Jersey Mike's Overtakes Chick-fil-A as Top U.S. Fast‑Food Chain

The American Customer Satisfaction Index’s 2026 study, based on more than 16,000 surveys conducted in 2025‑26, ranked Jersey Mike's at 84 points, dethroning Chick‑fil‑A after eleven years at the top of the overall fast‑food category. Chick‑fil‑A remains number one within the chicken‑restaurant segment.

Sales for American chain restaurants grew only about 3 % in 2025, the slowest rate since the 2008 recession. Jersey Mike's recent surge follows its $8 billion acquisition by Blackstone in November 2024. New CEO Charlie Morrison said, “We could probably double that in the U.S. as we go forward,” referring to the chain’s roughly 3,200 stores. In 2025 the brand opened 238 new locations and posted company‑wide sales exceeding $4 billion, while outlining plans to expand domestically and overseas.

The ranking shift highlights growing consumer focus on perceived value, freshness and overall experience, as well as the impact of private‑equity‑backed growth strategies in the fast‑food sector.