Generating millions of dollars of revenue every year, fast casual restaurants have been a staple in the diets of many Americans for many years. With 2016 drawing to a close, McNick students shared their favorite chains for quick and tasty nourishment.
“People buy fast food because it is cheap, easily prepared, quickly served, and is heavily promoted. [It] is convenient for filling up when on the run and occasional indulgence should not be a big issue,” reported a Sept. 26, 2014 article from transparencymarketresearch.com.
Out of the 642 total students at McNick, 204 of them (or about 32%) took the survey. The students first chose their favorite fast casual restaurant from these Top 5 revenue generators. According to QSR.com, the 2015 top five fast casual restaurants by order of US sales were McDonald’s, Starbucks, Subway, Burger King, and Taco Bell, in that order. Of these five, the majority of survey respondents (31%) said Subway would be their first choice.
“I like Subway because it is fast food that is not terrible for you, and you always get to make the sandwich however you want,” said junior Isabella Daley.
Sophomore Myles Bailey also felt that the sandwich stop was the way to go. “Subway is great because it has healthy sandwiches served quickly,” he said.
Not far behind Subway was Starbucks, garnering 29% of the total vote. While typically known for their coffee, Starbucks also offers baked goods and other breakfast foods.
Freshman Allison Vaughn was one of those who chose Starbucks. “I like Starbucks because when you’re out on the go you can just swoop through the drive-thru and get a delicious drink that fills you up, as well as a little treat if you wish,” she said.
Taco Bell came in third place with 19% of the vote, followed by McDonald’s at 16%, and finally Burger King with 5%.
Students could also add their favorite restaurants overall outside of the five survey choices. The most common responses were Chipotle and Chick-fil-A.
“Chipotle’s food tastes like food that you would eat at a sit-down restaurant, but it is fast food,” said sophomore Hailey Bell.
Junior James Ehlers, however, is a fan of Chick-fil-A. “[The restaurant] has great salads and sandwiches,” he said.
Senior Spencer Schultz agreed. “I can’t go wrong with Chick-fil-A. It is definitely my favorite fast food restaurant.”
Other common favorites mentioned were Skyline Chili and Wendy’s.
Readers, please feel free to comment below on restaurants you would recommend.
The McNicholas Milestone 