North Carolina-based Chain Wins USA Today’s ‘Best Fast Food Breakfast’ – And It Isn’t Bojangles
When you hear about a North Carolina-based fast food chain winning an award for the best fast food breakfast, your mind probably goes straight to Bojangles. But that’s not the case in this USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
Whether you hit the drive-thru every day or get a quick and convenient bite to eat when you’re on a road trip, fast food definitely has its appeal. We all have our own favorite chains and menu items, but a new report reveals some of America’s favorites.
The results of the 2023 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for fast food are in. To come up with the list, 10Best editors and a panel of fast food experts nominated their top picks for fast food and quick service spots in 10 different categories. Readers then voted to choose their favorites and these are the winners.
- Best Fast Food Breakfast – Biscuitville. This regional chain is in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, and along with their biscuits, including their Spicy Chicken & Jalapeño Pimento Cheese Biscuit, they’re known for their grits, hash browns, country gravy, and their cheesecake stuffed waffle.
- Best Fast Food Burger – BBQ Rodeo Burger at BurgerFi. It’s made with charred jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, crispy haystack onions, and Memphis sweet BBQ sauce on two natural Angus beef patties.
- Best Fast Food Fried Chicken – Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken. It’s honey-dipped, hand-breaded in a blend of herbs and spices, then pressure cooked.
- Best Fast Food Fries – McDonald’s. People really love these fries, but what makes them stand out? Maybe it’s the beef flavoring that’s mixed in the oil.
- Best Fast Food Restaurant – Chick-fil-A. From the chicken sandwiches to the waffle fries, this chain is a fan favorite.
- Best Fast Food Sides – Fried okra at Golden Chick. This Southern-style side dish is made of breaded and deep-fried okra, which has a crunchy exterior people can’t get enough of.
- Best Late Night Fast Food – Krystal. This chain is known for its small, square-shaped “Krystals” burgers, but late-night dining can also include their loaded fries and tots, pups (snack-sized hot dogs), and glaze bombs.
- Best Regional Fast Food – Biscuitville. The North Carolina-based chain specializes in Southern food and also wins the breakfast category, which may be thanks to the biscuits being baked fresh every 15 minutes.
- Best Restaurant for Quick, Healthy Food – Jason’s Deli. They offer vegetarian and gluten-sensitive menus, as well as soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta, and potatoes.
- Best Sandwich or Sub Shop – PrimoHoagies. Their menu features 10 sandwich categories to pick from, including Italian Classics, Philly Cheesesteaks, and Meatless.
[READ NEXT: How Many Calories You’re Really Ingesting When You Eat Fast Food]
You Should Probably Skip These Foods At A Breakfast Buffet
Eggs
Many establishments opt for powdered eggs instead of fresh ones, as it’s a cost-effective way to prepare large quantities of scrambled eggs to cater to numerous guests at once. However, powdered eggs cannot compare to the taste, texture, and color of their fresh counterparts. Another concern lies in the fact that these eggs are pre-cooked, which means they might sit at unsafe temperatures for extended periods.
According to the FDA, serving eggs immediately after cooking is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses. Unfortunately, in a buffet setting, it’s challenging to determine how long the eggs have been sitting out.
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Fruit
Unless you witnessed the fruit being freshly prepared in the kitchen, it’s nearly impossible to gauge how long that eye-catching fruit display has been sitting there. According to the FDA, when fruits are cut, their protective skins are breached, leaving the flesh vulnerable to the surrounding environment and any potential bacteria. This creates two primary reasons that heighten the risk of contamination. Firstly, cutting the fruit makes its water content and nutrients readily available to microorganisms. Secondly, without any heating process, disease-causing germs aren’t eliminated, further contributing to the potential hazards of consuming cut fruits from a buffet display.
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Waffles
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There’s a joy of pouring your own batter into a Belgian waffle maker, flipping it eagerly, and waiting for that gratifying green light before embellishing it with toppings. However, it’s best to exercise caution and avoid the waffle station. As per TikToker Brandi Augustus, a former hotel employee, the waffle batter served there is often old and sour. Instead of disposing of the old batter, new batter is mixed with it. It’s worth noting that not all places offering breakfast buffets adhere to this practice, but it’s wise to stay informed and make a decision based on the circumstances.
