gardenmom5 Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 wow - I guess I don't eat franchised food. I like Panera - but find them ridiculously expensive for what you get. (and can't remember the last time I ate there. more than a year, at least.) I usually find a teriyaki place (and they are not franchised.). even uber picky eater dudeling will eat teriyaki. and I've recently discovered indian lunch buffets . . . . I can try things, and not commit to a particular item. eta: we dont' have a chik-fil-a here, and I've never even tried one. (I think the nearest is 700 miles away.) 1ds's girlfriend is from another part of the country and she loves them. so I do have them down to try sometime. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarbecueMom Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 I had a slight temper tantrum in the car yesterday because my family was getting Taco Bell and I just can't eat it anymore without getting sick. Five Guys is the only place I can sort-of eat, but yeah, I love and miss Taco Bell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1GirlTwinBoys Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 Dh and I love Chiptole because it's the only fast food place that I feel like I can actually get something that's healthy. Food is yummy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 I like Chick-fil-A's food best, and the service is consistently good. Chipotle food doesn't agree with me (and neither does their manipulative marketing). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joker Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 We love Chipotle and Chick Fil A here. Normal fast food places (McDs, Wendy's, etc) make us feel sick so we don't do them anymore. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigMamaBird Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 I voted for Chick-fil-a. We don't have any in our area and so I don't get to eat there often, but I really liked their food. It was great to be able to get a fruit cup and grilled chicken nuggets for myself and the kids while on vacation and not some greasy, processed gut bomb. The quality and taste is so much better than other fast food I've eaten, the stores amazingly clean and the workers very friendly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
topquark Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 We almost never do fast-food; it isn't really cost-effective for 6 of us... That said, as a California ex-pat., if I find myself next to an In-N-Out, you're nuts if you think I'm not stopping :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seeking Squirrels Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 I voted for Wendy's because it's our most likely place to end up, but I wouldn't say I really like it. But the kids like the frostys. I don't like chick FIL a much, too greasy. We go to Burger King for play dates because their play structure is the best. Subway if we're headed to the park. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nrg Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 We are big fans of Subway and Jamba in this house. I voted other. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlmiraGulch Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 I've always like In-N-Out and always make a point of stopping in when I'm in CA (and now parts of TX!), but I'll take 5 Guys over In-N-Out any day of the week, and we have them locally, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corraleno Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 If we're traveling and staying in a hotel without a kitchenette, we'll usually eat at Panera, Noodle Company, Sweet Tomatoes, or Subway; the sausage-&-egg sandwiches from Starbucks are cheap and filling if we need to grab breakfast in an airport. Chipotle is the only fast food place on the list that we'll occasionally eat at if we're not away from home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loowit Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 My favorite is Burgerville. They use fresh local ingredients and are very Earth friendly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ali in OR Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 Burgerville here too. I don't have to question the food--all locally sourced. Great milkshakes! We'll always stop at an In-n-Out when we're in CA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 For me and ds our favorite is Lion's Choice (roast beef), but they're regional and not around here. Second choice for both of us would be Raisin' Canes (chicken), but they're also not around here. So, what we can get, Arby's. I prefer roast beef over everything and love the curly fries. Now, I'm hungry... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carrie12345 Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 I don't have many local options, so I went with Panera.We can't go to Sonic anymore b/c my 7yo threw up the last time he ate there and refuses to go back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happi duck Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 Chipotle because it has a decent vegan option. When I was vegetarian my answer was Starbucks. If Starbucks had a couple vegan options it would be my first choice. Chipotle gets boring and is too heavy sometimes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinder Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 I voted Panera though we probably go to Chick-fil-A more--it's what the dc like. It was hard to choose. As others have said--about CFA--the stores are clean, the workers are pleasant and helpful, and the food tastes good. But I have been a bit put off lately because of the msg in the food--I always feel groggy after eating there. I chose Panera because it's the place dh and I go to for fast-food dates. I like the coffee, though if we're just going for coffee we choose our local non-chain coffee shop. I also like the food. But I think it's the "date" aspect that gives it the edge for me. The atmosphere is less "fast-food-ish" than the other places mentioned. And when I meet a friend for lunch we'll probably go to Panera rather than one of the other places. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 Panera for the family. I do like Chipotle but dd can't eat there because she's allergic to nightshades (chili and bell peppers, tomatoes esp.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnM Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 Out of these, I like Chipoltle best, but we get coupons often for Qdoba and it is on the way home from church, so we go there more. My favorite fast food is Pei Wei. We go there often. Dawn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OneStepAtATime Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 Around here if we are going that route it would be Jack in the Box or El Pato (regional Mexican fast food chain). Edited to add, Subway is also a more likely option for us than what is on the list. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MercyA Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 Chipolte, because most of their food doesn't contain preservatives, dyes, artificial flavors, or MSG-like ingredients. We literally can't eat at any of the other restaurants. Yay, Chipolte! :hurray: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThisIsTheDay Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 Ok, this is not fair. You are obligated to share your recipe for mock cherry limeade. I found this recipe on Pinterest, and we've been making it for special occasions for two years. I've found that it's best to chill the Sprite and cherry juice before making, to help keep the limeade from completely melting. We skip the optional limes. I'd never had the original Sonic Cherry Limeade until last week. It tasted to me like fake sweetener, with that icky aftertaste. Maybe they made it that way accidentally, or maybe that's the way it usually tastes. That's why I like my recipe better! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barb_ Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 OMG I love chipotle! http://youtu.be/rU58qpbbWo8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebel Yell Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 Just one choice. Out of curiosity, for a marketing class I am taking. Chick-fil-A. If it's relevant to your marketing class, here's my story: Once uppon a time, we never ate at CFA. Partly because we'd be at the mall on SUnday when they were closed, and partly because they seemed expensive- no $1 menu! Then a friend from church who OWNED the mall store gave every family at church a CFA calendar with the monthly free stuff coupons. We went. We ate. WE FELL IN LOVE! :001_tt1: Diamond, age 4 at the time, told him she liked his chicken better because she thinks the other place makes their nuggets out of feathers and beaks. :ack2: We are now frequent (1-3 times/month average for each of us, rarely all 5 together) customers, but almost always when we have coupons for free stuff. We each have a calendar card, and they are generous with free coupons/specials. It is extremely rare that we eat there as an entire family AND pay full-price for meals. ALso, our dance school does CFA fundraisers at recitals/rehearsals: the #1 sandwish is sold for $5 (school cost is $3) and each sandwich comes with a coupon for a FREE sandwich at the local restaurant! Yeah- I had to stop myself from going through the trash to collect wrappers that people threw away with coupons attached! :svengo: Bonus: so many of our friends work there- from Managers down to cashiers. It's like a party every time we go- we always know people, and everyone knows our name. Kinda like Cheers, without the booze. Cow Appreciation Day is like a national holiday here- we all have cow-print t-shirts we keep and wear every year to get our free stuff- that day is total party day at CFA- almost like a homeschooler's reunion! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluemongoose Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 I voted chipotle since I had to pick only one. Our biggest draw to this place is that it is cheap, there are veg options, and it is peanut/treenut free. The three places we eat at on that list: Chipotle, Sonic, and Panera. We eat at Chipotle and Sonic more often then panera due to location and cost, but all three are our favorites. I do not really care for Sonic, but it is the closest thing we have that we can eat at and the kids love it. So it would be their favorite, not mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiguirre Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 Subway. They're everywhere and pretty good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PinkyandtheBrains. Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 I voted other choice. We like Moe's. I like it because I can easily avoid my egg allergy there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyandbob Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 I'm another person who does Chipotle and Chic fil a because my family needs the gluten free options. Additionally, I like the eco friendly sourcing of the food at Chipotle. I saw another person mentioned Elevation Burger. Love that place. Grass fed beef. They wrap the burgers in lettuce for gluten free. They are the only burger place I've been to that actually does a good job with lettuce wraps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinder Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 I found this recipe on Pinterest, and we've been making it for special occasions for two years. I've found that it's best to chill the Sprite and cherry juice before making, to help keep the limeade from completely melting. We skip the optional limes. I'd never had the original Sonic Cherry Limeade until last week. It tasted to me like fake sweetener, with that icky aftertaste. Maybe they made it that way accidentally, or maybe that's the way it usually tastes. That's why I like my recipe better! Thanks for the recipe link. Looks suuuuuuuper easy. Actually I may have tried a recipe like it sometime in the long ago past. I'm wondering about the cherry juice--wonder if I could just sub grenadine? Because all those cherries would just go to waste around here. Hmm, might have to try it out. I mean, it's the stuff they use to make Shirley Temples and a cherry limeade would just be a Shirley Temple with limeade in it, right? When we go to Sonic (about once a year) I usually just get a lime slush, though. And now that we have a Nutribullet--which makes great slushes--I really should try making those as well. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-rap Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 For an actual meal, I'd choose Chipotle. It's delicious and it seems healthier. I like Starbucks a lot too but I don't really consider that fast food. We go there for coffee, not fast food. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5of5 Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 Don’t have access to all of the options. "Other" is Culver’s for us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wheres Toto Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 I voted Panera as my first choice, but only if I'm planning to actually go in and sit down. Love, love, love their bread, broccoli cheddar soup, strawberry smoothies. Just Yum. Wendy's is my first choice if I'm in a real hurry and plan to just hit the drive-through (and possibly eat in the car). I feel like they have more options for semi-healthy choices - chicken, chili, baked potatoes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 Second choice for both of us would be Raisin' Canes (chicken), but they're also not around here. I've only ever been to one and it was yummy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheila in OK Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 Wendy's. Hamburgers made by hand fresh every day. Yum. Sonic would be my second choice. BK and Micky D's are never my choice. I must be starving and a hundred miles from anywhere before I will eat at either of those. Does Panera have a drive-through? Or Chipotle? I like them, but "fast food" to me means "I can get food without getting out of my car." :-) The Panera in our area recently opened a drive-thru. But I agree, never really thought of Panera as fast food . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MooCow Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 I'm from So Cal, so it would be In-N-Out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reefgazer Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 Subway - fast, economical, and you can find healthy choices there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sara in AZ Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 I voted Chipotle because I like it best of the choices listed. But if we're just doing burgers for the kids it's In and Out for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrittanyM Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 Chipotle, we eat there a lot. The food is better quality, you get a lot (important for my DH) and I don't feel like I ate fast food. I rarely eat at Chick Fil A since we don't have them around as much. We do Subway fairly often too, as well as Panda Express Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 I voted other choice. We like Moe's. I like it because I can easily avoid my egg allergy there. I puffy-heart-love Moe's! I don't think they have many franchises, but are on the rise. There is one near our beach house, but that is all I know of. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crimson Wife Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 Does Panera have a drive-through? Or Chipotle? I like them, but "fast food" to me means "I can get food without getting out of my car." :-) Some, but not all, Paneras offer drive-through service. I've never seen a Chipotle that has. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 I like Chick-fil-A's food best, and the service is consistently good. Chipotle food doesn't agree with me (and neither does their manipulative marketing). Clearly, I have to ask what you mean by this. I have not eaten at chipotle's yet, though I expect I would like it. What is the manipulative marketing of which you speak? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fdrinca Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 I don't prefer the food at Chik-fil-a, but I do love the fact that it's such an easy place to take my kids. Vacation = a milkshake and their indoor playground on a quiet day. Cheaper than therapy! I like Chipotle, but don't love it. My kids will eat their weight in beans and rice there, though, so I'm glad to have it as an option when we're on the road. Panera used to have a sandwich I loved (beef and Gorgonzola cheese, I think?), but I don't really go there for food any longer. We realized a few years ago that we could go to a "real" restaurant for the same price (not including tip, though). I avoid Panera now because every time we stop in someone (ahem...me) wants a cookie as big as her head. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadia Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 In-N-Out for the food. McDonalds and Burger King for the dollar menu and free wi-fi. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crimson Wife Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 Clearly, I have to ask what you mean by this. I have not eaten at chipotle's yet, though I expect I would like it. What is the manipulative marketing of which you speak? Probably that famous "Scarecrow" commercial. There's a funny parody of it: http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/da66b8f1aa/honest-scarecrow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baseball mom Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 McD's cause it is cheap and kiddos really like it. Sonic is my 2nd choice. Last 2 times I went to Wendy's I ordered one of their "special" burgers that look great on tv. What I got was a nasty looking and tasting burger. I went the 2nd time hoping the 1st was just a bad night or something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen in CO Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 I rarely eat out because of food allergies, and apparently I don't like franchised food. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Violet Crown Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 Torchy's Tacos. Why? Look at the menu: http://torchystacos.com/menu/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FaithManor Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 Due to gluten issues, I don't eat out much. But, I'm not so sensitive that I can't have something cooked in the same kitchen with wheat. So, when I need to eat out, I go to Wendy's and have a baked potato. Usually a side salad with a vinegerette dressing is okay as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QueenCat Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 I don't usually think of Panera as a fast food venue, but we eat there most often of the options you have listed. Between the soups and the bagels (and my son loves their cilantro hummus), it's our best bet for the vegetarian/vegan family to eat something like real food while out in the world. I also appreciate the comfy seating, free wi-fi and classical music. I don't consider Panera fast food either............ but I do love Panera! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 9, 2014 Share Posted June 9, 2014 I don't consider Panera fast food either............ but I do love Panera! Panera is meant as "casual dining," and is meant to bridge the gap between fast food like McDs and, Chez Roberto's, say restaurant with a server. It's still fast food for the questions I am asking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.