DR
Daniel RozinEditor-in-Chief
2 min read
Chick-fil-A vs McDonald's 2026: Price, Quality, AI
Chick-fil-A
Premium quick-service chicken sandwich chain with closed Sundays policy and focus on quality ingredients.
Quality-conscious diners willing to pay premium prices for fresh chicken, brand loyalists, and those with weekday schedules.
Score71%
VS
McDonald's
World's largest fast-food chain by revenue, operating 40,575 locations across 100+ countries.
Budget-conscious families, travelers seeking reliable availability, those preferring menu variety, and early adopters of restaurant AI technology.
Score71%
143 attributes7 differences14 pros/cons
Quick Answer
AI SummaryMcDonald's dominates on price, accessibility, and global scale with 40,000 stores and AI-powered drive-thrus launching in 2026, while Chick-fil-A focuses on premium chicken quality, higher food costs, and a more limited menu with stronger brand loyalty.
Read full verdictMcDonald's is the clear winner for budget-conscious diners seeking maximum accessibility, variety, and 2026 innovation with AI-powered technology and 8,000 new locations. Choose Chick-fil-A if you prioritize premium chicken quality, brand loyalty, and don't mind higher prices or Sunday closures. Choose McDonald's if you value affordability, 24/7 availability, diverse menu options, and cutting-edge restaurant technology.
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Choose Chick-fil-A if
Quality-conscious diners willing to pay premium prices for fresh chicken, brand loyalists, and those with weekday schedules.
Choose McDonald's if
Best pickBudget-conscious families, travelers seeking reliable availability, those preferring menu variety, and early adopters of restaurant AI technology.
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Global Store Count:✓ McDonald's wins(40,000+ locations vs 2,900+ locations)
- Average Entree Price:✓ McDonald's wins($5.50-$7.50 vs $9.50-$11.00)
- Menu Focus:✓ McDonald's wins(Broad variety (burgers, chicken, breakfast) vs Premium chicken specialty)
Key Facts & Figures
123 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Chick-fil-A | McDonald's | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Global Locations(restaurants) | 2,900+ | 40,000+ | |
| Menu Item Count(items) | 15-20 | 180-200 globally | |
| 2026 New Location Growth Target(locations) | 150-200 estimated | 8,000 | |
| Average Customer Transaction Time(minutes) | 4.5 minutes | 3.8 minutes | |
| Global Store Locations(stores) | 40,000+ | 3,000+ | |
| Average Chicken Sandwich Price(USD) | $9.25 | $6.99 | |
| Annual Operating Days(days) | 365 days | 340 days | |
| Price Premium vs. Competitor(percent) | +38% higher | baseline | |
| International Presence(countries) | 100+ countries | U.S. only | |
| Signature Chicken Sandwich Price(USD) | $4.59 | — | — |
| U.S. Restaurant Locations(count) | 3,072 | 13,574 | |
| Customer Satisfaction Score(/5.0) | 86 | 78% | |
| Average Drive-Thru Wait Time(minutes) | 4.2 | — | — |
| Order Accuracy Rate(%) | 99.2% | — | — |
| Annual U.S. Revenue(billion USD) | $17.8B | $23.2B | |
| Operating Days Per Year(days) | 260 days (closed Sundays) | 365 days | |
| Chicken Sandwich Sodium Content(mg) | 940mg | — | — |
| Total Global Locations(stores) | 3,000+ | 40,575 | |
| Annual Revenue per Restaurant(USD millions) | $3.8M | — | — |
| Average Drive-Thru Speed(minutes) | 3.2 minutes | — | — |
| Signature Item Calories(calories) | Chicken Sandwich: 440 cal | — | — |
| Average Meal Price(USD) | $8.25 | — | — |
| Customer Satisfaction Rating(stars) | 86% | 73% | |
| Average Entree Price(USD) | $8.50 | — | — |
| Sodium per Standard Entree(mg) | 1,240mg | — | — |
| Core Menu Items(count) | 23 | 145 | |
| US Restaurant Locations(count) | 3,052 | 13,000+ | |
| 24-Hour Availability(percent of locations) | 0% | — | — |
| Average Wait Time(minutes) | 4.2 minutes | — | — |
| Global Restaurant Locations(restaurants) | 3,000+ | 40,575 | |
| Average Transaction Time(minutes) | 3-4 | 4-5 | |
| Revenue Per Location (Annual)(USD millions) | $2.7-3.2M | — | — |
| Repeat Customer Rate(percentage) | 78% | — | — |
| Average Entrée Price(USD) | $9.25 | — | — |
| US Location Count(locations) | 3,039 | 13,573 | |
| Customer Satisfaction (ACSI)(score/100) | 86 | 74 | |
| Chicken Sandwich Price(USD) | $8.49 | $6.79 | |
| Drive-Thru Speed(minutes) | 4.3 min | 5.8 min | |
| Menu Items Available(items) | ~25 items | 150+ items | |
| Annual Revenue(USD billions) | $19.7B | $23.2B | |
| Global Countries Served(countries) | 1 (USA only) | 100+ | |
| Average Employee Wage(USD per hour) | $17.50+ | $13.50 | |
| Average Unit Volume(USD millions per location) | $3.2M | $2.8 million | |
| Global Locations(stores) | 3,100+ | 40,275 locations | |
| Average Transaction Value(USD) | $9.25 | — | — |
| Core Menu Item Count(items) | 17 | — | — |
| Operating Hours Per Week(hours per week) | 126 (closed Sundays, 6am-10pm typical) | — | — |
| Employee Turnover Rate(percent annually) | 110% | — | — |
| Average Check-In Rating (Google/Yelp)(stars out of 5) | 4.5 | — | — |
| Classic Chicken Sandwich Price(USD) | $6.99 | $5.99 | |
| Average Meal Calorie Count(calories) | 580 | 740 | |
| Average Starting Wage(USD/hour) | $18.00 | $13.50 | |
| Total Locations Worldwide(restaurants) | 3,031 | — | — |
| Operating Days Per Week(days) | 6 (closed Sundays) | 7 | |
| Chicken Sandwich Base Price(USD) | $8.29 | — | — |
| International Market Presence(countries) | 7 (mostly North America expansion recent) | — | — |
| Global Restaurant Count(locations) | 40,000+ | 40,000+ | |
| 2026 Revenue Growth(percentage) | +3% | +3% | |
| Average Burger Price(USD) | $5-7 | $5-7 | |
| Value Meal Price(GBP) | £3.89 | £3.89 | |
| New Menu Items Per Year(items) | 2-3 items | 2-3 items | |
| New Location Expansion (2026)(locations) | 8,000 new locations planned | 8,000 new locations planned | |
| Price Advantage for Value Seekers(percent cheaper) | 105% cheaper than Wendy's | 105% cheaper than Wendy's | |
| Franchisee Average Unit Volume(USD thousands) | $2,900 | $2,900 | |
| Initial Franchise Investment(USD millions) | $1.3 - $2.2 million | $1.3 - $2.2 million | |
| Big Mac / Whopper Calories(calories) | 563 cal (Big Mac) | 563 cal (Big Mac) | |
| Global Brand Awareness(percent) | 97% | 97% | |
| Loyalty Program Members(millions) | 40M+ (McDonald's Rewards) | 40M+ (McDonald's Rewards) | |
| Global Market Presence(Countries) | 100+ | 100+ | |
| Breakfast Revenue Contribution(percent of annual revenue) | 35% | 35% | |
| Mobile Loyalty Program Users(millions active users) | 50M+ | 50M+ | |
| Brand Unaided Awareness (US)(percent) | 69% | 69% | |
| Average Customer Service Time(minutes) | 3-5 | 3-5 | |
| Average Burger Price(USD) | $8.50-10.50 | $8.50-10.50 | |
| Menu Customization Level(scale 1-10) | 5/10 | 5/10 | |
| Countries with Presence(countries) | 100+ countries | 100+ countries | |
| Digital Ordering Availability(percentage of locations) | 80% | 80% | |
| Annual System-Wide Revenue(USD billions) | $23.2 billion | $23.2 billion | |
| Average Check Size(USD) | $9.42 | $9.42 | |
| US Brand Awareness (Unaided)(percent) | 93% of US consumers | 93% of US consumers | |
| Gen Z Customer Preference(percent of under-25 customers) | 28% of customer base | 28% of customer base | |
| Total Global Restaurants(locations) | 40,575 | 40,575 | |
| Average Unit Volume (AUV)(USD millions) | $2,700 | $2,700 | |
| Countries of Operation(countries) | 100+ countries | 100+ countries | |
| Signature Burger Price (USD)(USD) | $5.99 (Big Mac) | $5.99 (Big Mac) | |
| Average Service Time(minutes) | 3.5 minutes | 3.5 minutes | |
| Franchise Startup Cost(USD thousands) | $1,000-$2,300 | $1,000-$2,300 | |
| Total Global Restaurant Count(locations) | 40,275 | 40,275 | |
| Mobile App Daily Active Users(millions) | 28M DAU | 28M DAU | |
| Breakfast Menu Item Count(items) | 12+ items | 12+ items | |
| Global Brand Awareness (Unaided)(percent) | 97% | 97% | |
| Number of Locations Worldwide(restaurants) | 40,576 | 40,576 | |
| Annual Revenue (2024)(billion USD) | $23.2B | $23.2B | |
| Average Menu Item Price(USD) | $9.75 | $9.75 | |
| Average Google Review Rating(stars out of 5) | 3.8 | 3.8 | |
| Breakfast Menu Items(items) | 15+ | 15+ | |
| Locations Open Past Midnight(percentage) | 62% | 62% | |
| Mobile App Loyalty Members(millions) | 40+ (McDonald's Rewards) | 40+ (McDonald's Rewards) | |
| Average Unit Volume Per Location(USD millions) | $2.7M | $2.7M | |
| Market Capitalization(USD billions) | $47.3B | $47.3B | |
| Brand Recognition (Global)(percent) | 68% | 68% | |
| Breakfast Availability Hours(hours per day) | 24 hours (all-day breakfast) | 24 hours (all-day breakfast) | |
| Social Media Followers (Twitter/X)(millions) | 26.3M | 26.3M | |
| Average Beverage Customization Options(drink variations) | 12 | 12 | |
| Average Transaction Cost(USD) | $10-14 | $10-14 | |
| Mobile App Order Penetration(percent of orders) | 29% | 29% | |
| Brand Value Ranking(global rank) | $196.5 billion | $196.5 billion | |
| Signature Burger Calories(calories) | 550 (Big Mac) | 550 (Big Mac) | |
| Average Order Fulfillment Time(minutes) | 3-4 minutes | 3-4 minutes | |
| International Country Presence(count) | 150+ countries | 150+ countries | |
| Average Burger Calorie Content(calories) | 550 cal (Big Mac) | 550 cal (Big Mac) | |
| Annual Global Revenue(USD billions) | $23.2 billion | $23.2 billion | |
| Number of Locations(restaurants) | 41,025 locations | 41,025 locations | |
| Average Entrée Price (US)(USD) | $12.50 | $12.50 | |
| Typical Meal Calories(calories) | 975 calories | 975 calories | |
| Order Fulfillment Speed(minutes) | 4.5 minutes | 4.5 minutes | |
| Whopper/Quarter Pounder Price(USD) | $5.99 | $5.99 | |
| Menu Customization Options(count) | Limited (10-15 combinations) | Limited (10-15 combinations) | |
| Global Brand Value Rank(ranking) | #10 globally | #10 globally | |
| Whipper/Quarter Pounder Beef Patty Weight(ounces) | 1.6 oz beef | 1.6 oz beef | |
| Annual Corporate Revenue(USD billions) | $23.2B (2024) | $23.2B (2024) | |
| Average Price per Combo Meal(USD) | $3.50 | $3.50 | |
| Mobile App Active Users(millions) | 35M+ | 35M+ |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
McDonald's leads
Chick-fil-A
Attribute
McDonald's
- 2,900+ locationsGlobal Store Count40,000+ locations(winner)
- $9.50-$11.00Average Entree Price$5.50-$7.50(winner)
- Premium chicken specialtyMenu FocusBroad variety (burgers, chicken, breakfast)(winner)
- New location features (drive-in seating)2026 Expansion Plans8,000 new locations with AI drive-thrus(winner)
- Closed Sundays (52 days/year)Operating HoursOpen 7 days/week(winner)
- 100% hand-breaded chicken daily(winner)Food Quality PositioningFrozen beef patties with fresh beef option
- Traditional with mobile orderingDrive-Thru TechnologyAI voice-activated with accuracy scaling(winner)
- Global Store Count
Chick-fil-A
2,900+ locations
McDonald's
40,000+ locations(winner)
- Average Entree Price
Chick-fil-A
$9.50-$11.00
McDonald's
$5.50-$7.50(winner)
- Menu Focus
Chick-fil-A
Premium chicken specialty
McDonald's
Broad variety (burgers, chicken, breakfast)(winner)
- 2026 Expansion Plans
Chick-fil-A
New location features (drive-in seating)
McDonald's
8,000 new locations with AI drive-thrus(winner)
- Operating Hours
Chick-fil-A
Closed Sundays (52 days/year)
McDonald's
Open 7 days/week(winner)
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Chick-fil-A | McDonald's |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Global Locations(restaurants) | 2,900+ | 40,000+(winner) |
| Annual Operating Days(days) | 365 days(winner) | 340 days |
| U.S. Restaurant Locations(count) | 3,072 | 13,574(winner) |
| Operating Days Per Year(days) | 260 days (closed Sundays) | 365 days(winner) |
| US Location Count(locations) | 3,039 | 13,573(winner) |
Show 3 more attributesOperating Hours Per Week(hours per week) 126 (closed Sundays, 6am-10pm typical) — Operating Days Per Week(days) 6 (closed Sundays) 7 Locations Open Past Midnight(percentage) 62% — | ||
| Menu Item Count(items) | 15-20 | 180-200 globally |
| Core Menu Item Count(items) | 17 | — |
| 2026 New Location Growth Target(locations) | 150-200 estimated | 8,000(winner) |
| New Restaurant Openings 2026(planned locations) | Expansion planned | — |
| Chicken Preparation Method | Hand-breaded fresh daily | Frozen patties + fresh beef option |
| Drive-Thru AI Technology | Mobile app + traditional ordering | Voice-activated with AI accuracy scaling |
| Drive-Thru Technology Level | AI-powered order systems 2026 | — |
| Average Customer Transaction Time(minutes) | 4.5 minutes | 3.8 minutes(winner) |
| Global Store Locations(stores) | 40,000+(winner) | 3,000+ |
| US Restaurant Locations(count) | 3,052 | 13,000+(winner) |
| Global Locations(stores) | 3,100+ | 40,275 locations(winner) |
| Quality Ranking (YouGov 2026)(ranking) | #1 overall quality | #1 fries only |
| Average Chicken Sandwich Price(USD) | $9.25 | $6.99(winner) |
| Price Premium vs. Competitor(percent) | +38% higher | baseline(winner) |
| Signature Chicken Sandwich Price(USD) | $4.59 | — |
| Average Meal Price(USD) | $8.25 | — |
| Average Entree Price(USD) | $8.50 | — |
Show 11 more attributesAverage Entrée Price(USD) $9.25 — Average Transaction Value(USD) $9.25 — Classic Chicken Sandwich Price(USD) $6.99 $5.99 Chicken Sandwich Base Price(USD) $8.29 — Value Meal Price(GBP) £3.89 — Average Burger Price(USD) $8.50-10.50 — Signature Burger Price (USD)(USD) $5.99 (Big Mac) — Average Menu Item Price(USD) $9.75 — Average Transaction Cost(USD) $10-14 — Average Entrée Price (US)(USD) $12.50 — Whopper/Quarter Pounder Price(USD) $5.99 — | ||
| 2025 Sales Tier(ranking) | Top 3 ($107B trifecta) | Top 3 ($107B trifecta) |
| Annual Global Revenue(USD billions) | $23.2 billion | — |
| International Presence(countries) | 100+ countries(winner) | U.S. only |
| Global Countries Served(countries) | 1 (USA only) | 100+(winner) |
| Total Locations Worldwide(restaurants) | 3,031 | — |
| International Market Presence(countries) | 7 (mostly North America expansion recent) | — |
| Countries of Operation(countries) | 100+ countries | — |
Show 1 more attributeInternational Country Presence(count) 150+ countries — | ||
| Customer Satisfaction Score(/5.0) | 86(winner) | 78% |
| Average Drive-Thru Wait Time(minutes) | 4.2 | — |
| Average Service Time(minutes) | 3.5 minutes | — |
| Order Accuracy Rate(%) | 99.2% | — |
| Annual U.S. Revenue(billion USD) | $17.8B | $23.2B(winner) |
| Franchise Startup Cost(USD thousands) | $1,000-$2,300 | — |
| Chicken Sandwich Sodium Content(mg) | 940mg | — |
| Signature Item Calories(calories) | Chicken Sandwich: 440 cal | — |
| Sodium per Standard Entree(mg) | 1,240mg | — |
| Average Meal Calorie Count(calories) | 580(winner) | 740 |
| Big Mac / Whopper Calories(calories) | 563 cal (Big Mac) | — |
Show 3 more attributesSignature Burger Calories(calories) 550 (Big Mac) — Average Burger Calorie Content(calories) 550 cal (Big Mac) — Typical Meal Calories(calories) 975 calories — | ||
| Total Global Locations(stores) | 3,000+ | 40,575(winner) |
| Annual Revenue per Restaurant(USD millions) | $3.8M | — |
| Revenue Per Location (Annual)(USD millions) | $2.7-3.2M | — |
| Annual Revenue(USD billions) | $19.7B | $23.2B(winner) |
| Average Unit Volume(USD millions per location) | $3.2M(winner) | $2.8 million |
| 2026 Revenue Growth(percentage) | +3% | — |
Show 4 more attributesAnnual System-Wide Revenue(USD billions) $23.2 billion — Average Unit Volume (AUV)(USD millions) $2,700 — Market Capitalization(USD billions) $47.3B — Annual Corporate Revenue(USD billions) $23.2B (2024) — | ||
| Average Drive-Thru Speed(minutes) | 3.2 minutes | — |
| Order Fulfillment Speed(minutes) | 4.5 minutes | — |
| Customer Satisfaction Rating(stars) | 86%(winner) | 73% |
| Average Check-In Rating (Google/Yelp)(stars out of 5) | 4.5 | — |
| Core Menu Items(count) | 23 | 145(winner) |
| Breakfast Menu Items(items) | 15+ | — |
| Average Beverage Customization Options(drink variations) | 12 | — |
| 24-Hour Availability(percent of locations) | 0% | — |
| Drive-Thru Speed(minutes) | 4.3 min(winner) | 5.8 min |
| Average Wait Time(minutes) | 4.2 minutes | — |
| Chicken Source Standard(text) | Hand-breaded fresh daily, never frozen | — |
| Customer Satisfaction (ACSI)(score/100) | 86(winner) | 74 |
| Global Restaurant Locations(restaurants) | 3,000+ | 40,575(winner) |
| Global Restaurant Count(locations) | 40,000+ | — |
| Countries with Presence(countries) | 100+ countries | — |
| Total Global Restaurant Count(locations) | 40,275 | — |
| Number of Locations Worldwide(restaurants) | 40,576 | — |
| Average Transaction Time(minutes) | 3-4(winner) | 4-5 |
| Repeat Customer Rate(percentage) | 78% | — |
| Chicken Sandwich Price(USD) | $8.49 | $6.79(winner) |
| Menu Items Available(items) | ~25 items | 150+ items(winner) |
| Average Employee Wage(USD per hour) | $17.50+(winner) | $13.50 |
| Employee Turnover Rate(percent annually) | 110% | — |
| Average Starting Wage(USD/hour) | $18.00(winner) | $13.50 |
| Beef Freshness | Frozen patties standard | — |
| Beef Quality Grade(text) | Frozen beef patties | — |
| Average Burger Price(USD) | $5-7 | — |
| Average Price per Combo Meal(USD) | $3.50 | — |
| Menu Item Customization Options(level) | Standard options | — |
| Menu Customization Level(scale 1-10) | 5/10 | — |
| Chicken Sandwich Quality Focus | Standard offerings | — |
| Beef Freshness Standard | Frozen beef (100% beef) | — |
| Primary Burger Cooking Method | Griddle-cooked (consistent) | — |
| Beef Patty Sourcing Method | Fresh & Frozen (varies by region) | — |
| New Menu Items Per Year(items) | 2-3 items | — |
| Drive-Thru Technology (2026) | AI voice-activated with accuracy scaling | — |
| New Location Expansion (2026)(locations) | 8,000 new locations planned | — |
| Restaurant Design Innovation | Optimized drive-thru layout | — |
| Price Advantage for Value Seekers(percent cheaper) | 105% cheaper than Wendy's | — |
| Franchisee Average Unit Volume(USD thousands) | $2,900 | — |
| Initial Franchise Investment(USD millions) | $1.3 - $2.2 million | — |
| Global Brand Awareness(percent) | 97% | — |
| Loyalty Program Members(millions) | 40M+ (McDonald's Rewards) | — |
| Mobile Loyalty Program Users(millions active users) | 50M+ | — |
| Mobile App Loyalty Members(millions) | 40+ (McDonald's Rewards) | — |
| Customization Options(combinations) | ~200 menu variations | — |
| Global Market Presence(Countries) | 100+ | — |
| Breakfast Revenue Contribution(percent of annual revenue) | 35% | — |
| Menu Item Categories(primary daypart focus) | All-day breakfast/lunch/dinner | — |
| Brand Unaided Awareness (US)(percent) | 69% | — |
| US Brand Awareness (Unaided)(percent) | 93% of US consumers | — |
| Global Brand Awareness (Unaided)(percent) | 97% | — |
| Brand Recognition (Global)(percent) | 68% | — |
| Brand Value Ranking(global rank) | $196.5 billion | — |
Show 1 more attributeGlobal Brand Value Rank(ranking) #10 globally — | ||
| Average Customer Service Time(minutes) | 3-5 | — |
| Digital Ordering Availability(percentage of locations) | 80% | — |
| Average Check Size(USD) | $9.42 | — |
| Gen Z Customer Preference(percent of under-25 customers) | 28% of customer base | — |
| Total Global Restaurants(locations) | 40,575 | — |
| Mobile App Daily Active Users(millions) | 28M DAU | — |
| Social Media Followers (Twitter/X)(millions) | 26.3M | — |
| Mobile App Active Users(millions) | 35M+ | — |
| Franchise Startup Investment Range(USD) | $1.6M - $2.3M | — |
| Breakfast Menu Item Count(items) | 12+ items | — |
| Annual Revenue (2024)(billion USD) | $23.2B | — |
| Average Google Review Rating(stars out of 5) | 3.8 | — |
| Average Unit Volume Per Location(USD millions) | $2.7M | — |
| Breakfast Availability Hours(hours per day) | 24 hours (all-day breakfast) | — |
| Mobile App Order Penetration(percent of orders) | 29% | — |
| Average Order Fulfillment Time(minutes) | 3-4 minutes | — |
| Number of Locations(restaurants) | 41,025 locations | — |
| Flame-Grilling Temperature(°F) | Not flame-grilled | — |
| Menu Customization Options(count) | Limited (10-15 combinations) | — |
| Whipper/Quarter Pounder Beef Patty Weight(ounces) | 1.6 oz beef | — |
Chick-fil-AMcDonald'sNumber of Global Locations(restaurants)
2,900+
40,000+
Annual Operating Days(days)
365 days
340 days
U.S. Restaurant Locations(count)
3,072
13,574
Operating Days Per Year(days)
260 days (closed Sundays)
365 days
US Location Count(locations)
3,039
13,573
Show 3 more attributes
Operating Hours Per Week(hours per week)
126 (closed Sundays, 6am-10pm typical)
—
Operating Days Per Week(days)
6 (closed Sundays)
7
Locations Open Past Midnight(percentage)
62%
—
Menu Item Count(items)
15-20
180-200 globally
Core Menu Item Count(items)
17
—
2026 New Location Growth Target(locations)
150-200 estimated
8,000
New Restaurant Openings 2026(planned locations)
Expansion planned
—
Chicken Preparation Method
Hand-breaded fresh daily
Frozen patties + fresh beef option
Drive-Thru AI Technology
Mobile app + traditional ordering
Voice-activated with AI accuracy scaling
Drive-Thru Technology Level
AI-powered order systems 2026
—
Average Customer Transaction Time(minutes)
4.5 minutes
3.8 minutes
Global Store Locations(stores)
40,000+
3,000+
US Restaurant Locations(count)
3,052
13,000+
Global Locations(stores)
3,100+
40,275 locations
Quality Ranking (YouGov 2026)(ranking)
#1 overall quality
#1 fries only
Average Chicken Sandwich Price(USD)
$9.25
$6.99
Price Premium vs. Competitor(percent)
+38% higher
baseline
Signature Chicken Sandwich Price(USD)
$4.59
—
Average Meal Price(USD)
$8.25
—
Average Entree Price(USD)
$8.50
—
Show 11 more attributes
Average Entrée Price(USD)
$9.25
—
Average Transaction Value(USD)
$9.25
—
Classic Chicken Sandwich Price(USD)
$6.99
$5.99
Chicken Sandwich Base Price(USD)
$8.29
—
Value Meal Price(GBP)
£3.89
—
Average Burger Price(USD)
$8.50-10.50
—
Signature Burger Price (USD)(USD)
$5.99 (Big Mac)
—
Average Menu Item Price(USD)
$9.75
—
Average Transaction Cost(USD)
$10-14
—
Average Entrée Price (US)(USD)
$12.50
—
Whopper/Quarter Pounder Price(USD)
$5.99
—
2025 Sales Tier(ranking)
Top 3 ($107B trifecta)
Top 3 ($107B trifecta)
Annual Global Revenue(USD billions)
$23.2 billion
—
International Presence(countries)
100+ countries
U.S. only
Global Countries Served(countries)
1 (USA only)
100+
Total Locations Worldwide(restaurants)
3,031
—
International Market Presence(countries)
7 (mostly North America expansion recent)
—
Countries of Operation(countries)
100+ countries
—
Show 1 more attribute
International Country Presence(count)
150+ countries
—
Customer Satisfaction Score(/5.0)
86
78%
Average Drive-Thru Wait Time(minutes)
4.2
—
Average Service Time(minutes)
3.5 minutes
—
Order Accuracy Rate(%)
99.2%
—
Annual U.S. Revenue(billion USD)
$17.8B
$23.2B
Franchise Startup Cost(USD thousands)
$1,000-$2,300
—
Chicken Sandwich Sodium Content(mg)
940mg
—
Signature Item Calories(calories)
Chicken Sandwich: 440 cal
—
Sodium per Standard Entree(mg)
1,240mg
—
Average Meal Calorie Count(calories)
580
740
Big Mac / Whopper Calories(calories)
563 cal (Big Mac)
—
Show 3 more attributes
Signature Burger Calories(calories)
550 (Big Mac)
—
Average Burger Calorie Content(calories)
550 cal (Big Mac)
—
Typical Meal Calories(calories)
975 calories
—
Total Global Locations(stores)
3,000+
40,575
Annual Revenue per Restaurant(USD millions)
$3.8M
—
Revenue Per Location (Annual)(USD millions)
$2.7-3.2M
—
Annual Revenue(USD billions)
$19.7B
$23.2B
Average Unit Volume(USD millions per location)
$3.2M
$2.8 million
2026 Revenue Growth(percentage)
+3%
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Show 4 more attributes
Annual System-Wide Revenue(USD billions)
$23.2 billion
—
Average Unit Volume (AUV)(USD millions)
$2,700
—
Market Capitalization(USD billions)
$47.3B
—
Annual Corporate Revenue(USD billions)
$23.2B (2024)
—
Average Drive-Thru Speed(minutes)
3.2 minutes
—
Order Fulfillment Speed(minutes)
4.5 minutes
—
Customer Satisfaction Rating(stars)
86%
73%
Average Check-In Rating (Google/Yelp)(stars out of 5)
4.5
—
Core Menu Items(count)
23
145
Breakfast Menu Items(items)
15+
—
Average Beverage Customization Options(drink variations)
12
—
24-Hour Availability(percent of locations)
0%
—
Drive-Thru Speed(minutes)
4.3 min
5.8 min
Average Wait Time(minutes)
4.2 minutes
—
Chicken Source Standard(text)
Hand-breaded fresh daily, never frozen
—
Customer Satisfaction (ACSI)(score/100)
86
74
Global Restaurant Locations(restaurants)
3,000+
40,575
Global Restaurant Count(locations)
40,000+
—
Countries with Presence(countries)
100+ countries
—
Total Global Restaurant Count(locations)
40,275
—
Number of Locations Worldwide(restaurants)
40,576
—
Average Transaction Time(minutes)
3-4
4-5
Repeat Customer Rate(percentage)
78%
—
Chicken Sandwich Price(USD)
$8.49
$6.79
Menu Items Available(items)
~25 items
150+ items
Average Employee Wage(USD per hour)
$17.50+
$13.50
Employee Turnover Rate(percent annually)
110%
—
Average Starting Wage(USD/hour)
$18.00
$13.50
Beef Freshness
Frozen patties standard
—
Beef Quality Grade(text)
Frozen beef patties
—
Average Burger Price(USD)
$5-7
—
Average Price per Combo Meal(USD)
$3.50
—
Menu Item Customization Options(level)
Standard options
—
Menu Customization Level(scale 1-10)
5/10
—
Chicken Sandwich Quality Focus
Standard offerings
—
Beef Freshness Standard
Frozen beef (100% beef)
—
Primary Burger Cooking Method
Griddle-cooked (consistent)
—
Beef Patty Sourcing Method
Fresh & Frozen (varies by region)
—
New Menu Items Per Year(items)
2-3 items
—
Drive-Thru Technology (2026)
AI voice-activated with accuracy scaling
—
New Location Expansion (2026)(locations)
8,000 new locations planned
—
Restaurant Design Innovation
Optimized drive-thru layout
—
Price Advantage for Value Seekers(percent cheaper)
105% cheaper than Wendy's
—
Franchisee Average Unit Volume(USD thousands)
$2,900
—
Initial Franchise Investment(USD millions)
$1.3 - $2.2 million
—
Global Brand Awareness(percent)
97%
—
Loyalty Program Members(millions)
40M+ (McDonald's Rewards)
—
Mobile Loyalty Program Users(millions active users)
50M+
—
Mobile App Loyalty Members(millions)
40+ (McDonald's Rewards)
—
Customization Options(combinations)
~200 menu variations
—
Global Market Presence(Countries)
100+
—
Breakfast Revenue Contribution(percent of annual revenue)
35%
—
Menu Item Categories(primary daypart focus)
All-day breakfast/lunch/dinner
—
Brand Unaided Awareness (US)(percent)
69%
—
US Brand Awareness (Unaided)(percent)
93% of US consumers
—
Global Brand Awareness (Unaided)(percent)
97%
—
Brand Recognition (Global)(percent)
68%
—
Brand Value Ranking(global rank)
$196.5 billion
—
Show 1 more attribute
Global Brand Value Rank(ranking)
#10 globally
—
Average Customer Service Time(minutes)
3-5
—
Digital Ordering Availability(percentage of locations)
80%
—
Average Check Size(USD)
$9.42
—
Gen Z Customer Preference(percent of under-25 customers)
28% of customer base
—
Total Global Restaurants(locations)
40,575
—
Mobile App Daily Active Users(millions)
28M DAU
—
Social Media Followers (Twitter/X)(millions)
26.3M
—
Mobile App Active Users(millions)
35M+
—
Franchise Startup Investment Range(USD)
$1.6M - $2.3M
—
Breakfast Menu Item Count(items)
12+ items
—
Annual Revenue (2024)(billion USD)
$23.2B
—
Average Google Review Rating(stars out of 5)
3.8
—
Average Unit Volume Per Location(USD millions)
$2.7M
—
Breakfast Availability Hours(hours per day)
24 hours (all-day breakfast)
—
Mobile App Order Penetration(percent of orders)
29%
—
Average Order Fulfillment Time(minutes)
3-4 minutes
—
Number of Locations(restaurants)
41,025 locations
—
Flame-Grilling Temperature(°F)
Not flame-grilled
—
Menu Customization Options(count)
Limited (10-15 combinations)
—
Whipper/Quarter Pounder Beef Patty Weight(ounces)
1.6 oz beef
—
Pros & Cons
10 pros·4 cons across both
Chick-fil-A
+5-2
Pros
100% hand-breaded chicken filets made fresh daily
Premium pimento cheese and specialty sandwiches (Honey Pepper Pimento launch 2026)
Strong customer loyalty with playful, confident brand messaging
Higher food quality standards with no artificial additives
Consistent execution across all locations
Cons
Closed on Sundays, eliminating 14% of weekly revenue opportunity
Limited menu variety appeals only to chicken-focused diners
McDonald's
+5-2
Pros
40,000+ stores globally vs 2,900 for Chick-fil-A — 14x more accessible
Average entrees $3.50-$4.00 cheaper than competitors
Broad menu serving breakfast, lunch, dinner across all preferences
8,000 new locations opening in 2026 with AI voice-activated drive-thrus
Digital ordering, mobile payment, and expanded loyalty programs
Cons
Frozen beef patties with lower perceived quality vs fresh chicken competitors
Inconsistent food quality across global franchise network
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions
/
McDonald's is vastly larger by locations (40,000+ globally vs Chick-fil-A's 3,000 US-only) and total revenue. However, Chick-fil-A has the highest per-unit sales of any US fast food chain (~$8.7M/unit vs McDonald's ~$3.8M) and consistently ranks #1 in customer satisfaction.
Chick-fil-A closes all locations on Sundays as a commitment established by founder S. Truett Cathy in 1946, who wanted employees to have a day for rest and worship. The policy continues under his son Dan Cathy's leadership and is considered a brand identity cornerstone.
By customer satisfaction surveys and food critic rankings, Chick-fil-A's Original Chicken Sandwich consistently ranks as one of the best fast food chicken sandwiches. McDonald's McChicken and Crispy Chicken Sandwich are competitive but generally ranked lower. Chick-fil-A's chicken is marinated in pickle juice brine, contributing to its distinctive flavor.
McDonald's app deals consistently offer the best value: $1 deals on specific items for app users, McPick 2 bundles, and Double Cheeseburger/McDouble on the value menu. McDonald's breakfast (Egg McMuffin, hotcakes) is also considered strong value for the category.
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