In a surprising upset, Chick-fil-A has been dethroned as the top fast-food restaurant in America. After a ten-year reign at the top of USA Today’s 10 Best Reader’s Choice Awards, the chicken sandwich giant has fallen to third place in…
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In a surprising upset, Chick-fil-A has been dethroned as the top fast-food restaurant in America. After a ten-year reign at the top of USA Today’s 10 Best Reader’s Choice Awards, the chicken sandwich giant has fallen to third place in the 2024 rankings.
The survey was conducted by USA Today’s 2024 Reader Survey.
Del Taco claimed the coveted top spot, marking a shift in fast-food preferences while KFC secured second place, showcasing the enduring popularity of fried chicken.
For ten years, Chick-Fil-a had taken first place in the fast food chain ranking survey. The chain dropped not one but two spots coming in at third place.

Reasons for Chick-fil-A’s Decline:
- Shifting Consumer Tastes: The fast-food landscape is constantly evolving. Increased focus on health, diverse cuisines, and unique offerings may have swayed voters away from Chick-fil-A’s primarily chicken-focused menu.
- Increased Competition: The rise of regional chains and innovative concepts has intensified competition within the fast-food industry.
- Potential Impact of Past Controversies: While Chick-fil-A remains a popular choice for many, past controversies surrounding the company’s stance on social issues may have influenced some voters.
- The switch from using antibiotic-free chicken
This year’s 10 Best Fast-Food Chains, according to USA Today:
- Del Taco
- KFC
- Chick-fil-A
- In-n-Out Burger
- Hardee’s
- Captain D’s
- Taco Bell
- Popeye’s
- Zaxby’s
- Arby’s