Full Breakdown
Jersey Mike’s Overtakes Chick-fil-A in ACSI 2026 Quick-Service Rankings
6/18/2026, 10:44:43 PM
Core Event: Jersey Mike’s Claims Top Spot in ACSI Quick-Service Survey
The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) released its 2026 quick-service restaurant rankings on June 16, naming Jersey Mike’s Subs the highest-rated chain with a score of 84. Chick-fil-A, which had held the overall No. 1 position for eleven consecutive years, placed second with a score of 83. The shift marks the first change in the overall ranking since 2015.
Background & Context: ACSI Methodology and Chick-fil-A’s Decade-Long Dominance
ACSI evaluates fast-food establishments using consumer surveys that measure food quality, service, value, and convenience. For the 2026 report, 16,464 adult respondents completed surveys between April 2025 and March 2026. Prior to this release, Chick-fil-A consistently topped the overall quick-service category, while also leading the chicken-restaurant segment each year.
Data & Statistics: Scores, Survey Sample, Expansion, and Sales
- Jersey Mike’s: 84 / 100
- Chick-fil-A: 83 / 100
- Survey size: 16,464 respondents (national sample)
- Jersey Mike’s added 238 net-new locations in 2025, reaching over 4,000 U.S. and Canadian sites.
- System-wide sales for Jersey Mike’s in 2025 totaled $4.2 billion.
- Chick-fil-A remained the top-rated chicken chain with an unchanged score of 83.
- Mobile-app satisfaction across the sector rose 12 points, from 78 to 87, reflecting industry focus on digital ordering.
Official Statements & Responses: Summary of ACSI Findings and Chain Remarks
The ACSI report highlighted Jersey Mike’s ability to sustain high satisfaction while expanding rapidly, noting the chain’s “efficient operations, strong digital pickup business and off-premise dining model” as key contributors. The study also observed that the broader restaurant industry faced inflationary pressure in 2025, with customers placing greater emphasis on consistency, reliability, and perceived value rather than price alone. While Jersey Mike’s secured the overall lead, the report confirmed Chick-fil-A’s continued dominance within the chicken category and its status as one of the highest-scoring brands across all ACSI categories.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The U.S. restaurant industry faced difficulties in 2025, with total sales struggling to keep pace with inflation,” — ACSI report, June 16, 2026.
- “In a market defined by trade-offs, customers are placing greater emphasis on consistency, reliability, and perceived value as opposed to just price. Brands that deliver a consistently enjoyable experience are gaining ground.” — ACSI report, June 16, 2026.
- “According to the ACSI’s latest report released Tuesday, Jersey Mike’s earned a customer satisfaction score of 84 out of 100, narrowly edging Chick-fil-A, which scored 83.” — ACSI 2026 release.
- “The report highlighted Jersey Mike’s efficient operations, strong digital pickup business and off-premise dining model as key factors behind its rise.” — ACSI 2026 release.
- “2 billion in systemwide sales, all while maintaining the quality scores that put it at the top of the list.” — ACSI 2026 analysis.
What’s Next: IPO Plans and Ongoing Industry Trends
Jersey Mike’s announced intentions to pursue a public offering later in 2026, positioning its recent performance as a catalyst for market entry. The ACSI will publish its 2027 rankings in mid-2027, with analysts expecting continued scrutiny of digital ordering, value perception, and inflation impacts on consumer choices across the quick-service sector.
