3. McDonald's
Teens continue to love the fast-food behemoth.
McDonald's has been trying to improve its reputation in recent years. The chain has made menu tweaks such as cutting artificial ingredients from food, as well as remodeling restaurants, adding table service, and installing kiosks.
2. Starbucks
This fall, Starbucks surrendered its top spot among average-income teens for the first time since 2010.
The company's reputation took a hit this year when two black men were arrested at a Philadelphia location while waiting for a business meeting. In May, Starbucks announced plans to open up its stores — including bathrooms — to everyone, even if people do not make a purchase.
1. Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A has long topped rankings of food quality and customer service. It is one of the most profitable chains in America, with average sales per restaurant reaching $4.4 million in 2016, according to a report from QSR magazine. For comparison, KFC sold $1.1 million per restaurant in the same period.
Teens' growing appreciation for the chain is most likely tied to the chain's aggressive growth in recent years. While Chick-fil-A has an established cult following in the South, the chain is now gaining fans in places such as New York City and the Midwest.