My recent visit to PDQ was an absolute delight. The main event in their menu are the antibiotic-free chicken tenders and sandwiches, not forgetting their salads and sides, all of which can be customized to your liking
I admired PDQ's commitment to a healthier fast food option. Their menu is a montage of classics; chicken tenders, sandwiches, salads, and wraps all made with quality ingredients! It's clear that PDQ sticks to its mission: to offer exceptional customer experiences, quality ingredients, while engaging in local philanthropy initiatives, all of which made me feel pretty good about choosing PDQ.
The dedication of using fresh ingredients in creating made-to-order food is a fantastic touch and certainly gives PDQ an edge. Their commitment to customer satisfaction is apparent in their delicious food and excellent customer service. No wonder PDQ was named one of the Nation's Restaurant News "Breakout Brands" in 2014.
Are there any PDQ restaurants outside of the USA?
Having started in the USA, PDQ took a global turn and went international - kickstarting this journey in Dubai. EIC, their franchise rights holder, has the credentials to launch PDQ in about 40 different countries across the Middle East and North Africa, the Commonwealth of Independent States, and the Baltic/EU regions. Quite a broad footprint, eh?
So what really makes PDQ different?
- Fresh ingredients
- Every single meal is made to order
- Homemade sauce prepared every morning from freshly harvested farm ingredients
- Fully customizable orders
- Transparent kitchen space; customers enjoy watching the chefs in action
What about the chicken at PDQ?
At PDQ, the chicken tenders aren't just tenders -- they're handmade and hand-breaded, then paired with a variety of handmade sauces -- ranch, buffalo bleu, creamy garlic, honey BBQ, sweet sriracha, honey mustard, and the mouthwatering PDQ sauce.
And what else can you find on PDQ's menu?
PDQ certainly isn’t a one-trick pony. You can pick between chicken, salads, sandwiches, and desserts. Whether it's chicken tenders or nuggets, grilled or crispy, PDQ has got you covered. My personal favorite is the ‘Jacked Buffy Bleu’ sandwich -- a mouthwatering combination of crispy chicken tossed in buffy bleu sauce, lettuce, pepper jack cheese, and bacon, all nested finely inside a bun. Of course, customization is key at PDQ, so feel free to modify your order to suit your palate.
For dessert, the hand-spun shakes and moist chocolate cake were hard to resist. The shakes, available in Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, or Peanut Butter, come with delightful topping options that had me spoiled for choice.
How do I place an order at PDQ?
Ordering at PDQ is a breeze. If you're dining in, simply peruse the menu at the counter display and then wait for your number to be called. For those on the go, drive-through is an option. Craving PDQ from the comfort of your own home? Deliveries are available through UberEats, SkipTheDishes, and DoorDash at select locations.
What if I am a vegetarian?
Even though PDQ primarily focuses on chicken, the options for vegetarians are not completely zero. With some customization or opting for certain sides like broccoli, apple slices, zucchini fries, or chili-lime corn, PDQ does cater to vegetarians.
Does PDQ cater to kids?
Yes! With a kids' meal offering of either 2 chicken tenders or 5 chicken nuggets (your choice of grilled or crispy), a side of broccoli, and a juice box, PDQ ensures that even the little ones are sorted.
What are the opening hours for PDQ?
Most PDQ locations open from 11 am and close between 9-10 pm, though the timings may vary slightly with certain outlets.
Is PDQ healthy?
Compared to its competitors, PDQ does come off as a healthier alternative despite falling in the “unhealthy” category since it's still fast food. Their chicken is antibiotic and hormone-free and the ingredients are always farm-fresh, but beware of the calorie content. For example, their chocolate shake alone carries a whopping 1780 calories! So, if you're watching your calorie intake, choose wisely.
Does PDQ offer catering?
Absolutely. With a minimum of 2.5 hours' notice, you can have PDQ cater your next event. From chicken tenders and nuggets platters to sandwich platters and oversized salads, PDQ has you sorted. The minimum order for catering is $100.
Pros:
- Creative and healthy menu options
- Exceptional made-to-order service
- Caters to dietary needs
- Thoughtful involvement in local philanthropy initiatives
- Reliable customer service
Cons:
- High-calorie content in some dishes
- Limited options for vegetarians
- Varying operating hours between branches