This Sandwich Chain Is Now America’s Favorite

Those at the top never last forever. Whether it’s political leaders (why, yes, I am in the UK!) or tastes, things shift and move as time goes on – and fast food chains are no different. For years, surveys have ranked certain chains as the US’s favorite time and time again, and it’s felt as though said chains are immovable. Well, they’re not. 

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Need evidence of this? The American Customer Satisfaction Index (or ACSI) has provided it with a new study that assessed which quick-service chain was the nation’s favorite – and there’s a new top dog on the block. Here’s who it is.

Step Up, Jersey Mike’s, And Collect Your Prize!

The ACSI has just released the results of its Restaurant and Food Delivery Study 2026, which assesses the top-rated restaurants across the country based on various criteria, including value, food variety, and freshness. This year, Jersey Mike’s received the best overall score, with a final mark of 84 out of 100 from customers – and in doing so, demarcated itself as the winner over Chick-fil-A, which came second-place with a score of 83.

This win is significant, given that Chick-fil-A has topped the ACSI’s study for the past 11 years. Chick-fil-A is still the highest-rated chicken restaurant overall (while KFC saw a substantial improvement in its ranking), while Culver’s and Burger King shared the top spot amongst burger restaurants. The ACSI compiled its data from its 2026 survey from a group of around 16,400 respondents.

Why Has Jersey Mike’s Taken The Top Spot?

This was the first time that Jersey Mike’s entered the ACSI’s rankings, and there’s an argument to be made that it’s benefiting from a surge in recent popularity and widespread expansion. The chain added 238 net new locations in 2025, so more and more people are discovering it for the first time, and this novelty might also create a slight halo effect, as far as surveys are concerned.

That said, though, Jersey Mike’s has undoubtedly been in people’s good graces for a minute now, due, of course, to its ample, tasty sub sandwiches (even though it’s recently been accused of shrinkflation). First impressions are everything, but it’s also built up a seriously passionate core fanbase, who clearly appreciate that there’s a new sub king on the block after Subway reigned supreme for so long. Whether it’ll keep Chick-fil-A away from the top spot next year remains to be seen, but for now? Jersey Mike’s, here’s your trophy.