Jersey Mike’s Tops 2026 Customer Satisfaction Index
The chain claims the top spot for fast-food service, ending an 11-year streak held by Chick-fil-A.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Dining Out
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Jersey Mike’s earned the top ranking in the 2026 American Customer Satisfaction Index with a score of 84. This accomplishment ends the 11-year run Chick-fil-A held as the highest-rated fast-food chain in the United States.
Why it matters
The brand captured the top position by focusing on freshness, menu variety, and perceived value to consumers. It outperformed its closest competitor, Chick-fil-A, which followed closely with a score of 83.
The index is derived from 16,464 customer surveys conducted between April 2025 and March 2026. In 2025, the chain saw systemwide sales reach $4.2 billion and expanded its footprint by 238 locations.
The players
Jersey Mike's
A national sandwich chain that attained the highest customer satisfaction score in the 2026 American Customer Satisfaction Index.
Chick-fil-A
A prominent fast-food restaurant chain that held the top spot in the satisfaction index for 11 years prior to 2026.
The details
Jersey Mike's growth in 2025 mirrored a broader environment where restaurant industry sales grew by 3% despite a 3.8% rate of menu-price inflation. The chain now operates 141 locations in Ohio and 34 in Kentucky.
Timeline
The customer satisfaction surveys took place between April 2025 and March 2026.
Jersey Mike's added 238 new locations throughout 2025.
The American Customer Satisfaction Index rankings were released in 2026.
Culture Shift
The displacement of a long-term leader in the American Customer Satisfaction Index signals a shift in consumer priorities toward freshness and value. This change suggests that customer loyalty in the fast-food sector is increasingly fluid and driven by evolving dining preferences.
Consumers in regions like Ohio and Kentucky may see continued expansion as the company leverages its growth momentum from 2025. This rising satisfaction score could influence diner choices when comparing lunch options based on perceived value and freshness.
The takeaway
Maintaining top-tier customer satisfaction requires balancing rapid expansion with consistent quality. Diners can expect brands to continue emphasizing menu variety as a primary lever to influence consumer perception.
Further reading
For more on industry trends, explore the Dining Out section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Telegraph-Forum.
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