Jersey Mike’s Dethrones Chick-fil-A as Top-Rated Quick-Service Chain

Event summary

  • Jersey Mike’s debuts as the top-rated quick-service restaurant with an ACSI score of 84, ending Chick-fil-A’s 11-year reign.
  • Chick-fil-A maintains its score at 83, while KFC improves by 4% to 80.
  • Full-service restaurants maintain a score of 82, with LongHorn Steakhouse and Texas Roadhouse tied at the top.
  • Food delivery services see a 1% satisfaction gain, with Uber Eats leading at 76.
  • The study is based on 16,464 surveys conducted between April 2025 and March 2026.

The big picture

The restaurant industry is facing a more demanding consumer environment, with growth driven by higher prices rather than increased traffic. Brands that deliver consistent experiences are gaining ground, while others struggle with trade-offs between price and perceived value. The shift towards selectivity in spending is reshaping what drives customer satisfaction, with a greater emphasis on reliability and value.

What we're watching

Competitive Shifts
How Jersey Mike’s will sustain its lead amid intensifying competition from new entrants like Raising Cane’s and Wingstop.
Operational Execution
Whether full-service restaurants can maintain operational consistency as traffic surges challenge their systems.
Consumer Expectations
The pace at which consumer demand for consistency and perceived value will reshape the restaurant industry.