Skip to main content
food_and_drink

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

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

Score63%
VS
Chick-fil-A

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

Score56%

Quick Answer

AI Summary

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.

Our Verdict

AI-assisted

Choose 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.

Community feedback

Was this verdict helpful?

Burger King
7.7/10
Chick-fil-A
7.3/10
Burger King

Choose Burger King if

Best pick

Customers seeking burger variety, global accessibility, extended hours, and menu diversity at affordable prices

Chick-fil-A

Choose Chick-fil-A if

Customers prioritizing exceptional service quality, chicken-focused meals, faster transactions, and willing to accept limited menu and Sunday closures

Track this comparison

Get notified when prices change, new specs ship, or our verdict updates.

Triggers: price change new spec verdict update

No spam. Stop anytime.

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)
See all 7 differences

Key Facts & Figures

81 numeric metrics compared

MetricBurger KingChick-fil-ARatio
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))74/10084
Average Drive-Thru Speed(minutes)4.5 minutes3.2 minutes
Signature Item Calories(calories)Whopper: 660 calChicken Sandwich: 440 cal
Average Meal Price(USD)$6.50$8.25
Operating Days Per Year(days)365 days260 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 estimated150-200 estimated
Average Customer Transaction Time(minutes)4.5 minutes4.5 minutes
Global Store Locations(stores)40,000+40,000+
Average Chicken Sandwich Price(USD)$9.25$9.25
Annual Operating Days(days)365 days365 days
Price Premium vs. Competitor(percent)+38% higher+38% higher
International Presence(countries)100+ countries100+ 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)4.24.2
Order Accuracy Rate(%)99.2%99.2%
Annual U.S. Revenue(billion USD)$3.6B$3.6B
Chicken Sandwich Sodium Content(mg)940mg940mg
Customer Satisfaction Rating(out of 5)86%86%
Average Entree Price(USD)$8.50$8.50
Sodium per Standard Entree(mg)1,240mg1,240mg
Core Menu Items(items)28 items28 items
US Restaurant Locations(count)3,0523,052
24-Hour Availability(percent of locations)0%0%
Average Wait Time(minutes)4.2 minutes4.2 minutes
Average Transaction Time(minutes)3-43-4
Operating Days per Week(days)66
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)3,0393,039
Customer Satisfaction (ACSI)(score/100)8686
Chicken Sandwich Price(USD)$8.49$8.49
Drive-Thru Speed(minutes)4.3 min4.3 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

Burger King
2Burger King
Chick-fil-A leads1 tie
Chick-fil-A
4Chick-fil-A
  • 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

Burger King
Chick-fil-A
Global Locations(number of restaurants)
18,000+
Global Restaurant Locations(count)
18,000+
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
$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 attributes
Average 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
Annual Revenue(USD Billions)
$6.5B
$14.3B
Average Unit Volume (AUV)(USD millions)
$1,200
Annual Global Revenue(USD billions)
$6.5 billion
Show 1 more attribute
Revenue 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
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+
3,000+
Countries of Operation(countries)
95
Customer Satisfaction Score(points (J.D. Power 2024))
74/100
84
Order Accuracy Rate(%)
99.2%
Average Drive-Thru Speed(minutes)
4.5 minutes
3.2 minutes
Operating Days Per Year(days)
365 days
260 days (closed Sundays)
Number of Global Locations(restaurants)
18,000+
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+
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

Pros & Cons

10 pros·7 cons across both

Burger King
Chick-fil-A
Burger King

Burger King

+5-3

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

Chick-fil-A

+5-4

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

  1. 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.

12 more to explore

1 article

Explore More

Related comparisons and categories

AI generated