Chick-fil-A vs McDonald's 2026 Comparison
McDonald's operates 13,500+ US locations with lower prices and broader menu variety, while Chick-fil-A has 3,000+ locations focused on chicken with higher customer satisfaction scores (86 vs 74) and closed Sundays.
Chick-fil-A
US-only fast-casual chicken chain with 3,000+ locations closed on Sundays
Customers prioritizing food quality, customer service, and willing to pay premium prices; US-based consumers who don't need Sunday access
McDonald's
Global fast-food giant with 40,000+ locations in 100+ countries
Value-conscious diners, travelers needing global consistency, those wanting menu variety and 24/7 access; international customers
Quick Answer
AI SummaryMcDonald's operates 13,500+ US locations with lower prices and broader menu variety, while Chick-fil-A has 3,000+ locations focused on chicken with higher customer satisfaction scores (86 vs 74) and closed Sundays.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose Chick-fil-A if you prioritize superior customer satisfaction (86 vs 74), fresh chicken preparation, and consistent quality despite limited menu and Sunday closures. Choose McDonald's if you value menu variety, convenience with 4.5x more locations, lower prices, and 24/7 availability across the globe.
Was this verdict helpful?
Choose Chick-fil-A if
Customers prioritizing food quality, customer service, and willing to pay premium prices; US-based consumers who don't need Sunday access
Choose McDonald's if
Best pickValue-conscious diners, travelers needing global consistency, those wanting menu variety and 24/7 access; international customers
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Key Differences at a Glance
- US Restaurant Count:✓ McDonald's wins(13,573 locations vs 3,039 locations)
- Customer Satisfaction Score (ACSI):✓ Chick-fil-A wins(86/100 vs 74/100)
- Average Chicken Sandwich Price:✓ McDonald's wins($6.79 vs $8.49)
Key Facts & Figures
94 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 | 80+ items | |
| 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) | 3,500+ | — | — |
| Customer Satisfaction Score(/100 ACSI) | 84 | — | — |
| Average Drive-Thru Wait Time(minutes) | 4.2 | — | — |
| Order Accuracy Rate(%) | 99.2% | — | — |
| Annual U.S. Revenue(billion USD) | $3.6B | — | — |
| Operating Days Per Year(days) | 260 days (closed Sundays) | 365 days | |
| Chicken Sandwich Sodium Content(mg) | 940mg | — | — |
| Total Global Locations(restaurants) | 3,000+ | 40,275 | |
| 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(percent positive) | 86% | — | — |
| Average Entree Price(USD) | $8.50 | — | — |
| Sodium per Standard Entree(mg) | 1,240mg | — | — |
| Core Menu Items(items) | 28 items | — | — |
| 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(locations) | 3,000+ | 40,275 | |
| Average Transaction Time(minutes) | 3-4 | 6-8 minutes | |
| Operating Days Per Week(days) | 6 | — | — |
| 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(billion USD) | $14.3B | $26B | |
| Global Countries Served(countries) | 1 (USA only) | 100+ | |
| Average Employee Wage(USD/hour) | $17.00 | $13.50 | |
| 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 | |
| Annual Corporate Revenue(USD billions) | $23.2B | $23.2B | |
| 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(percentage of items customizable) | 40% | 40% | |
| Countries with Presence(countries) | 150+ | 150+ | |
| Digital Ordering Availability(percentage of locations) | 80% | 80% | |
| Global Locations(number of restaurants) | 40,275 locations | 40,275 locations | |
| Annual System-Wide Revenue(USD billions) | $23.2 billion | $23.2 billion | |
| Average Unit Volume(USD millions per year) | $2.8 million | $2.8 million | |
| 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 thousands) | $2,700 | $2,700 | |
| Countries of Operation(countries) | 104 | 104 | |
| Signature Burger Price (USD)(USD) | $5.99 (Big Mac) | $5.99 (Big Mac) | |
| Average Service Time(minutes) | 4.2 | 4.2 | |
| Franchise Startup Cost(USD thousands) | $1,006-$2,214 | $1,006-$2,214 | |
| Annual Global Revenue(USD Billions) | $23.2B | $23.2B | |
| 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)(USD billions) | $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(unique items) | 18 | 18 | |
| 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) | $198B | $198B | |
| 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 |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- 3,039 locationsUS Restaurant Count13,573 locations(winner)
- 86/100(winner)Customer Satisfaction Score (ACSI)74/100
- $8.49Average Chicken Sandwich Price$6.79(winner)
- 358 daysOperating Days Per Year365 days(winner)
- ~25 itemsMenu Item Count150+ items(winner)
- Only US (3,039)Global Presence100+ countries (40,000+)(winner)
- $14.3 billionAnnual Revenue (2024)$26 billion(winner)
- US Restaurant Count
Chick-fil-A
3,039 locations
McDonald's
13,573 locations(winner)
- Customer Satisfaction Score (ACSI)
Chick-fil-A
86/100(winner)
McDonald's
74/100
- Average Chicken Sandwich Price
Chick-fil-A
$8.49
McDonald's
$6.79(winner)
- Operating Days Per Year
Chick-fil-A
358 days
McDonald's
365 days(winner)
- Menu Item Count
Chick-fil-A
~25 items
McDonald's
150+ items(winner)
- Global Presence
Chick-fil-A
Only US (3,039)
McDonald's
100+ countries (40,000+)(winner)
- Annual Revenue (2024)
Chick-fil-A
$14.3 billion
McDonald's
$26 billion(winner)
Full Comparison
| Attribute | McDonald's | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Global Locations(restaurants) | 2,900+ | 40,000+(winner) |
| Annual Operating Days(days) | 365 days(winner) | 340 days |
| Operating Days Per Year(days) | 260 days (closed Sundays) | 365 days(winner) |
| Total Global Locations(restaurants) | 3,000+ | 40,275(winner) |
| US Restaurant Locations(count) | 3,052 | 13,000+(winner) |
Show 4 more attributesGlobal Restaurant Locations(locations) 3,000+ 40,275 Operating Days Per Week(days) 6 — US Location Count(locations) 3,039 13,573 Locations Open Past Midnight(percentage) 62% — | ||
| Menu Item Count(items) | 15-20 | 80+ items(winner) |
| Menu Items Available(items) | ~25 items | 150+ items(winner) |
| 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) |
| Average Transaction Time(minutes) | 3-4(winner) | 6-8 minutes |
| Global Store Locations(stores) | 40,000+(winner) | 3,000+ |
| 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 5 more attributesAverage Entrée Price(USD) $9.25 — 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 — | ||
| 2025 Sales Tier(ranking) | Top 3 ($107B trifecta) | Top 3 ($107B trifecta) |
| Annual U.S. Revenue(billion USD) | $3.6B | — |
| International Presence(countries) | 100+ countries(winner) | U.S. only |
| Global Countries Served(countries) | 1 (USA only) | 100+(winner) |
| Global Market Presence(Countries) | 100+ | — |
| Countries with Presence(countries) | 150+ | — |
| U.S. Restaurant Locations(count) | 3,500+ | — |
| Customer Satisfaction Score(/100 ACSI) | 84 | — |
| Chicken Source Standard(text) | Hand-breaded fresh daily, never frozen | — |
| Customer Satisfaction (ACSI)(score/100) | 86(winner) | 74 |
| Average Drive-Thru Wait Time(minutes) | 4.2 | — |
| Order Accuracy Rate(%) | 99.2% | — |
| Chicken Sandwich Sodium Content(mg) | 940mg | — |
| Signature Item Calories(calories) | Chicken Sandwich: 440 cal | — |
| Sodium per Standard Entree(mg) | 1,240mg | — |
| Big Mac / Whopper Calories(calories) | 563 cal (Big Mac) | — |
| Annual Revenue per Restaurant(USD millions) | $3.8M | — |
| Revenue Per Location (Annual)(USD millions) | $2.7-3.2M | — |
| 2026 Revenue Growth(percentage) | +3% | — |
| Annual Corporate Revenue(USD billions) | $23.2B | — |
| Annual System-Wide Revenue(USD billions) | $23.2 billion | — |
Show 3 more attributesAnnual Global Revenue(USD Billions) $23.2B — Annual Revenue (2024)(USD billions) $23.2B — Market Capitalization(USD billions) $198B — | ||
| Average Drive-Thru Speed(minutes) | 3.2 minutes | — |
| Customer Satisfaction Rating(percent positive) | 86% | — |
| Core Menu Items(items) | 28 items | — |
| 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 | — |
| Repeat Customer Rate(percentage) | 78% | — |
| Chicken Sandwich Price(USD) | $8.49 | $6.79(winner) |
| Annual Revenue(billion USD) | $14.3B | $26B |
| Average Unit Volume (AUV)(USD thousands) | $2,700 | — |
| Franchise Startup Cost(USD thousands) | $1,006-$2,214 | — |
| Average Employee Wage(USD/hour) | $17.00(winner) | $13.50 |
| Total Global Restaurants(locations) | 40,575 | — |
| Countries of Operation(countries) | 104 | — |
| Average Service Time(minutes) | 4.2 | — |
| Global Restaurant Count(locations) | 40,000+ | — |
| Global Locations(number of restaurants) | 40,275 locations | — |
| Total Global Restaurant Count(locations) | 40,275 | — |
| Number of Locations Worldwide(restaurants) | 40,576 | — |
| Beef Freshness | Frozen patties standard | — |
| Average Burger Price(USD) | $5-7 | — |
| Menu Item Customization Options(level) | Standard options | — |
| Chicken Sandwich Quality Focus | Standard offerings | — |
| Beef Freshness Standard | Frozen beef (100% beef) | — |
| Primary Burger Cooking Method | Griddle-cooked (consistent) | — |
| 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 | — |
| 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% | — |
| Average Customer Service Time(minutes) | 3-5 | — |
| Menu Customization Level(percentage of items customizable) | 40% | — |
| Digital Ordering Availability(percentage of locations) | 80% | — |
| Average Unit Volume(USD millions per year) | $2.8 million | — |
| Average Check Size(USD) | $9.42 | — |
| Gen Z Customer Preference(percent of under-25 customers) | 28% of customer base | — |
| Mobile App Daily Active Users(millions) | 28M DAU | — |
| Social Media Followers (Twitter/X)(millions) | 26.3M | — |
| Franchise Startup Investment Range(USD) | $1.6M - $2.3M | — |
| Breakfast Menu Item Count(items) | 12+ items | — |
| Average Google Review Rating(stars out of 5) | 3.8 | — |
| Breakfast Menu Items(unique items) | 18 | — |
| Average Unit Volume Per Location(USD millions) | $2.7M | — |
| Breakfast Availability Hours(hours per day) | 24 hours (all-day breakfast) | — |
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Pros & Cons
10 pros·6 cons across both
Chick-fil-A
Pros
- Highest customer satisfaction score in QSR industry (86/100 ACSI)
- Fresh, never-frozen chicken prepared daily in-restaurant
- Superior service speed averaging 4.3 minutes drive-thru time
- Higher employee retention rates and wages averaging $17/hour
- Focus on quality with selective menu limits food waste
Cons
- Closed all Sundays limits convenience for weekend dining
- 12-15% higher prices than competitors ($8.49 vs $6.79 sandwich)
- Only operates in United States with no international expansion
McDonald's
Pros
- Lowest prices in category with combo meals averaging $8-10
- Unmatched global availability in 100+ countries with 40,000+ locations
- Extensive menu with 150+ items including breakfast, lunch, dinner, desserts
- 24/7 operation and consistent availability every day of year
- Mobile app with exclusive deals and loyalty rewards
Cons
- Lower customer satisfaction score (74/100) vs industry leaders
- Frozen beef patties lack fresh quality perception vs competitors
- Higher sodium content in most menu items (900-1,500mg per sandwich)
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
Founder Truett Cathy established a company policy in 1946 based on his Christian faith, allowing employees rest and family time. The policy remains core to company culture and hasn't changed despite growth. This limits access but maintains employee satisfaction at 86% vs industry average of 62%.
Resources & Learn More
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Wikipedia
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