Fast-food giant dethroned as customer study crowns America's new favorite restaurant chain

America's favorite fast-food chicken chain has been knocked from the top spot in a closely watched customer satisfaction ranking.

Chick-fil-A, which topped the annual American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) in 2025, fell to second place this year.

Jersey Mike's claimed first place, with an ACSI score of 84 out of 100, edging Chick-fil-A's 83.

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The shift marks the first time in over a decade that a new chain has led the ACSI's quick-service restaurant (QSR) category.

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

The ACSI described Jersey Mike's as "a new leader among QSRs," adding that it was the first time in more than a decade that a new chain led the quick-service category.

The report credited Jersey Mike's with maintaining high customer satisfaction while rapidly expanding its restaurant footprint.

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"Jersey Mike's ACSI success is consistent with their business performance, including rapid unit growth, strong customer demand, and a model designed around throughput and off-premise convenience from high digital pickup usage," the study noted.

Jersey Mike's, founded in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, in 1956, has more than 4,000 locations across the U.S. and Canada, according to its website.

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The chain is best known for its made-to-order subs and "Mike's Way" sandwiches topped with onions, lettuce, tomatoes, oil, vinegar and spices.

The ACSI added that the chain's menu is "fairly narrow, and they have a model conducive to franchisee success."

Though Chick-fil-A was dethroned for the first time in more than a decade, the ACSI said the Atlanta-based chain "is still the clear leader for chicken."

Following Chick-fil-A were Jimmy John's and Panda Express, which tied for third place with scores of 81.

KFC, Papa Johns and Pizza Hut followed with scores of 80 — while Domino's, Raising Cane's, Starbucks and Subway each earned ratings of 79.

Burger King, Culver's, Dunkin', Little Caesars and Panera Bread rounded out the next tier with scores of 78.

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Ranking near the bottom were Dairy Queen and McDonald's, which tied for last place among major quick-service chains with scores of 72.

Fox News Digital reached out to Jersey Mike's and Chick-fil-A for comment.