HARDEE'S

Hardee's introduced its Made From Scratch Biscuits in 1978, and subsequently rose along with those trademarked biscuits to become an industry leader in fast-food breakfast.

The restaurant chain is currently reinventing itself as Star Hardee's (a switch scheduled for completion in 2002) with the promise of better-tasting hamburgers. But the biscuits rest on their laurels -- along with some margarine and a little jelly. Or maybe a sausage patty. Or country ham. Or chicken. Or steak ... .

Runners-up: Cracker Barrel and Red Lobster