Jersey Mike's tops Chick-fil-A – but the rankings tell a bigger story - USA Today

What the report says

USA Today reported that Jersey Mike’s has moved ahead of Chick-fil-A in the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index quick-service restaurant rankings, ending Chick-fil-A’s 11-year streak at No. 1 in that category. The change was narrow: Jersey Mike’s scored 84 out of 100, while Chick-fil-A scored 83.

The report emphasized that Chick-fil-A did not lose ground in its own score. According to the ACSI data cited by USA Today, Chick-fil-A remained at 83, the same mark it had in the previous survey. Jersey Mike’s gained enough to edge past it, suggesting that the top of the fast-food satisfaction rankings is becoming more competitive rather than reflecting a sharp decline for the chicken chain.

USA Today said Jersey Mike’s performed strongly on factors including freshness, menu variety and customers’ sense of value. The article also noted that overall satisfaction across the broader fast-food category declined from the previous year, a sign that diners may be scrutinizing price and experience more closely.

Chick-fil-A still led the chicken segment of the ACSI rankings, ahead of brands such as Raising Cane’s and KFC, USA Today reported. The article also referenced a 2025 Intouch Insight and QSR Magazine study that found Chick-fil-A had a 98% customer satisfaction rate in drive-thru service, tied to factors such as order accuracy and friendliness. The rankings matter because small shifts in customer perception can affect how major restaurant chains compete on service, food quality and value.