Operations

Dave's Hot Chicken tops Yelp's 2025 'Most Loved Brands'

Three of the top five spots went to fast casual chains, with Korean fried chicken franchise bb.q Chicken taking No. 3 and California burger icon In-N-Out Burger landing at No. 5.

December 12, 2025

Dave's Hot Chicken, a Los Angeles parking lot pop-up turned global franchise, has claimed the top spot on Yelp's 2025 "Most Loved Brands" list, leading a pack of fast-casual chains that are redefining customer loyalty in a price-sensitive economy.

The report highlights a shift in consumer preferences toward brands that offer high customization, social media appeal and reliable value. While legacy sit-down restaurants and essential service providers made strong showings, the list was dominated by fast-casual concepts that have successfully courted younger diners.

Dave's Hot Chicken secured the No. 1 ranking following a year of rapid expansion and high customer satisfaction. According to Yelp data, 71% of reviews for the chicken chain were 4 or 5 stars. The brand's rise is attributed to its "cult following," driven by its slider-and-tender combos, seven distinct spice levels ranging from "No Spice" to "Reaper," and the recent introduction of "Dave's NOT Chicken" cauliflower bites.

"In a year defined by price sensitivity, earning customer loyalty is more important than ever," said Sarah Chang, Yelp's vice president and head of enterprise sales. "Customers count on businesses to deliver their favorite menu items as expected or to complete services reliably every time."

Fast casual brands dominate

The 2025 rankings underscore the stranglehold fast-casual dining has on the current market. Three of the top five spots went to fast-casual chains, with Korean fried chicken franchise bb.q Chicken taking No. 3 and California burger icon In-N-Out Burger landing at No. 5.

The data suggests that diners are increasingly gravitating toward specialized, "crave-worthy" menus over broad, generalist options. bb.q Chicken was noted specifically for its high marks in portion size and taste, capitalizing on the growing American appetite for Korean flavors.

The report also identified a surge in what Yelp calls "Zillennial brands"—fast-casual concepts that bridge the gap between Millennials and Gen Z through strong digital presence and viral menu items.

Notable fast-casual performers in this category include:

Dutch Bros (No. 11): The drive-thru coffee chain known for its high-energy service.
Blaze Pizza (No. 14): A leader in the build-your-own pizza segment.
Sweetgreen (No. 31): The salad chain continuing to hold loyalty among health-conscious diners.
Shake Shack (No. 35): Cited for melding a modern brand identity with a seamless digital experience.
Raising Cane's (No. 44): Another major player in the chicken wars, noted for its focused menu and loyal following.
CAVA (No. 50): The Mediterranean chain that has seen explosive growth and high social engagement.

Yelp's analysis indicates these brands succeed by being "built for the feed," pairing quality food with an aesthetic and voice that resonates on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

Value and consistency drive loyalty

Beyond the restaurant sector, the report highlighted that value remains a primary driver for consumer love. Trader Joe's ranked No. 2 overall, with Yelp's AI-powered "Review Insights" identifying it as the leader in value, speed of service and cleanliness.

The list also featured a resurgence of "comeback classics"— legacy casual dining chains that have revitalized their image. Texas Roadhouse (No. 8), Olive Garden (No. 10), and Chili's (No. 25) were recognized for leaning into nostalgia and generous portion sizes, appealing to families seeking reliable meals on a budget.

Methodology

Yelp determined the "Most Loved Brands" by analyzing businesses with over 150 locations in the United States and at least 500 total reviews. The rankings were based on a "loyalty score" calculated from review ratings, repeat page views, search volume and photo uploads.