Jersey Mike’s has taken the top spot in the 2026 American Customer Satisfaction Index for quick-service restaurants, scoring 84 out of 100 and dethroning Chick-fil-A, which held the No. 1 position for the previous 11 years.
The 2026 ACSI Restaurant and Food Delivery Study, based on 16,464 customer surveys conducted between April 2025 and March 2026, placed Jersey Mike’s first overall among major fast-food chains. Chick-fil-A scored 83, unchanged from the prior year.
The American Customer Satisfaction Index measures customer experiences across factors including food quality, variety, value, freshness, and service consistency. Jersey Mike’s earned recognition specifically for freshness, food variety, and value while rapidly expanding, adding 238 net new locations in 2025 and reaching $4.2 billion in systemwide sales.
Full top 10 quick-service rankings for 2026 (out of 100):
- Jersey Mike’s – 84
- Chick-fil-A – 83
- Jimmy John’s – 81 (tie)
- Panda Express – 81 (tie)
- KFC – 80
- Papa John’s – 80
- Pizza Hut – 80
- Domino’s – 80
- Raising Cane’s – 79
- Starbucks – 79
This marks the first time in more than a decade that a chain other than Chick-fil-A led the overall quick-service category. Chick-fil-A remains the clear leader in the chicken segment.
Customers at Jersey Mike’s frequently cite made-to-order subs with fresh ingredients and customizable options. Popular items include the Mike’s Famous Philly Cheesesteak, the Club Supreme on rosemary parmesan bread, and subs prepared “Mike’s Way” with onions, lettuce, tomatoes, red wine vinegar, olive oil blend, salt, pepper, and oregano.
Chick-fil-A’s signature items, such as the Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Nuggets, and Waffle Fries, continue to drive strong loyalty in the chicken category, where the chain maintains top marks.
Jimmy John’s, tied for third, is known for its fresh bread, cold subs like the Italian Night Club and Turkey Tom, and speedy delivery. Panda Express stands out for American-Chinese favorites including Orange Chicken, Beijing Beef, and Honey Walnut Shrimp.
KFC improved to 80 with items such as Original Recipe Fried Chicken and the Chicken Sandwich. Papa John’s and Pizza Hut both scored 80, with customers noting crust quality and toppings. Domino’s earned 80 for consistent pizza delivery. Raising Cane’s (79) draws fans for its Chicken Fingers and Cane’s Sauce, while Starbucks (79) leads in coffee and breakfast items like the Egg Bites and seasonal drinks.
The ACSI noted that overall quick-service satisfaction held steady at 79 for the third straight year despite economic pressures, including rising ingredient costs and selective consumer spending. Brands that maintained consistency in quality and value gained ground.
