Moe's, Chick-fil-A Named Among America's Top Restaurant Brands

Chick-fil-A is the nation's No. 1 chicken restaurant brand, while Moe's Southwest Grill is tops in the fast-casual Mexican restaurant brand, according to the 2016 Harris Poll EquiTrends survey.

The 28th annual study reveals the strongest brands in nearly 100 categories across the media, travel, financial, automotive, entertainment, retail, restaurants and household industries, based on consumer response.

Both Chick-fil-A and Moe's are headquartered in Atlanta.

Subway is the 2016 Sandwich Shop Brand of the Year, securing the title for the sixth consecutive year.

Chick-fil-A came in ahead of Zaxby's and Popeye's, while Moe's ranked ahead of Taco Bell, Qdoba Mexican Grill and Baja Fresh Mexican Grill.

Moe’s Southwest Grill showed the largest equity increase (13%) among all restaurants measured.

“Year after year, Subway has proven that it has equity staying power,” said Lisa Recoussine, vice president, Client Solutions at Nielsen, which owns The Harris Poll. “Getting ahead of the fitness curve and being one of the first chains to use a celebrity fitness tie in with ‘The Biggest Loser’ are some factors contributing to Subway’s equity dominance. In Moe’s case, the restaurant’s aggressive expansion and growth, combined with their focus on fresh, likely factored into their equity rise.”

Harris Poll’s assessment of the restaurant Brands of the Year show that responding to consumers’ needs for fresher, healthier offerings, and catering to their “brand fans” are ways to build strong equity.

“When we look at the quick service restaurant category as a whole, healthy and fresh food is a clear trend, “ said Recoussine. “Moe’s Southwest Grill and Subway are examples of restaurants that have listened to their customers and responded to their needs..

“Building a base of ‘brand fans’ is another huge contributor to brand equity; when we consider Chick-fil-A, Dunkin’ Donuts and In-N-Out Burger, these restaurants have die-hard, extremely loyal customers or fans who are in some cases, nearly obsessed with these brands."

You can read the entire survey here.

Image: Chick-fil-A