Chick-fil-A has held the top spot for years. | Photo: Shutterstock.
Teenagers just can’t quit Chick-fil-A.
The Atlanta-based quick-service chain once again was the preferred restaurant chain in the bi-annual “Taking Stock with Teens” survey by investment bank Piper Sandler Companies.
Chick-fil-A was the top chain preferred by 17% of teens, followed by McDonald’s (11%) and Chipotle (10%).
The chicken chain knocked Starbucks out of the top spot about seven years ago, and has held that favored position ever since.
Teens, however, say they’re spending a lot less in general.
The survey found self-reported spending declined 6% year over year to $2,213. That reported spending is down 1% on average over the past decade.
The survey queried close to 11,000 teens, with an average age of 15.7. About 33% were part-time employed, and they lived in a household with an average income of $69,527.
There are broader insights.
Among snacks, kids love Lays (12%) and Red Bull (28%). And they prefer Dr. Pepper (10%) as their favorite beverage, though Coca-Cola (10%) followed close behind.
They still love their Nike footwear and clothing, as well as e.l.f. cosmetics, and the beauty “destination” Sephora.
Their favorite celebrity is Adam Sandler and their favorite influencer is MrBeast. They prefer TikTok (46%) over Instagram (31%) or Snapchat (14%).
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