Jersey Mike’s Tops Chick-fil-A in New Customer Satisfaction Ranking

Jersey Mike’s has overtaken Chick-fil-A as the top quick-service restaurant in the annual American Customer Satisfaction Index, ending Chick-fil-A’s long run at No. 1. The latest ACSI report, released Tuesday and based on 16,464 completed email surveys conducted between April 2025 and March 2026, gave Jersey Mike’s a score of 84 out of 100, compared with Chick-fil-A’s 83. The change marks the first time in more than a decade that a new chain has led the quick-service restaurant category.

The ACSI said Jersey Mike’s emerged as “a new leader among QSRs” and linked its strong performance to rapid growth, steady customer demand and a business model built around fast service and digital pickup convenience. Founded in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, in 1956, Jersey Mike’s now has more than 4,000 locations in the United States and Canada. The chain is known for made-to-order subs and its “Mike’s Way” preparation, which includes onions, lettuce, tomatoes, oil, vinegar and spices. The report also noted that the brand’s relatively narrow menu may support franchisee success.

Chick-fil-A, while losing the top overall spot, remained the highest-rated chicken-focused chain in the ranking. The Atlanta-based company continued to perform near the top of the category and kept its strong standing with customers. The ACSI said Chick-fil-A is still “the clear leader for chicken,” underscoring its continued popularity even after being surpassed by Jersey Mike’s.

Behind the top two, Jimmy John’s and Panda Express tied for third place with scores of 81. KFC, Papa Johns and Pizza Hut followed with scores of 80. Domino’s, Raising Cane’s, Starbucks and Subway each received 79. The next group included Burger King, Culver’s, Dunkin’, Little Caesars and Panera Bread, each with a score of 78.

At the bottom of the major quick-service rankings, Dairy Queen and McDonald’s tied for last place with scores of 72. The results reflect a competitive landscape in which customer satisfaction remains tightly clustered among leading national chains, even as some brands continue to expand rapidly.

The report highlights how fast-food rankings can shift as consumers respond to service quality, convenience, menu appeal and consistency. Jersey Mike’s rise to the top suggests that sandwich chains are gaining ground in a category long dominated by chicken-focused brands, while Chick-fil-A’s second-place finish shows it remains a major force in customer satisfaction.