Chick-fil-A‘s 11 Biggest Competitors in 2024 (Full Breakdown)
As one of the leading quick-service restaurant (QSR) chains in the U.S., Chick-fil-A faces intense competition from both fast food and fast casual restaurants. Here is an in-depth look at Chick-fil-A‘s 11 biggest competitors in 2024 based on my analysis as a restaurant industry expert.
1. McDonald‘s
With over 13,500 locations in the U.S. and 38,000 globally, McDonald‘s far surpasses any QSR brand in terms of size and scope. The burger giant poses a formidable challenge with its ongoing focus on expanding its chicken offerings to compete with Chick-fil-A‘s specialty.
Key Offerings: McCafe coffee, McChicken sandwich, Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwich, chicken nuggets, salads
Recent Performance: McDonald‘s chicken offerings drove a nearly 10% increase in sales in 2021. Its new crispy chicken sandwich aims directly at Chick-fil-A‘s customer base.
Competitive Edge: Massive size, advertising budget, brand recognition
Chick-fil-A‘s Edge: Higher-quality ingredients, signature chicken recipes, better customer service
2. KFC
With over 4,400 U.S. locations and 25,000 globally, KFC is the closest fried chicken competitor to Chick-fil-A in terms of specialty. However, Chick-fil-A‘s food quality, service style and per-store sales still give it an edge over this global giant.
Key Offerings: Fried chicken, chicken sandwiches, tenders, wings, sides
Recent Performance: KFC enjoyed a 7% sales increase in 2021 on the back of new menu innovation and its signature fried chicken.
Competitive Edge: International scale, brand awareness, diversified menu
Chick-fil-A‘s Edge: Quality, hospitality, average unit volumes over 2.5x higher
3. Popeyes
Popeyes competes most directly with its popular fried chicken sandwich launched in 2019, sparking a "sandwich war" with Chick-fil-A. However, Popeyes still lags in food quality, brand image and customer service.
Key Offerings: Fried chicken sandwich, tenders, bone-in chicken, sides, biscuits
Recent Performance: Popeyes saw soaring sales following its chicken sandwich launch, but growth flattened in 2021 to just under 3% as hype faded.
Competitive Edge: Fried chicken expertise, signature spicy flavor
Chick-fil-A‘s Edge: Far higher AUV of $4.4M vs. $1.7M per Popeyes store
4. Zaxby‘s
Rapidly growing fried chicken chain Zaxby‘s is on track to hit 1,000 locations soon. With an emphasis on customer service and hospitality, it replicates much of Chick-fil-A‘s playbook.
Key Offerings: Chicken fingers, wings, sandwiches, salads, signature sauce
Recent Performance: Zaxby‘s sales jumped 23% in 2021 as unit counts rose by 8%. Same-store sales grew 10.5%, showing strong organic growth.
Competitive Edge: Southern hospitality model, tailored menu
Chick-fil-A‘s Edge: More mature business model and loyal customer base
5. Raising Cane‘s
With a sole focus on quality chicken fingers, Raising Cane‘s is ramping up expansion to 600+ restaurants. Its simplicity and focus mirrors Chick-fil-A in many ways.
Key Offerings: Chicken fingers, crinkle-cut fries, Texas toast, Cane‘s sauce
Recent Performance: Raising Cane‘s achieved 31% sales growth in 2021 with new restaurant openings surging by 29%. Comp sales grew 13.5% despite staffing challenges.
Competitive Edge: Simple but effective menu, customized ordering experience
Chick-fil-A‘s Edge: Much larger systemwide sales, more brand recognition
6. Wendy‘s
Major burger chain Wendy‘s offers a direct chicken sandwich and nugget alternative to Chick-fil-A with premium positioning.
Key Offerings: Chicken sandwiches, nuggets, wraps, salads
Recent Performance: Wendy‘s overtook Burger King as the #2 U.S. burger chain in 2021 on the back of its chicken menu. Its new Hot Honey Chicken sandwich aims to compete with Chick-fil-A‘s Spicy Chicken Sandwich.
Competitive Edge: Size, Wendy‘s brand equity
Chick-fil-A‘s Edge: Wendy‘s has over 5x fewer U.S. units despite being in business since 1969
7. Shake Shack
Though not a chicken pure play, Shake Shack offers high-quality Angus burgers and premium chicken sandwiches as a leading fast casual chain.
Key Offerings: Chick‘n Shack sandwich, Chick‘n Bites, crinkle-cut fries
Recent Performance: Shake Shack accelerated growth in 2021 with new unit openings up 33% YoY as sales grew 44% overall.
Competitive Edge: Premium positioning, brand cachet
Chick-fil-A‘s Edge: Much larger systemwide sales, more locations
8. El Pollo Loco
As a leading grilled chicken chain, El Pollo Loco offers a potential healthier alternative to Chick-fil-A‘s fried chicken, although its footprint is still concentrated largely in the West.
Key Offerings: Fire-grilled chicken, salads, burritos, bowls
Recent Performance: El Pollo Loco focused on digitization in 2021, leading to off-premise sales mix rising to over 30% as systemwide sales grew 7%.
Competitive Edge: Perceived healthier positioning with grilled chicken
Chick-fil-A‘s Edge: Significantly higher AUV of $1.7M vs. $1.4M per El Pollo Loco
9. Church‘s Chicken
Specializing in Southern-fried chicken and sides, Church‘s chicken is smaller than KFC and Popeyes but still holds its own with over 1,600 global locations.
Key Offerings: Fried chicken, tenders, sandwiches, honey-butter biscuits
Recent Performance: Church‘s enjoyed 13% sales growth in 2021 on the back of menu innovation like its new Smokehouse Chicken. Delivery and digital sales jumped by triple-digit percentages.
Competitive Edge: Value pricing, homestyle flavor profile
Chick-fil-A‘s Edge: Premium brand image and customer loyalty
10. Chick-N-Mini
This emerging clone brand aims to directly replicate Chick-fil-A‘s menu and minimalist store design while billing itself as "always open Sundays." It currently has under 10 Georgia locations but aggressive expansion plans nationwide.
Key Offerings: Chicken sandwiches, nuggets, waffle fries, milkshakes
Competitive Edge: Attempting to capitalize on Chick-fil-A‘s notoriously closed Sundays
Chick-fil-A‘s Edge: Massive brand recognition, economies of scale, rabid customer base
11. Jollibee
Philippines-based Jollibee is the largest Asian fast food chain, with over 1,400 restaurants globally including 40+ in the U.S. It offers fried chicken and sandwiches that directly compete with Chick-fil-A.
Key Offerings: Fried chicken, spaghetti, burgers
Recent Performance: Jollibee aims to become one of the top 5 global QSR brands and continues aggressive U.S. expansion.
Competitive Edge: International brand, Southeast Asian menu flavors
Chick-fil-A‘s Edge: Significantly higher U.S. brand awareness and sales
Key QSR Competitor Metrics
| Company | 2021 U.S. Units | 2021 U.S. Systemwide Sales | 2021 U.S. AUV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chick-fil-A | 2,633 | $16.7B | $4.4M |
| McDonald‘s | 13,500 | $105.5B | $2.6M |
| KFC | 4,263 | $4.56B | $1.07M |
| Popeyes | 2,769 | $3.8B | $1.7M |
| Wendy‘s | 5,816 | $11B | $1.5M |
Despite facing both upstart and established competitors, Chick-fil-A continues to dominate in per-store sales and surpass nearly every QSR brand in average unit volumes. With its relentless focus on food quality, customer service and technology, Chick-fil-A is poised to further grow its lead in the growing chicken segment. Though competitors will continue chipping away, Chick-fil-A‘s brand loyalty and operational excellence make it tough to beat.
