Top fast food chain report: Jersey Mike’s ranks first
After 11 years in business, Chick-fil-A is no longer the top-rated quick-service restaurant, according to the U.S. Customer Satisfaction Index.
Chick-fil-A has been at the top of the customer satisfaction rankings for more than a decade, but why did it finally dethrone the fast food throne?
Things went Jersey Mike’s way this year, ending Chick-fil-A’s 11-year run as No. 1 in the quick-service category on the U.S. Customer Satisfaction Index. But that doesn’t mean Chick-fil-A’s ratings have suddenly dropped. In fact, the ratings didn’t go down at all.
According to data from ACSI, which measures customer ratings of major restaurant chains, Chick-fil-A’s score remained unchanged from the previous survey, while Jersey Mike’s score rose slightly. The bigger takeaway for customers is that competition in fast food appears to be increasing, especially as hungry patrons pay closer attention to freshness, variety and value.
What has changed in the rankings?
Chick-fil-A loyalists might think the chain’s satisfaction scores have plummeted, but the data tells a more nuanced picture.
Jersey Mike’s ranked #1 among quick service restaurants with a score of 84 out of 100 in the latest U.S. Customer Satisfaction Index report. Chick-fil-A was just one point behind in second place with 83 points.
Has Chick-fil-A’s score actually gone down?
No. Chick-fil-A remained at 83, the same score it had in the previous survey when it still held the top spot.
In other words, the chicken chain didn’t fall as much as its rivals rose a little. Jersey Mike’s improved just enough to move forward slightly.
Why did Jersey Mike’s move on?
Jersey Mike’s received high marks in the survey for freshness, food variety and perceived value. As customers compare taste and price, these factors seem to become more important.
The broader fast food category also saw a decline in customer satisfaction compared to last year, suggesting diners may be more sensitive to cost and overall experience.
Where is Chick-fil-A heading yet?
When ACSI segmented quick-service restaurants, Chick-fil-A was still ranked No. 1 in the chicken category. It ranks higher than chain restaurants such as Raising Cane’s and Kentucky Fried Chicken. This category leadership reflects years of research showing that Chick-fil-A’s customer experience ranks highly.
Additionally, Chick-fil-A recorded 98% customer satisfaction in the drive-thru category, according to a 2025 study by Intouch Insight and QSR Magazine. This study linked Chick-fil-A’s performance to order accuracy, friendliness, and overall satisfaction.
What does this mean for customers?
For Chick-fil-A regulars, the new rankings don’t necessarily mean their favorite chain has fallen. It shows a closely contested field where the slightest change in score can change the top rankings.
The report suggests that the bigger issue is increased competition. Customers can rest assured that Chick-fil-A continues to enjoy a strong reputation even as its competitors position themselves with an emphasis on freshness, variety and value.
Where can readers see the report?
The latest restaurant satisfaction rankings can be found in the U.S. Customer Satisfaction Index Survey on theacsi.com.
Drive-Thru survey results are available from QSR Magazine (qsrmagazine.com).
This story was created with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing, and publication process. learn more.
