7. Chick-fil-A
At least two of my coworkers have expressed interest in opening up a Chick-fil-A franchise. Is it the option of grilled and fried chicken sandwiches on the menu? Is it the variety of healthful and unique side items, such as Carrot & Raisin Salad and Fruit Cups? I think it’s the fact that Chick-fil-A puts chicken on a fast-food pedestal in the land of burger love.
8. In-N-Out
What started as a hamburger joint in LA’s Baldwin Park in 1948 turned into hundreds of locations in California, with a few in Arizona, Utah, and Nevada. Not only does In-N-Out promote good business practices (Fast Food Nation’s Eric Schlosser used it as an example of fast food done right), but it’s top rated in customer satisfaction surveys, too. The menu itself is basic, but those in the know order off the extensive secret menu, with options like “animal style” (a beef patty cooked in mustard, with special sauce and grilled onions on top) and “flying Dutchman” (only beef patties and cheese).
9. Sonic
I grew up watching Sonic commercials, but I’ve never actually seen one. Though Sonic has locations in more than forty U.S. states, they tend to be along freeways and in smaller towns. Supposedly the food’s not anything special; the drinks are what endear people to Sonic, with its variety of Limeades, Slushes, and flavored iced teas.
10. Raising Canes
This chain’s found in thirteen states, the majority of which are in the South. Raising Canes’ menu revolves around chicken fingers—either between two buns or next to sides of french fries, coleslaw, and Texas toast. But even with such slim pickings, customers can’t get enough of the crispy, tender chicken and special Cane’s Sauce.
What is it about these chains or others like them—like Five Guys on the East Coast and Burgerville in Oregon—that cause such extreme devotion? Maybe it’s because they’re regional; maybe they just use better ingredients. Whatever the reason, anything that gives bigger corporations like McDonald’s a run for their money is good in my book. And if encouraging smaller businesses means leaving the office right now to get some fresh-cut fries at In-N-Out, well, that’s just a responsibility as a conscientious consumer that I’ll happily accept.
