The surprising chain that beat Chick-fil-A for the top spot

When most people think of America’s favorite restaurant, Chick-fil-A usually comes to mind — but for the second year in a row, a sweet surprise has taken the crown. In the latest America’s Favorite Chains rankings conducted by Technomic, a humble bakery known for its moist Bundt cakes outscored dozens of fast-food giants and casual favorites to claim the No. 1 spot yet again. Read on to discover how this unexpected winner captured the nation’s taste buds and why its victory matters more than you might think.

Nothing Bundt Cakes tops America’s favorite restaurant chain list for 2025

The results are in, and for the second year running, the crown for “America’s Favorite Chains” hasn’t gone to a burger joint or a chicken specialist. According to the latest 2025 consumer data compiled by food industry research firm Technomic, a specialty bakery has officially outpaced the giants.

By analyzing thousands of customer experiences, Technomic evaluates brands across five core pillars: unit appearance and ambiance, service and hospitality, food and beverage, convenience and takeout, and value. In a shake-up that few predicted, industry icons like Chick-fil-A were pushed out of the top spots by a brand focused entirely on circles of cake.

According to Nation’s Restaurant News, Nothing Bundt Cakes secured its repeat victory with a dominant 68 percent overall score. While the brand performed well across the board, it truly separated itself from the pack in two specific areas: service and hospitality, and convenience and takeout.

Founded in Dallas, the bakery has built a loyal following by turning a simple dessert into a premium experience. Their secret lies in a blend of consistent quality and a rotating menu of crave-worthy flavors. While fans swear by the Classic Vanilla, Chocolate Chocolate Chip, and Red Velvet, the brand keeps the momentum going with seasonal and limited-edition releases like Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter, Biscoff Cookie Butter, and Coconut Cream Snowflake, just to name a few.

The chain’s success is also attributed to its clever packaging and sizing. Whether a customer is looking for a quick “bundlet” (a personal-sized treat), a traditional eight- or 10-inch cake for a party, or a diverse sampler platter for the office, the bakery has bridged the gap between a high-end pâtisserie and a convenient quick-service stop.

“This honor is made possible by the incredible support of our fans across the country,” said Dolf Berle, CEO of Nothing Bundt Cakes. “We’re proud to help people find a reason to celebrate every day, whether it’s a small act of care for themselves, a thoughtful surprise for a friend, or sharing joy with family and colleagues.”

Drive-thru coffee chains make a bold entrance into the top 10

Hot on the heels of the top spot, the 2025 rankings reveal a massive surge in the popularity of “on-the-go” caffeine. Trailing just behind Nothing Bundt Cakes are two high-speed coffee competitors: 7 Brew and Scooter’s Coffee. These drive-thru dynamos claimed the second and third spots, respectively, signaling a major shift in what American consumers value most right now.

The appearance of these two brands isn’t a fluke; it’s a milestone. Previously, 7 Brew and Scooter’s hadn’t qualified for the list simply because they hadn’t yet broken into the “Top 150” chains by total sales. Now that their explosive expansion has landed them among the industry’s heavy hitters, their momentum looks practically unstoppable.

While coffee and cake lead the pack, the remainder of the Top 10 reveals a diverse appetite among diners. From quick-service lunch favorites to upscale evening destinations, the list proves that Americans still crave a mix of convenience and treat-yourself luxury. Here’s Technomic’s full list of America’s favorite restaurant chains for 2025: