Burger King vs Chick-fil-A 2026 | Comparison
Burger King is a global fast-food chain specializing in flame-grilled burgers with 18,000+ locations, while Chick-fil-A focuses exclusively on chicken sandwiches with 3,000+ U.S. locations and significantly higher per-restaurant revenue. Chick-fil-A generates roughly 3x the annual revenue per location compared to Burger King.
Burger King
Second-largest burger chain with 18,000+ locations known for flame-grilled burgers and customization.
Customers seeking burger variety, global accessibility, extended hours, and menu diversity at affordable prices
Chick-fil-A
US-only fast-casual chicken chain with 3,000+ locations closed on Sundays
Customers prioritizing exceptional service quality, chicken-focused meals, faster transactions, and willing to accept limited menu and Sunday closures
Quick Answer
AI SummaryBurger King is a global fast-food chain specializing in flame-grilled burgers with 18,000+ locations, while Chick-fil-A focuses exclusively on chicken sandwiches with 3,000+ U.S. locations and significantly higher per-restaurant revenue. Chick-fil-A generates roughly 3x the annual revenue per location compared to Burger King.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose Burger King if you want menu variety, global accessibility, 24-hour locations in some markets, and flame-grilled burger preferences with a lower cost per meal. Choose Chick-fil-A if you prioritize customer service quality, chicken-focused meals, faster drive-thru service, and are willing to accept U.S.-only availability and Sunday closures in exchange for superior operational efficiency and satisfaction scores.
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Choose Burger King if
Best pickCustomers seeking burger variety, global accessibility, extended hours, and menu diversity at affordable prices
Choose Chick-fil-A if
Customers prioritizing exceptional service quality, chicken-focused meals, faster transactions, and willing to accept limited menu and Sunday closures
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Primary Menu Focus:Flame-grilled burgers, fries, chicken vs Chicken sandwiches exclusively
- Global Locations:✓ Burger King wins(18,000+ worldwide vs 3,000+ (U.S. only))
- Annual Revenue per Restaurant (2024):✓ Chick-fil-A wins($3.8 million vs $1.2 million)
Key Facts & Figures
81 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Burger King | Chick-fil-A | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Locations(number of restaurants) | 18,000+ | — | — |
| System-Wide Revenue(USD) | $1.8 Billion | — | — |
| Standard Meal Deal Price (UK)(GBP) | £5.99 | — | — |
| Price Difference(USD) | Saves £2.00 | — | — |
| Signature Burger Flame-Grill Time(seconds) | ~40 seconds per Whopper | — | — |
| Global Restaurant Locations(count) | 18,000+ | 3,000+ | |
| Meal Deal Customization Options(burger choices) | 5+ burger options at £5.99 | — | — |
| Annual Corporate Revenue(USD billions) | $6.5B | — | — |
| Franchisee Average Unit Volume(USD thousands) | $1,650 | — | — |
| Initial Franchise Investment(USD millions) | $316-$550 | — | — |
| Big Mac / Whopper Calories(calories) | 660 cal (Whopper) | — | — |
| Global Brand Awareness(percent) | 89% | — | — |
| Loyalty Program Members(millions) | 8M+ (BK Rewards) | — | — |
| Total Global Locations(stores) | 18,000+ | 3,000+ | |
| Annual Revenue per Restaurant(USD millions) | $1.2M | $3.8M | |
| Customer Satisfaction Score(points (J.D. Power 2024)) | 74/100 | 84 | |
| Average Drive-Thru Speed(minutes) | 4.5 minutes | 3.2 minutes | |
| Signature Item Calories(calories) | Whopper: 660 cal | Chicken Sandwich: 440 cal | |
| Average Meal Price(USD) | $6.50 | $8.25 | |
| Operating Days Per Year(days) | 365 days | 260 days (closed Sundays) | |
| Menu Item Count(items) | 120+ | 15-20 | |
| Average Customer Service Time(minutes) | 6-8 | — | — |
| Average Burger Price(USD) | $7.50-9.50 | — | — |
| Menu Customization Level(scale 1-10) | 9/10 | — | — |
| Digital Ordering Availability(percentage of locations) | 65% | — | — |
| Total Global Restaurants(locations) | 18,291 | — | — |
| Annual Revenue(USD Billions) | $6.5B | $14.3B | |
| Average Unit Volume (AUV)(USD millions) | $1,200 | — | — |
| Countries of Operation(countries) | 95 | — | — |
| Signature Burger Price (USD)(USD) | $5.49 (Whopper) | — | — |
| Average Service Time(minutes) | 4-5 minutes | — | — |
| Franchise Startup Cost(USD thousands) | $250-$550 | — | — |
| Single Burger Base Price(USD) | $7.25 | — | — |
| Number of Global Locations(restaurants) | 18,000+ | 2,900+ | |
| Average Customer Rating(out of 5) | 3.8/5.0 | — | — |
| Average Service Wait Time(minutes) | 6 minutes | — | — |
| Topping Customization Options(toppings) | 6 standard toppings | — | — |
| Drive-Thru Availability(percent of locations) | 95% | — | — |
| Price Per Pound of Beef(USD) | $2.10/lb | — | — |
| Annual Global Revenue(USD billions) | $6.5 billion | — | — |
| Total Global Restaurant Count(locations) | 18,000 | — | — |
| Average Unit Volume Per Location(USD millions) | $1.62M | — | — |
| Mobile App Daily Active Users(millions) | 4.2M DAU | — | — |
| Breakfast Menu Item Count(items) | 6 items | — | — |
| Global Brand Awareness (Unaided)(percent) | 89% | — | — |
| Number of Locations(restaurants) | 18,000+ | — | — |
| Brand Value Ranking(USD billions) | $19.3 billion | — | — |
| Signature Burger Calories(calories) | 660 (Whopper) | — | — |
| Countries with Presence(countries) | 90+ countries | — | — |
| 2026 New Location Growth Target(locations) | 150-200 estimated | 150-200 estimated | |
| Average Customer Transaction Time(minutes) | 4.5 minutes | 4.5 minutes | |
| Global Store Locations(stores) | 40,000+ | 40,000+ | |
| Average Chicken Sandwich Price(USD) | $9.25 | $9.25 | |
| Annual Operating Days(days) | 365 days | 365 days | |
| Price Premium vs. Competitor(percent) | +38% higher | +38% higher | |
| International Presence(countries) | 100+ countries | 100+ countries | |
| Signature Chicken Sandwich Price(USD) | $4.59 | $4.59 | |
| U.S. Restaurant Locations(count) | 3,500+ | 3,500+ | |
| Average Drive-Thru Wait Time(minutes) | 4.2 | 4.2 | |
| Order Accuracy Rate(%) | 99.2% | 99.2% | |
| Annual U.S. Revenue(billion USD) | $3.6B | $3.6B | |
| Chicken Sandwich Sodium Content(mg) | 940mg | 940mg | |
| Customer Satisfaction Rating(out of 5) | 86% | 86% | |
| Average Entree Price(USD) | $8.50 | $8.50 | |
| Sodium per Standard Entree(mg) | 1,240mg | 1,240mg | |
| Core Menu Items(items) | 28 items | 28 items | |
| US Restaurant Locations(count) | 3,052 | 3,052 | |
| 24-Hour Availability(percent of locations) | 0% | 0% | |
| Average Wait Time(minutes) | 4.2 minutes | 4.2 minutes | |
| Average Transaction Time(minutes) | 3-4 | 3-4 | |
| Operating Days per Week(days) | 6 | 6 | |
| Revenue Per Location (Annual)(USD millions) | $2.7-3.2M | $2.7-3.2M | |
| Repeat Customer Rate(percentage) | 78% | 78% | |
| Average Entrée Price(USD) | $9.25 | $9.25 | |
| US Location Count(locations) | 3,039 | 3,039 | |
| Customer Satisfaction (ACSI)(score/100) | 86 | 86 | |
| Chicken Sandwich Price(USD) | $8.49 | $8.49 | |
| Drive-Thru Speed(minutes) | 4.3 min | 4.3 min | |
| Menu Items Available(items) | ~25 items | ~25 items | |
| Global Countries Served(countries) | 1 (USA only) | 1 (USA only) | |
| Average Employee Wage(USD/hour) | $17.00 | $17.00 |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- Flame-grilled burgers, fries, chickenPrimary Menu FocusChicken sandwiches exclusively
- 18,000+ worldwide(winner)Global Locations3,000+ (U.S. only)
- $1.2 millionAnnual Revenue per Restaurant (2024)$3.8 million(winner)
- 74/100Customer Satisfaction (JD Power 2024)86/100(winner)
- Typically 6 AM–11 PM (varies)(winner)Operating HoursClosed Sundays, 6 AM–10 PM weekdays
- 4.5 minutes drive-thruAverage Transaction Speed3.2 minutes drive-thru(winner)
- Whopper: 660 caloriesCalorie Count (Signature Sandwich)Classic Chicken Sandwich: 440 calories(winner)
- Primary Menu Focus
Burger King
Flame-grilled burgers, fries, chicken
Chick-fil-A
Chicken sandwiches exclusively
- Global Locations
Burger King
18,000+ worldwide(winner)
Chick-fil-A
3,000+ (U.S. only)
- Annual Revenue per Restaurant (2024)
Burger King
$1.2 million
Chick-fil-A
$3.8 million(winner)
- Customer Satisfaction (JD Power 2024)
Burger King
74/100
Chick-fil-A
86/100(winner)
- Operating Hours
Burger King
Typically 6 AM–11 PM (varies)(winner)
Chick-fil-A
Closed Sundays, 6 AM–10 PM weekdays
- Average Transaction Speed
Burger King
4.5 minutes drive-thru
Chick-fil-A
3.2 minutes drive-thru(winner)
- Calorie Count (Signature Sandwich)
Burger King
Whopper: 660 calories
Chick-fil-A
Classic Chicken Sandwich: 440 calories(winner)
Full Comparison
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Global Locations(number of restaurants) | 18,000+ | — |
| Global Restaurant Locations(count) | 18,000+(winner) | 3,000+ |
| Total Global Restaurant Count(locations) | 18,000 | — |
| System-Wide Revenue(USD) | $1.8 Billion | — |
| Standard Meal Deal Price (UK)(GBP) | £5.99 | — |
| Average Meal Price(USD) | $6.50(winner) | $8.25 |
| Average Burger Price(USD) | $7.50-9.50 | — |
| Signature Burger Price (USD)(USD) | $5.49 (Whopper) | — |
| Single Burger Base Price(USD) | $7.25 | — |
Show 5 more attributesAverage Chicken Sandwich Price(USD) $9.25 — Price Premium vs. Competitor(percent) +38% higher — Signature Chicken Sandwich Price(USD) $4.59 — Average Entree Price(USD) $8.50 — Average Entrée Price(USD) $9.25 — | ||
| Price Difference(USD) | Saves £2.00 | — |
| Beef Freshness | Flame-grilled (quality varies by location) | — |
| Beef Sourcing Method | Flame-grilled frozen patties | — |
| Chicken Source Standard(text) | Hand-breaded fresh daily, never frozen | — |
| Customer Satisfaction (ACSI)(score/100) | 86 | — |
| Signature Burger Flame-Grill Time(seconds) | ~40 seconds per Whopper | — |
| Core Menu Dessert Innovation (2026) | Standard Frosty-style offerings | — |
| Restaurant Design Update | Traditional format | — |
| Meal Deal Customization Options(burger choices) | 5+ burger options at £5.99 | — |
| Price Per Pound of Beef(USD) | $2.10/lb | — |
| Annual Corporate Revenue(USD billions) | $6.5B | — |
| Annual Revenue per Restaurant(USD millions) | $1.2M | $3.8M(winner) |
| Annual Revenue(USD Billions) | $6.5B | $14.3B(winner) |
| Average Unit Volume (AUV)(USD millions) | $1,200 | — |
| Annual Global Revenue(USD billions) | $6.5 billion | — |
Show 1 more attributeRevenue Per Location (Annual)(USD millions) $2.7-3.2M — | ||
| Franchisee Average Unit Volume(USD thousands) | $1,650 | — |
| Initial Franchise Investment(USD millions) | $316-$550 | — |
| Big Mac / Whopper Calories(calories) | 660 cal (Whopper) | — |
| Signature Item Calories(calories) | Whopper: 660 cal | Chicken Sandwich: 440 cal(winner) |
| Signature Burger Calories(calories) | 660 (Whopper) | — |
| Chicken Sandwich Sodium Content(mg) | 940mg | — |
| Sodium per Standard Entree(mg) | 1,240mg | — |
| Global Brand Awareness(percent) | 89% | — |
| Loyalty Program Members(millions) | 8M+ (BK Rewards) | — |
| Customization Options(combinations) | ~1000+ 'Have it Your Way' combos | — |
| Total Global Locations(stores) | 18,000+(winner) | 3,000+ |
| Countries of Operation(countries) | 95 | — |
| Customer Satisfaction Score(points (J.D. Power 2024)) | 74/100 | 84(winner) |
| Order Accuracy Rate(%) | 99.2% | — |
| Average Drive-Thru Speed(minutes) | 4.5 minutes | 3.2 minutes(winner) |
| Operating Days Per Year(days) | 365 days(winner) | 260 days (closed Sundays) |
| Number of Global Locations(restaurants) | 18,000+(winner) | 2,900+ |
| Annual Operating Days(days) | 365 days | — |
| US Restaurant Locations(count) | 3,052 | — |
| US Location Count(locations) | 3,039 | — |
| Menu Item Count(items) | 120+(winner) | 15-20 |
| Menu Items Available(items) | ~25 items | — |
| Average Customer Service Time(minutes) | 6-8 | — |
| Menu Customization Level(scale 1-10) | 9/10 | — |
| Digital Ordering Availability(percentage of locations) | 65% | — |
| Total Global Restaurants(locations) | 18,291 | — |
| Operating Days per Week(days) | 6 | — |
| Average Employee Wage(USD/hour) | $17.00 | — |
| Average Service Time(minutes) | 4-5 minutes | — |
| Average Drive-Thru Wait Time(minutes) | 4.2 | — |
| Franchise Startup Cost(USD thousands) | $250-$550 | — |
| Average Customer Rating(out of 5) | 3.8/5.0 | — |
| Customer Satisfaction Rating(out of 5) | 86% | — |
| Average Service Wait Time(minutes) | 6 minutes | — |
| Topping Customization Options(toppings) | 6 standard toppings | — |
| Drive-Thru Availability(percent of locations) | 95% | — |
| 24-Hour Availability(percent of locations) | 0% | — |
| Drive-Thru Speed(minutes) | 4.3 min | — |
| Average Unit Volume Per Location(USD millions) | $1.62M | — |
| Mobile App Daily Active Users(millions) | 4.2M DAU | — |
| Franchise Startup Investment Range(USD) | $316K - $516K | — |
| Breakfast Menu Item Count(items) | 6 items | — |
| Primary Burger Cooking Method | Flame-grilled (smoky flavor) | — |
| Global Brand Awareness (Unaided)(percent) | 89% | — |
| Brand Value Ranking(USD billions) | $19.3 billion | — |
| Number of Locations(restaurants) | 18,000+ | — |
| Countries with Presence(countries) | 90+ countries | — |
| International Presence(countries) | 100+ countries | — |
| Global Countries Served(countries) | 1 (USA only) | — |
| 2026 New Location Growth Target(locations) | 150-200 estimated | — |
| Chicken Preparation Method | Hand-breaded fresh daily | — |
| Drive-Thru AI Technology | Mobile app + traditional ordering | — |
| Average Customer Transaction Time(minutes) | 4.5 minutes | — |
| Global Store Locations(stores) | 40,000+ | — |
| Quality Ranking (YouGov 2026)(ranking) | #1 overall quality | — |
| 2025 Sales Tier(ranking) | Top 3 ($107B trifecta) | — |
| Annual U.S. Revenue(billion USD) | $3.6B | — |
| U.S. Restaurant Locations(count) | 3,500+ | — |
| Core Menu Items(items) | 28 items | — |
| Average Wait Time(minutes) | 4.2 minutes | — |
| Average Transaction Time(minutes) | 3-4 | — |
| Repeat Customer Rate(percentage) | 78% | — |
| Chicken Sandwich Price(USD) | $8.49 | — |
Show 5 more attributes
Show 1 more attribute
Pros & Cons
10 pros·7 cons across both
Burger King
Pros
- Flame-grilled burgers with customizable toppings
- Diverse menu including breakfast, salads, and desserts
- 18,000+ locations across 100+ countries
- Extended hours including 24-hour locations
- Competitive pricing ($5–$8 average meal)
Cons
- Lower customer satisfaction (74/100 vs 86/100 competitor)
- Slower average drive-thru times (4.5 vs 3.2 minutes)
- Higher calorie content in signature items
Chick-fil-A
Pros
- Highest customer satisfaction in QSR industry (86/100 JD Power 2024)
- Fastest drive-thru service (3.2 minutes average)
- $3.8 million revenue per location vs $1.2 million industry average
- Handmade chicken sandwiches with premium ingredients
- Closed Sundays allows staff rest and reduces burnout
Cons
- Limited to chicken-only menu with fewer options
- U.S. locations only (no international presence)
- Closed all day Sunday (30% fewer operating days)
- Higher average meal cost ($7–$9 for entrée)
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
Chick-fil-A significantly outperforms Burger King with an average drive-thru time of 3.2 minutes compared to Burger King's 4.5 minutes. This efficiency advantage stems from Chick-fil-A's simplified menu (chicken-focused) and staff training protocols that prioritize transaction speed without sacrificing order accuracy.
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