OAK BROOK, Ill. – While the E. coli debacle pushed down Chipotle Mexican Grill’s overall performance last year, fast-food burger chains had a very good year compared with other fast-casual and fast-food establishments, QSR Magazine reports.

A mere nine of the close to 35 public U.S. quick service or fast-casual restaurant brands closed out the year in the black. “Last year was almost a tale of two different years,” said Mark Kalinowski, restaurant industry analyst for Normura Securities. “At the beginning, you were seeing really good gains, but it kind of went down the drain in the second half.”

The fast-food burger restaurants, boosted by McDonald’s, Wendy’s and Sonic, finished the year strong. “Burger chains to some degree are fortunate because they are a core part of what Americans are looking for in uneasy economic times like these,” Kalinowski said. “People are familiar with the food, like the food, and see value there.”

Burger chains are upping the stakes this year with a value battle brewing between Burger King, McDonald’s and Wendy’s. Even Pizza Hut has gotten into the game with seven items for $5 each, as long as the customer buys two or more.