Jersey Mike's dethrones Chick-fil-A as top fast-food chain

Jersey Mike’s has knocked Chick-fil-A from the top spot in America’s most closely watched fast-food satisfaction ranking, ending the Atlanta-based chicken chain’s decade-long reign.

The New Jersey-based sub chain earned an 84 out of 100 in the American Customer Satisfaction Index’s annual restaurant survey, edging Chick-fil-A’s score of 83. The ACSI called Jersey Mike’s “a new leader among QSRs,” noting it was the first time in more than a decade that a new chain had led the quick-service category.

The study, released Tuesday, drew on 16,464 completed surveys conducted via email between April 2025 and March 2026.

The index credited Jersey Mike’s with sustaining high customer satisfaction while rapidly expanding its restaurant footprint, citing “rapid unit growth, strong customer demand, and a model designed around throughput and off-premise convenience from high digital pickup usage.” The ACSI also noted the chain’s menu is “fairly narrow,” with a business model it described as conducive to franchisee success.

Founded in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, in 1956, Jersey Mike’s operates more than 4,000 locations across the U.S. and Canada. The chain is best known for its made-to-order subs and “Mike’s Way” sandwiches dressed with onions, lettuce, tomatoes, oil, vinegar and spices.

Chick-fil-A, which topped the ACSI for 2025, slipped to second place but retained the index’s designation as the top chicken-focused chain. Jimmy John’s and Panda Express tied for third with scores of 81, followed by KFC, Papa Johns and Pizza Hut at 80. Domino’s, Raising Cane’s, Starbucks and Subway each scored 79, while Burger King, Culver’s, Dunkin’, Little Caesars and Panera Bread came in at 78. Dairy Queen and McDonald’s tied for last among major chains at 72.