PDQ - Clucky concept outruns competition in fast food arena

PDQ

3359 N. Federal Hwy.

Fort Lauderdale, FL  

954-874-8528

www.eatpdq.com

Open 11 a.m. daily until 10 p.m. except Fri. and Sat. until 11 p.m.

By Jane Feehan

PDQ, launched by a few of the principals of Outback Steakhouse, sells chicken tenders, salads and sandwiches in several stores in Florida and in North Carolina. Plans are underway for other franchises. Business at the Fort Lauderdale store has been brisk since it opened recently. Lines for franchises may be nearly as long as they are for PDQ chicken tenders. They have a concept that works and their food is yummy.

PDQ (“people dedicated to quality”) serves fast food a few notches above its competition. It’s mostly chicken here at this "fast-casual" restaurant. To fully appreciate why PDQ stands heads above its competition, future fans might first sample their meaty tenders in one of the baskets served with hand cut fries or blueberry coleslaw. The lightly breaded, lightly fried tenders are plump (huge!) and juicy.  Two or three

tenders with a side order are plenty for even a big appetite. Chicken sandwiches are just as tasty.  They also sell grilled turkey sandwiches with a dollop of cranberry sauce, an item that also sets PDQ apart from other fast-food chains. For waist watchers, there's a small variety of large, fresh salads. Milkshakes and malts top the desert choices for those who don't worry about calories. 

PDQ's interior design makes for a pleasant, airy and somewhat noisy ambiance, but comports with its casual presentation. Drive-in service underscores the fast food experience. It’s fast food outrunning the competition, fast.





Tags: Fort Lauderdale chicken restaurant, fast food Fort Lauderdale, take out chicken, chicken tenders, historical researcher