Does Maine Need More Fast-Food Choices?
USA Today's latest survey has been shared all over social media the past 24-hours because a king has been dethroned! Well, a 'Chick' anyway. More on that in a bit.
USA Today has released their very popular, annual 'best fast-food restaurants' as chosen by their readers. One alarming detail that stood out to several Mainers, and even New Englanders is that 3 out 5 of the top 5 fast food chains aren't even located in the northeast! But do we care?
Chick-Fil-A Is No Longer the #1 Fast Food Restaurant in America, but it is in Maine
Chick-Fil-A has been at the top of these charts for what seemed like forever (almost as long as their drive-thru lines). They didn't just drop to number 2, but number 3. The cows are in trouble.
HOWEVER, when we polled our listeners here in Maine, Chick-Fil-A received a big Chick-Fil-YAH from the majority and is still the favorite in the Pine Tree State. There are only two locations in Maine for the most popular fast-food joint. Bangor and Westbrook. To put that into perspective, there are 3,059 Chick-Fil-A restaurants in the USA. We have 2 of them.
Do we need or even want more fast-food places? Let's take a look at the top 5 from USA Today, and then ask again.
#1 Best USA Today Fast-Food Restaurant in America and NOT in Maine
I've had Del Taco many times. Too many times. It's good. Really good at 3am. These restaurants are often 24-hours and offer a wide selection of Mexican fast-food AND American fast-food. Yes, you can get a loaded burrito with an XL fry. See why it is #1? The closest Del Tacos are in Ohio and Virginia. Do we need this in Maine? Comment via the Facebook post below.
#4 Best USA Today Fast-Food Restaurant in America and NOT in Maine
Third place is the aforementioned Chick-Fil-A, and second place is KFC. Maine has both of those top tiered (according to votes) restaurants. Not fourth place though. That is the controversial, Californian favorite, In-N-Out Burger.
Is it good? Sure. Is it the best? Absolutely not. I can think of several fast-food spots just as good if not better. But it's a staple in California and has been around for 75-years. How does that make it the fourth favorite in America? I don't get it and that's why I said controversial.
There are actually only 8 states that currently have In-N-Out locations. Maine is definitely not one of them. Do we need In-N-Out in Maine? I'm curious to see your responses on the Facebook post below. My opinion is a double-double nope (In-N-Out joke). My wife, who is a Californian, would vehemently disagree.
#5 Best USA Today Fast-Food Restaurant in America and NOT in Maine
And in fifth place is Hardee's. The closest location to Maine would be in Ripley, New York (believe it or not). Not much to say about Hardee's. I do know the burger pictured has 1400 calories.
So, what do you think? More fast-food joints in Maine or not? We currently have a very limited selection, but do we like it that way so more of the focus is on locally owned places? Please click the Facebook post below here and comment. Would love to read your thoughts!
The Best Fast Food Joints in America for Your Next Cross-Country Road Trip
Fast Food Minimum Wage Is Going Up and So Is The Price On These Menus
Gallery Credit: Kyle Matthews