McDonald's operates 13,500+ U.S. locations with lower prices and broader menu variety, while Chick-fil-A operates 3,000+ locations focused on chicken with higher customer satisfaction scores (82% vs 75%) and closed Sundays. McDonald's serves 69 million daily customers globally; Chick-fil-A serves 3 million weekly.
Chick-fil-A vs McDonald's — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Choose McDonald's if you prioritize affordability, menu variety, global presence, and 24/7 availability with competitive pricing and convenience. Choose Chick-fil-A if you value superior customer satisfaction, premium chicken quality, healthier meal options, and consistent brand experience despite higher costs and limited Sunday hours.
American fast-casual chicken restaurant chain with 3,072 U.S. locations, closed Sundays.
Global fast-food chain with 13,574 U.S. locations and 24/7 availability, serving 69 million daily customers.
Chick-fil-A vs McDonald's — Comparison Data
Structured comparison data for Chick-fil-A vs McDonald's with 130 attributes.
Chick-fil-A vs McDonald's — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Chick-fil-A vs McDonald's.
Founder Truett Cathy established this policy in 1946 as a matter of principle, believing employees deserve one day of rest for family and worship. The company has maintained this policy for 78 years despite significant revenue loss estimated at $500 million+ annually.
Chick-fil-A averages 580 calories per meal with grilled chicken options, while McDonald's averages 740 calories. Chick-fil-A uses antibiotic-free chicken and offers 12 salad options vs McDonald's 8, making it generally the healthier choice for calorie-conscious diners.
How do prices compare between the two chains?
McDonald's chicken sandwich costs $5.99 vs Chick-fil-A's $6.99—a 17% difference. A full meal at McDonald's averages $11.49 while Chick-fil-A averages $14.99, making McDonald's approximately 30% cheaper overall.
Which has better customer service quality?
Chick-fil-A ranks 82/100 in J.D. Power customer satisfaction vs McDonald's 75/100. Chick-fil-A also has zero franchise model allowing corporate quality control, while McDonald's franchises account for 95% of locations with variable standards.
Which chain has more international presence?
McDonald's operates 41,630 locations across 100+ countries, while Chick-fil-A operates primarily in the U.S. with only 3 international locations. McDonald's is present in 6 continents; Chick-fil-A has zero presence in Europe, Asia, or Africa.