In addition to measuring chains’ operational attributes, Technomic also rated their connections to consumers through a series of questions designed to gauge loyalty and perception of a brand. A few chains ranked high in several categories—including In-N-Out Burger, which has nurtured a cult following; Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, due to its straightforward menu and word-of-mouth reputation akin to In-N-Out Burger; and Chick-fil-A, which has made big health and tech advances this past year.
Emotional connection
- Chick-fil-A: Overall score—42.7%
- In-N-Out Burger: Overall score—42.3%
- The Capital Grille: Overall score—42%
- Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers: Overall score—40.6%
- Culver’s: Overall score—38.2%
Brand loyalty
- In-N-Out Burger: Overall score—49.7%
- Papa Murphy’s Pizza: Overall score—44.9%
- Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen: Overall score—44.4%
- Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers: Overall score—42.6%
- Cracker Barrel Old Country Store: Overall score—42.5%
Advertising effectiveness
- Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen: Overall score—38.9%
- Red Lobster: Overall score—33.9%
- SONIC Drive-In: Overall score—33.5%
- Golden Corral: Overall score—33.2%
- Jack in the Box: Overall score—33.1%
Brand image
Chick-fil-A: Overall score—40.9%
Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers: Overall score—40.2%
In-N-Out Burger: Overall score—38.3%
Firehouse Subs: Overall score—36.9%
The Capital Grille: Overall score—36.5%
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