Chick-fil-A Ranks No. 1 among U.S. Restaurants for 11th Straight Year without Serving on Sundays
The restaurant that’s closed on Sundays, is known for its friendly customer service and aims to “glorify God” has once again been named America’s favorite fast-food chain.
Overview of ACSI’s 2025 Restaurant Rankings
American consumers ranked Chick-fil-A No. 1 in the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) survey for the 11th straight year among quick-service establishments with a customer satisfaction score of 83, placing it ahead of Panda Express and Starbucks -- which tied for No. 2 at 80 -- and four restaurants that tied for fourth place with a score of 79: Arby’s, Panera Bread, Papa Johns, and Pizza Hut. Culver’s, Domino’s, and Dunkin’ tied for eighth with a score of 78. McDonald’s (70) finished last.
Why Chick-fil-A Took the Top Spot
Chick-fil-A has carved out a unique place in the fast-food industry, thanks in part to its distinct culture.
Service Quality & Hospitality
Founded by a Christian businessman, its official corporate purpose to this day is to “glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us” and to “have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A.”
Its restaurants are closed on Sundays, yet customers continue flocking to the chicken-themed chain the other six days of the week -- partially drawn to its trademark hospitality and that familiar response of “my pleasure.”
Impact of Sunday Closures
It hasn’t drifted from its traditional values.
“Our founder, S. Truett Cathy, made the decision to close on Sundays in 1946,” the company’s website says. “He knew what it was like to work seven days a week in restaurants, so he saw the importance of letting his employees set aside one day to rest and worship if they choose. That’s a practice we still uphold today.”
Consumer Trends & Insights
The ACSI survey said the restaurant industry in general is struggling to maintain customers in the face of rising costs. Chick-fil-A, in fact, experienced its slowest growth in 20 years, with sales increasing only 5.4 percent in 2024. Restaurants are navigating a “razor-thin margin between maintaining customer loyalty and managing escalating costs,” the report said. Many families view eating out as a luxury.
“Restaurants can’t simply rely on their traditional playbooks anymore,” said Forrest Morgeson, associate professor of marketing at Michigan State University and director of research emeritus at the ACSI. “Smaller, popular brands like Raising Cane’s and Wingstop are proving that creative marketing, digital engagement, and focusing on core strengths can challenge even the most established chains. The brands that succeed will be the ones that adapt quickly to shifting tastes without compromising consistency or experience.”
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Brandon Bell/Staff
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published June 19, 2025.
