PDQ: A Chain To Watch In 2017

Tampa Bay-based quick-service chain PDQ has been around for five years, and if you haven't already heard of it, it's time to get on board. Why? Because even though there are currently only 55 locations in seven states, by the end of 2017 the plan is to open 22 more units in five new markets, and to open its hundredth location in 2018. And at PDQ, it's all about the chicken.

Founded by Outback Steakhouse co-founder Bob Basham and Tampa Bay Buccaneers CFO Nick Reader, who spent years in R&D before perfecting its flagship chicken tender, PDQ's menu focuses on chicken tenders, nuggets, sandwiches, and salads, but they're doing things a little bit differently than your usual fast food chain. Chicken is 100 percent natural, never frozen, and contains no added hormones or steroids; tenders are hand-breaded in-house; the 11 sauces and dressings are made from scratch every day; salads are made to order; shakes are hand-spun to order; and cookies are fresh-baked in house daily.

You can check out the menu here; if it doesn't make you hungry nothing will. Tenders are available crispy or grilled; sauces include sweet sriracha, creamy garlic, Buffalo blue, and chipotle BBQ. Sandwiches are served on toasted brioche buns and include the brand new Honey Butter (crispy chicken with homemade honey butter and pickles), Buffy Bleu (crispy chicken tenders with lettuce and Buffalo bleu sauce), and even grilled turkey breast with Thanksgiving spices, mayo, lettuce, and cranberry. Sides include zucchini fries, blueberry coleslaw, and apple slices with toffee dip.

PDQ currently has locations in Florida, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Nevada, Texas, and New Jersey, but in 2017 new locations will be opening in Chicago, Utah, Oklahoma, Arizona, and New York (possibly Brooklyn). So be on the lookout!