Chick-fil-A Ranks No. 1 as America's Favorite Fast-Food Restaurant

Christian Post ^ | 10/23/2017 | Christine Thomasos

[SeekAndFind]

Chick-fil-A, the fast food chicken chain with Christian values, is the No. 1 fast food chain in the nation.

Even though the restaurant is closed on Sundays when most of its competitors are open, Chick-fil-A still manages to generate more revenue than its competitors, Business Insider reported Thursday.

"To determine the most popular fast-food chain in each state, Foursquare looked at which chains received the most visits on average per location in every state based on the total number of visits to each chain divided by the number of locations in that state," Business Insider noted.

Many have speculated that the company's Christian values resonate with customers and has helped it to become Americans' favorite fast-food chain. Victor Fernandez, the executive director for insights at TDn2K's Black Box Intelligence unit which collects data about restaurant sales and performance, told The New York Times "Those strong values resonate with a lot of people — and Chick-fil-A has a strong product, too, which doesn't hurt."

Business Insider previously reported that Chick-fil-A's system has increased sales for 49 consecutive years, reaching nearly $8 billion in 2016. Restaurant consultant Aaron Allen said that Chick-fil-A's religious brand makes it unique.

"Unlike any other restaurant organization we've seen, there's more religion baked into Chick-fil-A as a brand — and it works for them," Mr. Allen said.

Chick-Fil-A's Christian ties are evident in the company's mission statement which says it's purpose is "to glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us and to have a positive influence on all who come into contact with Chick-fil-A."

The Chick-fil-A website notes that the business' founder, Truett Cathy, made the decision to close on Sundays in 1946 when he opened his first restaurant in Hapeville, Georgia. Having worked seven days a week in restaurants open 24 hours, Truett saw the importance of closing on Sundays so that he and his employees could set aside one day to rest and worship if they choose — a practice we uphold today."

[Mr.Unique]

To determine the most popular fast-food chain in each state, Foursquare looked at which chains received the most visits on average per location in every state based on the total number of visits to each chain divided by the number of locations in that state

Flawed methodology. Having a limited number of locations plays to your favor.

As an example, Canes just moved into California and has no more that 6-7 stores. There's no way they have more customers or make more money than In-n-out, or McDonalds.

[COBOL2Java]

I’m pretty sure that they also get a lot of traffic because of their children’s play area inside the restaurants, meant for kids 4 and under, but where kids up to 9 can be seen playing. When we ask our grandchildren where they would like to eat, most times they mention Chik-fil-A, because they want to run and play inside.

Yeah, that's gotta be it. Couldn't be the delicious food, the wonderfully pleasant and courteous staff, and outwardly expressed Christian values. LOL

[Alberta's Child]

I'm happy to see this news, but the method used to measure popularity isn't really an accurate one. Using average sales per location gives an advantage to a chain like Chick-fil-A that has a lot of name recognition but a relatively small number of locations.

There are about 2,000 Chick-fil-A locations in the U.S., compared to more than 14,000 McDonalds locations. How does this make Chick-fil-A a more popular brand?

[Berosus]

When I lived in Florida, I attended a church near a Chick-Fil-A, and more than once I thought it would have been nice to take my family there for lunch, after the Sunday service.

[guido911]

Glad to hear. I know numerous people that eat there because of its values, and I have seen lines at its drive thru wrap the building TWICE and carry onto the street. But I have not gotten the appeal as for its actual product. I always thought it average—but I don’t dine out often. That said, it will always get my business over any other fast food joint.

[Berosus]

The Chick-Fil-A near me is next to Interstate 75, so it has made an exact science of moving people in and out. Thus, all the customers are in a good mood even when the crowd crunch is going on.

[cableguymn]

as far as taste..

I MUCH prefer Cains..

But.. Chick does have good waffle fries.

[Berosus]

How can Popeye’s be more popular in South Dakota and Hawaii, than it is in Louisiana?

[LanaTurnerOverdrive]

Waifs?

[Terry Mross]

I used to love it. But now it tastes too swee

[Berosus]

The article did not mention that Chick-Fil-A also has the most cheerful atmosphere of any fast food place. You can chuckle at the pictures of cows with signs that say “Eat mor chikin,” and often they also show pictures of the schools and charities they have helped, with money or free food.

And don’t forget they have done their part, when emergencies happened. When drivers all over Atlanta were stuck in a snowstorm, Chick-Fil-A fed them. And after the nightclub shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, the Chick-Fil-A near the University of Central Florida opened up on a Sunday, to cook meals for those people who gave blood for the wounded nightclub victims.

[Wonder Warthog]

"How can Popeye’s be more popular in South Dakota and Hawaii, than it is in Louisiana?"

LOTS more competition in Louisiana. I wish there was one nearer to where I live here in Washington.

[Haiku Guy]

I like Chik-fil-a. I would call them my favorite.

But they are not my favorite because the food is so much better or their restaurants are that much more convenient. Frankly the Sunday thing is a bit of an annoyance, because I am often out for lunch on Sunday afternoon.

Their staff is courteous and professional, but that is not what seals the deal.

What makes them my favorite is that I have confidence that they will never presume to lecture me, call me stupid, or set themselves up as my betters.

For that reason, they have my confidence, and I like them.

[KMG365]

Similar situation in Texas where In-N-Out first arrived about 5 years ago. They have about 20 locations mostly in the DFW area.

[DoughtyOne]

Aww, too bad. Hope you get it through soon.

[DoughtyOne]

Well, at least there is a golden lining to that story.

“:^)

[Personal Responsibility]

They do make a mean spicy chicken sandwich!

[rsobin]

I hate that place. Everybody that works there is smarter, nicer and better looking than me.

[Dante3]

Love their chicken-strips. They stopped serving oatmeal for breakfast - at least in my area. I miss it.

[litehaus]

And the congregation rose , raised their arms, and ,as one,exclaimed “Thank You LORD !