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A regional sub sandwich chain has overtaken the long-standing leader in diner approval. The American Customer Satisfaction Index for 2026 places Jersey Mike’s at the summit with an 84/100 rating, while Chick‑fil‑A follows close behind at 83/100, snapping the latter’s 11‑year streak at the top. Diners cited the chain’s perceived freshness, a broader selection and what they see as strong value when rating their visits. Jersey Mike’s also expanded rapidly last year, adding 238 o

Dave’s Hot Chicken is shifting its pitch: speed will no longer be the chain’s primary selling point, the company’s chief executive told reporters this week, as it moves to emphasize food consistency and the in-store experience. The announcement signals a strategic change for the fast-casual chicken brand that began as a Los Angeles pop-up in 2017 and expanded rapidly across the U.S. and abroad. Executives said the company will slow some aspects of its rollout and refocus reso

The idea of “performance” in public relations has shifted, and many agencies haven’t noticed. For years, performance PR was shorthand for a simple commitment: the shop only received payment after coverage ran. That deal forced clarity — deliver the placement or forfeit the fee. But as automated answer platforms become the first stop for buyers, publication alone no longer guarantees the business outcome clients pay for. Historically, success was measurable and tidy: did the s