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The latest American Consumer Satisfaction Index released in June confirms that Chick-fil-A remains the leader in fast-food customer satisfaction — a streak now in its 11th year — but the report also shows shifting loyalties and slowing growth across the sector. Those trends matter because rising prices and new competitors are reshaping where Americans spend their dining dollars.
Chick-fil-A posted the highest ACSI result among quick-service restaurants with a score of 83, unchanged from last year. The Atlanta-based chain continued to top regional rankings, earning the highest marks in the South and the West while sharing the lead in the Midwest.
What the numbers reveal
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The ACSI data paints a mixed picture. While Chick-fil-A retained the top spot, the company’s momentum cooled: corporate filings and industry analysts cite 5.4% systemwide sales growth in 2024, a pace the report calls the slowest for the brand in roughly two decades as average revenue per location edged down.
At the same time, a handful of rivals climbed noticeably. Panda Express and Popeyes posted some of the largest year-over-year gains among major chains, each improving by about four points in the ACSI rankings. Panda moved into a tie for second place, and Popeyes also showed marked improvement from the prior year.
Not all brands fared well. KFC registered the steepest decline, dropping several points from last year, and McDonald’s slipped modestly as well. The ACSI links these drops to broader consumer behavior: many customers are trading down to smaller regional chains, trying newer concepts, visiting convenience stores for prepared foods, or simply cutting back on dining out.
Selected ACSI fast-food scores for 2025
- Chick-fil-A: 83
- Panda Express: 80
- Starbucks: 80
- Arby’s: 79
- Panera Bread: 79
- Papa Johns: 79
- Pizza Hut: 79
- Culver’s: 78
- Domino’s: 78
- Dunkin’: 78
- Burger King: 77
- KFC: 77
- Little Caesars: 77
- Chipotle: 76
- Subway: 76
- Five Guys: 75
- Popeyes: 75
- Wendy’s: 75
- Jack in the Box: 74
- Sonic: 73
- Taco Bell: 73
- Dairy Queen: 72
- McDonald’s: 70
Industry observers say the climb of regional concepts such as Wingstop and Raising Cane’s is pressuring familiar national names, intensifying competition for customers who increasingly prioritize value, convenience and novelty. The ACSI report also notes U.S. sales declines at certain legacy brands — a worrying sign for operators dependent on high-traffic, repeat customers.
Representatives for Chick-fil-A did not provide a statement on the ACSI release. News outlets reached out to other large chains for comment.
For diners, the takeaway is practical: satisfaction leaders still attract loyal customers, but rising costs and a crowded market mean more choices — and more volatility — in where Americans decide to eat.
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