Jersey Mike’s leads fast-food satisfaction in the US and Chick-fil-A loses top spot for the first time in a decade
A high-profile survey has revealed a significant change in the American fast-food landscape: consumers’ favorite chicken chain has lost its leadership position in an influential satisfaction ranking.
Chick-fil-A, which had ranked first in the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) in 2025, now appears in second place.
Jersey Mike’s has emerged as the new leader, achieving an ACSI score of 84 out of 100, besting Chick-fil-A’s 83 points.
This change at the top represents a milestone, being the first time in more than ten years that a new company has distinguished itself in the ACSI quick service restaurant (QSR) category.
The most recent study, released this Tuesday, was based on 16,464 questionnaires completed by email, collected between April 2025 and March 2026.
ACSI classified Jersey Mike’s as “a new leader among quick-service restaurants”, reinforcing that it is the first time in more than a decade that a new brand has assumed this prominent position.
The report emphasized that Jersey Mike’s has received praise for maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction even during a period of rapid expansion of its branch network.
According to the study, Jersey Mike’s success in ACSI is aligned with its business performance, demonstrating accelerated unit growth, strong consumer demand and an operating model that prioritizes efficient customer flow and digital pickup convenience.
This is a historic moment for the ranking, marking the first time in more than ten years that another chain has topped the ACSI quick-service restaurant category.
Jersey Mike’s is recognized as the second largest sandwich chain in the country.
Its official slogan highlights “An above average sandwich”.
Founded in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, in 1956, Jersey Mike’s currently operates more than 4,000 stores throughout the United States and Canada, according to information on its website.
The chain is widely known for its made-to-order sandwiches and “Mike’s Way” options, which include onions, lettuce, tomatoes, oil, vinegar and seasonings.
ACSI added that the chain’s menu is “greatly simplified and that they have a model that favors the success of franchisees.”
Performance Review: Did Jersey Mike’s Beat Chick-fil-A?
Despite being unseated for the first time in more than ten years, Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A continues to be recognized by ACSI as “the undisputed leader in the chicken segment.”
Following Chick-fil-A, Jimmy John’s and Panda Express tied for third place, both with 81 points.
KFC, Papa Johns, and Pizza Hut followed soon after, scoring 80 points each — while Domino’s, Raising Cane’s, Starbucks, and Subway scored 79 points each.
Burger King, Culver’s, Dunkin’, Little Caesars and Panera Bread completed the next level of evaluation, with each receiving 78 points.
