I actually think there is "Fast Food" (McDs, BKing, TacoHell, Arby's Wendy's, KFC...I'd classify it as anything with a Drive Thru where typically you don't have to pull aside and wait for your order.), and there is "Sit Down Fast Food" (Panera, Chipolte, Panda Express, Five Guys).
Of the former, I usually only go if I am forced to. Nothing else is around, I'm on the road and hungry. There isn't too much I crave about any of these places and don't overly enjoy any traditional Fast Food meal. I will say, probably my favorite fast food chain is
Carl's Junior (West coast)/
Hardy's (East Coast)--they actually have a pretty tasty burger. We look for them when we are traveling and need to stop for a bite. Also OCCASSIONALLY we will get take out from
Bojangles or Popeyes (virtually the same fried chicken chain IMO.) We have sworn off
KFC. It's so greasy and their original recipe is always soggy. Who wants soggy fried chicken??? And everything is so over-salted. Do like their coleslaw, but I'm not going there just for that.
Of the latter, I like a lot of chains. Really love
Chipolte. So fresh and tasty. I've converted my parents, who are in their 80s, into Chipolte lovers. They have one near them and didn't know what it was. Loved it immediately.
Five Guys is terrific. Like it even better than
In N Out, which I also really like on occasion.
Panda Express is a frequent stop for me, especially since I enjoy Asian food much more than Len so I frequent it for lunch on errand days. Quick and fresh. I think
Panera is HIGHLY over-rated. Everything has an "off" taste to me there. Like it's full of preservatives, or tastes like a refrigerator or something. Can't put my finger on it, but not a fan.
One restaurant chain (not necessarily fast food) I really love is
Sonny's BBQ. I wish they'd put one here in Pinehurst. I'd be a no-brainer with all of the guys who come here on golf trips.
Incidentally, in California (the Palm Springs area) we just got our first
Red Lobster. (Which is also a no-brainer for that area.) My friend who is in the area through the summer tells me it is packed to the gills every night. I actually think it's pretty decent. It's not fine dining, but tasty enough, and I do like their biscuits.
Olive Garden is another story....