Jersey Mike's has surpassed Chick-fil-A as the highest-rated fast food chain in the U.S., according to the 2026 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). The study, based on over 16,000 random surveys from 2025 to 2026, awarded Jersey Mike's an 84 out of 100, citing strong performance in freshness, food variety, and overall value. This marks the end of Chick-fil-A’s 11-year streak at the top, though it remains the number-one chicken-focused chain.

The shift comes amid broader stagnation in the fast-casual sector, with U.S. chain restaurant sales growing only 3% in 2025—the slowest pace since the Great Recession. Jersey Mike's recent rise follows its $8 billion acquisition by Blackstone in November 2024. Under new CEO Charlie Morrison, the chain has aggressively expanded, opening 238 new locations in 2025 and surpassing $4 billion in total sales.

Morrison, formerly CEO of Chipotle, emphasized long-term growth potential, suggesting the brand could double its current 3,200 U.S. locations and expand internationally. Despite the push for scale, Jersey Mike's has maintained customer loyalty by preserving hands-on practices like hand-slicing ingredients—a detail that resonates in an era where consumers base spending on brand perception and values.