associates in San Clemente. The Orange County firm specializes in providing market research in the quick-serve industry.

The annual report takes scores from frequent fast-food users in dozens of U.S. markets. Customers rank restaurants based on 16 key attributes including food, service, cleanliness, convenience and value.

Six of the Top 10 chains can be found in Orange County. See how each chain ranked here: Top 10 Excellent Fast Food Chains

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Contact the writer: nluna@ocregister.com