Survey Reveals Gen Z’s Favorite Fast-Food Choice

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Every six months, Piper Sandler’s “Taking Stock with Teens” survey paints a clear picture of the American teen psyche, and this spring’s results are no exception. Drawing responses from more than 6,000 teens across 47 states, the survey captures not just product preferences but also the values, spending patterns, and cultural leanings of Gen Z.

One of the survey’s most consistent findings is the continued dominance of Chick-fil-A as Gen Z’s favorite fast-food. While the fast food landscape remains competitive, Chick-fil-A has held a steady lead that reflects more than just taste. It reflects how younger consumers define quality, experience, and trust. As teen preferences drive shifts across multiple industries, understanding this loyalty becomes essential for any brand hoping to stay relevant.

The survey also highlights how food continues to command a significant share of teen spending. With annual food spending increasing year-over-year, fast food brands are operating in a high-stakes, high-demand environment. For Gen Z, value is more than price. It includes service, consistency, brand values, and convenience.

Chick-fil-A reigns supreme with Gen Z, and it’s not by accident

Chick-fil-A’s dominance with Gen Z is deliberate. For several years, it has consistently secured the top spot in Piper Sandler’s survey. Coverage from Southern Living notes that this popularity remains steady, thanks to a reputation for service, quality, and efficiency.

Teens want speed but also crave dependability and personalization. Chick-fil-A has capitalized on this with mobile ordering, consistent in-store service, and a carefully curated brand identity. Its mobile app helps create digital engagement and loyalty that extend beyond physical visits.

The brand’s cultural positioning also plays a role. Chick-fil-A bridges tradition with modern convenience. For Gen Z, who are used to fast-paced digital interactions, the brand offers a sense of structure and predictability. That consistency carries weight with a generation navigating an ever-changing digital world.

Fast food rivals are closing in as Gen Z preferences shift

Chick-fil-A continues to lead, but the competitive field is shifting. Starbucks, McDonald’s, and Chipotle round out the top tier, though each reflects different aspects of Gen Z’s evolving expectations.

McDonald’s, once seen as outdated by younger consumers, is experiencing renewed interest. Through updated app features, promotions, and influencer campaigns, it is finding new relevance. Starbucks remains strong, but rising prices and changes to its loyalty program have slightly softened its position.

Chipotle retains its edge through customizability and its association with clean eating. Other brands like Raising Cane’s and Panera Bread are gaining attention, reflecting the growing importance of story, ease of access, and innovation in capturing Gen Z loyalty.

Gen Z’s top brands show tech and identity priorities

Beyond dining, Piper Sandler’s data reveals broader trends in how teens spend and what they value. Apple remains the dominant tech brand, with 87 percent of surveyed teens owning an iPhone and 34 percent expecting to upgrade within six months.

In fashion, Nike, Lululemon, and American Eagle remain front-runners. Newcomers like Aerie and Gymshark are also gaining traction, fueled by values-based branding and social media relevance. In payments, Venmo and Apple Pay top the list, showing that teens are favoring platforms designed for mobility and integration over traditional banking tools.

Brands that wish to win with Gen Z must think beyond trend-chasing. They need to build ecosystems of experience that combine digital ease with emotional reliability. Whether in food, fashion, or tech, the future of loyalty is earned through relevance and repeatability. Chick-fil-A’s success with Gen Z offers several takeaways on how to keep the audience engaged and returning.

Sources

• Southern Living
• Piper Sandler