The 2021 MBLM survey confirms that Chick-Fil-A is the leading QSR with respect to “brand intimacy” denoting strong bonding with consumers. The brand actually increased in intensity by eight percent during the COVID pandemic. Chick-Fil-A achieved the top rank for the second year in a row followed by Starbucks and Dunkin’ brands. Others in the top ten include McDonald’s, Taco Bell, KFC, Wendy’s, and Subway.
Mario Natarelli, Managing Partner of MBLM in the NewYork Office, stated “Brands in this industry have been able to capitalize on mobile ordering and digital drive-through lanes during the pandemic.” 
He added, “This has created a new reality within which fast-food brands provide even more comfort and convenience to stressed consumers - a position they can effectively continue to reference as we increasingly return to normal life in the year ahead.”