Juices and smoothies: reads weird
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* '''[http://www.robinsdonuts.com Robin's Donuts]''' — Placing a distant second behind '''Tim Hortons''' on the list of largest Canadian coffee-and-doughnut chains, Robin's nonetheless remains a formidable presence in the [[Prairie Provinces]] and the [[Atlantic Provinces|Maritimes]], and if you're traversing the [[Trans-Canada Highway]] through their home region of [[Northern Ontario]] you're indeed far more likely to spot a Robin's than a Tim's. (On the other hand, they're completely absent from [[Quebec]] and have been supplanted in the Toronto area by '''Coffee Time''', now owned by the same parent company.) The menu has no surprises on it — coffee, doughnuts, bagels, breakfast sandwiches, some lunch items — but portions are a lot more generous than the competition for essentially the same price. Perhaps taking a page from '''Starbucks<nowiki>'</nowiki>''' playbook, Robin's also serves a range of smoothies and more upscale pastries including not-half-bad cheesecake by the slice.
* '''[http://www.robinsdonuts.com Robin's Donuts]''' — Placing a distant second behind '''Tim Hortons''' on the list of largest Canadian coffee-and-doughnut chains, Robin's nonetheless remains a formidable presence in the [[Prairie Provinces]] and the [[Atlantic Provinces|Maritimes]], and if you're traversing the [[Trans-Canada Highway]] through their home region of [[Northern Ontario]] you're indeed far more likely to spot a Robin's than a Tim's. (On the other hand, they're completely absent from [[Quebec]] and have been supplanted in the Toronto area by '''Coffee Time''', now owned by the same parent company.) The menu has no surprises on it — coffee, doughnuts, bagels, breakfast sandwiches, some lunch items — but portions are a lot more generous than the competition for essentially the same price. Perhaps taking a page from '''Starbucks<nowiki>'</nowiki>''' playbook, Robin's also serves a range of smoothies and more upscale pastries including not-half-bad cheesecake by the slice.
*'''[https://www.secondcup.com Second Cup]''' — Once Canada's dominant coffeehouse chain, Second Cup has seen its market share erode in recent years due to competition both from mass-market coffee-and-doughnut outfits like '''Tim Hortons''' as well as upscale chains like '''Starbucks'''. Still they continue on in their niche as the middle ground between those two poles — you'll find locations across Canada, concentrated in large urban centers, as well as three in the U.S. (in [[Wisconsin]], [[South Carolina]], and [[Florida]], where they're called '''[http://www.mysecondcup.com My Second Cup]'''). They've got a good selection of fair-trade coffees from around the world as well as loose-leaf teas. Prices but also quality and variety (especially of non-coffee items, limited here to a few premade sandwiches and baked goods) are all lower than at Starbucks, however hours tend to be longer — many Second Cups remain open 24 hours a day.
*'''[https://www.secondcup.com Second Cup]''' — Once Canada's dominant coffeehouse chain, Second Cup has seen its market share erode in recent years due to competition both from mass-market coffee-and-doughnut outfits like '''Tim Hortons''' as well as upscale chains like '''Starbucks'''. Still they continue on in their niche as the middle ground between those two poles — you'll find locations across Canada, concentrated in large urban centers, as well as three in the U.S. (in [[Wisconsin]], [[South Carolina]], and [[Florida]], where they're called '''[http://www.mysecondcup.com My Second Cup]'''). They've got a good selection of fair-trade coffees from around the world as well as loose-leaf teas. Prices but also quality and variety (especially of non-coffee items, limited here to a few premade sandwiches and baked goods) are all lower than at Starbucks, however hours tend to be longer — many Second Cups remain open 24 hours a day.
−
* '''[http://timhortons.com/ Tim Hortons]''' — A Canadian institution, now with about 800 locations
in the USA, plus a few in the Middle East and with plans to expand into the UK and
Ireland
. Now under the same ownership as Burger King, though the two chains continue to operate separately. You should get a box of "Timbits" at least once on your road trip. Much like Dunkin' in the U.S., Tim Hortons is also a main supplier of coffee to Canadians.
+
* '''[http://timhortons.com/ Tim Hortons]''' — A Canadian institution, now with about 800
U.S.
locations
as
well
. Now under the same ownership as Burger King, though the two chains continue to operate separately. You should get a box of "Timbits" at least once on your road trip. Much like Dunkin' in the U.S., Tim Hortons is also a main supplier of coffee to Canadians.
===Burgers===
===Burgers===
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*'''[http://www.checkers.com Checkers]''' and '''[http://www.rallyshamburgers.com Rally's]''' — Like '''Carl's Jr.''' and '''Hardee's''' listed above, these were originally two separate chains that merged together and now have identical menus but different names. Checker's and Rally's are drive-in burger joints whose decor is based around an "auto racing" theme. You can also get chicken and fish sandwiches, hot dogs, wings, and other such fare here. Locations are concentrated in the South, Southwest, and Great Lakes regions.
*'''[http://www.checkers.com Checkers]''' and '''[http://www.rallyshamburgers.com Rally's]''' — Like '''Carl's Jr.''' and '''Hardee's''' listed above, these were originally two separate chains that merged together and now have identical menus but different names. Checker's and Rally's are drive-in burger joints whose decor is based around an "auto racing" theme. You can also get chicken and fish sandwiches, hot dogs, wings, and other such fare here. Locations are concentrated in the South, Southwest, and Great Lakes regions.
* '''[http://www.culvers.com Culver's]''' — The specialties for which this fast-casual chain is most famous — delicious soft-serve frozen custard, deep-fried cheese curds, and a line of "ButterBurgers" (served on a buttered, toasted bun) — pay homage to the company's home state of [[Wisconsin]] (they don't call it "America's Dairyland" for nothing!) Culver's also serves a variety of chicken and fish sandwiches, main-course salads, crinkle-cut fries, and a surprisingly wide variety of vegetable sides too. Locations are mostly concentrated in the Midwest and Great Plains, with additional clusters in [[Texas]], the [[Phoenix]] metropolitan area, and a few scattered elsewhere.
* '''[http://www.culvers.com Culver's]''' — The specialties for which this fast-casual chain is most famous — delicious soft-serve frozen custard, deep-fried cheese curds, and a line of "ButterBurgers" (served on a buttered, toasted bun) — pay homage to the company's home state of [[Wisconsin]] (they don't call it "America's Dairyland" for nothing!) Culver's also serves a variety of chicken and fish sandwiches, main-course salads, crinkle-cut fries, and a surprisingly wide variety of vegetable sides too. Locations are mostly concentrated in the Midwest and Great Plains, with additional clusters in [[Texas]], the [[Phoenix]] metropolitan area, and a few scattered elsewhere.
−
* '''[https://www.fatburger.com/home/ Fatburger]''' — A fast-casual burger chain originally from California, but now also present elsewhere in the western U.S
. as well as in some Asian countries
. They serve some really big hamburgers and have a wide range of sides to choose from.
+
* '''[https://www.fatburger.com/home/ Fatburger]''' — A fast-casual burger chain originally from California, but now also present elsewhere in the western U.S. They serve some really big hamburgers and have a wide range of sides to choose from.
* '''[http://fiveguys.com Five Guys]''' — Made to order burgers, hot dogs and fries. This place is pricier than the other burger chains on this list, but noted for its quality and large portions — a "regular" burger has two patties while a "little" has one, and a large order of fries will practically fill up the paper bag they serve them in. You can also choose as many toppings as you like. Each Five Guys restaurant has a bucket of complimentary peanuts for you to enjoy while you wait for your order.
* '''[http://fiveguys.com Five Guys]''' — Made to order burgers, hot dogs and fries. This place is pricier than the other burger chains on this list, but noted for its quality and large portions — a "regular" burger has two patties while a "little" has one, and a large order of fries will practically fill up the paper bag they serve them in. You can also choose as many toppings as you like. Each Five Guys restaurant has a bucket of complimentary peanuts for you to enjoy while you wait for your order.
* '''[http://www.fuddruckers.com Fuddruckers]''' — Order your burger at the counter then go to the salad bar to fill the bun how you like.
* '''[http://www.fuddruckers.com Fuddruckers]''' — Order your burger at the counter then go to the salad bar to fill the bun how you like.
* '''[http://www.harveys.ca Harvey's]''' — Canadian hamburger (and hot dog) chain; like Burger King and Carl's Jr./Hardee's, flame-broils its burgers. Also distinguishes itself by offering a wide selection of toppings and condiments so that there are nominally 2<sup>23</sup> different variants of the same basic burgers.
* '''[http://www.harveys.ca Harvey's]''' — Canadian hamburger (and hot dog) chain; like Burger King and Carl's Jr./Hardee's, flame-broils its burgers. Also distinguishes itself by offering a wide selection of toppings and condiments so that there are nominally 2<sup>23</sup> different variants of the same basic burgers.
−
* '''[http://www.in-n-out.com In-N-Out Burger]''' — A California must visit; now expanding to a few other Western states, plus Texas. Simple short menu (although there is a semi-secret extra list). You have to wait for your order, but it is made fresh. Its most well-known item is the
''
animal-style fries
''
, a selection off the "secret menu" in which your fries are drenched in a concoction of melted cheese, grilled onions, and Thousand Island dressing.
+
* '''[http://www.in-n-out.com In-N-Out Burger]''' — A California must visit; now expanding to a few other Western states, plus Texas. Simple short menu (although there is a semi-secret extra list). You have to wait for your order, but it is made fresh. Its most well-known item is the
"
animal-style fries
"
, a selection off the "secret menu" in which your fries are drenched in a concoction of melted cheese, grilled onions, and Thousand Island dressing.
* '''[http://www.jackinthebox.com Jack in the Box]''' — Burgers, fries, and all the other usual suspects, but also breakfast burritos, tacos, egg rolls, and cream cheese-filled jalapeño poppers. One of the few major fast-food chains without a mobile app.
* '''[http://www.jackinthebox.com Jack in the Box]''' — Burgers, fries, and all the other usual suspects, but also breakfast burritos, tacos, egg rolls, and cream cheese-filled jalapeño poppers. One of the few major fast-food chains without a mobile app.
* '''[http://www.krystal.com Krystal]''' — The Southern version of White Castle (see below), with a similar '''slider'''-based menu ([[#Typical dishes|see above]]). The two chains overlap only in South Central Kentucky and the Nashville area.
* '''[http://www.krystal.com Krystal]''' — The Southern version of White Castle (see below), with a similar '''slider'''-based menu ([[#Typical dishes|see above]]). The two chains overlap only in South Central Kentucky and the Nashville area.
−
* '''[https://www.smashburger.com/ Smashburger]''' — The Cadillac of fast-casual burger joints, fast-growing Smashburger was launched in [[Denver]] in 2009 and, only seven years later as of this writing, has grown to include almost 400 locations in nine countries. Their North American geographical range covers most of the U.S. as well as a quartet of Canadian locations
and three in [[Central America]]
. The name of this place comes from the practice of "smashing" a ball of 100% Angus ground beef onto the grill to sear the meat before cooking, making for a juicier burger, and that goes a long way in summarizing the distinctively high-end approach this chain takes. Expect smaller portions than '''Five Guys''' but a ''far'' wider range of options to choose from — maybe too wide; premium ingredients such as truffle oil and fresh avocado make for a sometimes daunting customer experience — as well as craft beer served at each location, for prices not nearly as high as you'd expect. Burgers come as specialty creations or you can build-your-own, and Smashburger also serves chicken sandwiches, a decent variety of specialty fries, salads, and milkshakes made with premium '''Häagen-Dazs''' ice cream.
+
* '''[https://www.smashburger.com/ Smashburger]''' — The Cadillac of fast-casual burger joints, fast-growing Smashburger was launched in [[Denver]] in 2009 and, only seven years later as of this writing, has grown to include almost 400 locations in nine countries. Their North American geographical range covers most of the U.S. as well as a quartet of Canadian locations. The name of this place comes from the practice of "smashing" a ball of 100% Angus ground beef onto the grill to sear the meat before cooking, making for a juicier burger, and that goes a long way in summarizing the distinctively high-end approach this chain takes. Expect smaller portions than '''Five Guys''' but a ''far'' wider range of options to choose from — maybe too wide; premium ingredients such as truffle oil and fresh avocado make for a sometimes daunting customer experience — as well as craft beer served at each location, for prices not nearly as high as you'd expect. Burgers come as specialty creations or you can build-your-own, and Smashburger also serves chicken sandwiches, a decent variety of specialty fries, salads, and milkshakes made with premium '''Häagen-Dazs''' ice cream.
* '''[https://www.sonicdrivein.com/ Sonic Drive-In]''' — 50s-style drive-in restaurants serving burgers, sandwiches, fries, and shakes. Most offer only carhop service and drive-thru, though a few of the newer ones have indoor dining rooms.
* '''[https://www.sonicdrivein.com/ Sonic Drive-In]''' — 50s-style drive-in restaurants serving burgers, sandwiches, fries, and shakes. Most offer only carhop service and drive-thru, though a few of the newer ones have indoor dining rooms.
* '''[https://www.wendys.com Wendy's]''' — Hamburgers and salads; a marginally healthier choice than the other burger joints as any combo may substitute salad for fries on request.
* '''[https://www.wendys.com Wendy's]''' — Hamburgers and salads; a marginally healthier choice than the other burger joints as any combo may substitute salad for fries on request.
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In the early days of '''McDonald's''', founding father Ray Kroc famously forbade his company from ever selling hot dogs (he considered them unsanitary), setting a trend in the world of North American fast food that largely continues to this day: leaving aside a few halfhearted incursions into the genre from the likes of '''Sonic''', '''Checkers/Rally's''', and most recently '''Burger King''', hot dogs are noticeably hard to find in the big chains, especially compared to the ubiquitous hamburger. Here are a couple of exceptions to that rule.
In the early days of '''McDonald's''', founding father Ray Kroc famously forbade his company from ever selling hot dogs (he considered them unsanitary), setting a trend in the world of North American fast food that largely continues to this day: leaving aside a few halfhearted incursions into the genre from the likes of '''Sonic''', '''Checkers/Rally's''', and most recently '''Burger King''', hot dogs are noticeably hard to find in the big chains, especially compared to the ubiquitous hamburger. Here are a couple of exceptions to that rule.
−
* '''[http://www.nathansfamous.com Nathan's Famous]''' — Nathan Handwerker served up his first hot dog on the [[Brooklyn/Coney Island and Brighton Beach|Coney Island]] boardwalk in 1916; a century later, there are over 300 hot dog stands bearing his name (not to mention hundreds of grocery stores stocking Nathan's products to cook at home). You'll find Nathan's Famous most often in the major Northeastern megalopolises of [[New York City|New York]], [[Boston]], and [[Philadelphia]], with two or three dozen more in [[Florida]] and further locations scattered widely across the U.S
.; they also have a modest international presence centered, interestingly, in the countries of the former Soviet Union
. The signature product is a skinless, all-beef frankfurter infused with a secret seasoning mix, grilled up and served with your choice of toppings, including chili and cheese sauce. Also on the menu are burgers, Philly cheesesteaks, grilled or fried chicken (wings, tenders, or sandwiches), and crinkle-cut French fries.
+
* '''[http://www.nathansfamous.com Nathan's Famous]''' — Nathan Handwerker served up his first hot dog on the [[Brooklyn/Coney Island and Brighton Beach|Coney Island]] boardwalk in 1916; a century later, there are over 300 hot dog stands bearing his name (not to mention hundreds of grocery stores stocking Nathan's products to cook at home). You'll find Nathan's Famous most often in the major Northeastern megalopolises of [[New York City|New York]], [[Boston]], and [[Philadelphia]], with two or three dozen more in [[Florida]] and further locations scattered widely across the U.S. The signature product is a skinless, all-beef frankfurter infused with a secret seasoning mix, grilled up and served with your choice of toppings, including chili and cheese sauce. Also on the menu are burgers, Philly cheesesteaks, grilled or fried chicken (wings, tenders, or sandwiches), and crinkle-cut French fries.
* '''[http://www.wienerschnitzel.com/ Wienerschnitzel]''' — If you know any [[German phrasebook|German]] or have even a passing knowledge of [[Austria]]n cuisine the name will make you cringe: they don't serve schnitzel at this mostly West Coast chain, but rather hot dogs (along with a few other items such as chili cheeseburgers and Polish sausage sandwiches).
* '''[http://www.wienerschnitzel.com/ Wienerschnitzel]''' — If you know any [[German phrasebook|German]] or have even a passing knowledge of [[Austria]]n cuisine the name will make you cringe: they don't serve schnitzel at this mostly West Coast chain, but rather hot dogs (along with a few other items such as chili cheeseburgers and Polish sausage sandwiches).
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* '''[http://www.jambajuice.com Jamba Juice]''' — Founded in 1990 as the "senior project" of a California Polytechnic University student, Jamba Juice serves up a range of fresh, healthy, blended-to-order fruit juice mixes and smoothies (to which you can add "shots" and "boosts" of wheatgrass, soy protein, and various vitamin and nutrient blends to ratchet up the nutritional benefits even more), as well as oatmeal bowls, whole-grain flatbreads, sandwiches, and other nonjuice options that are a healthy alternative to usual fast-food fare. Jamba Juice is a nationwide presence in the U.S. with the densest concentration of locations on the West Coast; there's also a single Canadian location in the [[Toronto]] suburbs.
* '''[http://www.jambajuice.com Jamba Juice]''' — Founded in 1990 as the "senior project" of a California Polytechnic University student, Jamba Juice serves up a range of fresh, healthy, blended-to-order fruit juice mixes and smoothies (to which you can add "shots" and "boosts" of wheatgrass, soy protein, and various vitamin and nutrient blends to ratchet up the nutritional benefits even more), as well as oatmeal bowls, whole-grain flatbreads, sandwiches, and other nonjuice options that are a healthy alternative to usual fast-food fare. Jamba Juice is a nationwide presence in the U.S. with the densest concentration of locations on the West Coast; there's also a single Canadian location in the [[Toronto]] suburbs.
−
* '''[http://www.orangejulius.com Orange Julius]''' — Julius Freed's combination orange juice/medicinal tonic/Bible tract stand opened for business in [[Los Angeles]] in 1926 — about a decade and a half before, and nearly 2,000 miles away from, the first '''[[#Other|Dairy Queen]]'''. But nowadays it's rare that you hear Orange Julius mentioned anytime other than in the same breath as its now-parent company: with the exception of a few remaining independent outlets widely scattered across the country in shopping malls and the like, today most Orange Juliuses (Julii?) exist as "restaurants-within-restaurants" inside
of
Dairy Queen locations. The namesake product is not quite a juice blend and not quite a smoothie — a concoction of frozen orange juice concentrate mixed with milk, sugar, vanilla, and egg whites — and there's also a range of smoothies and other drinks to round out the menu.
+
* '''[http://www.orangejulius.com Orange Julius]''' — Julius Freed's combination orange juice/medicinal tonic/Bible tract stand opened for business in [[Los Angeles]] in 1926 — about a decade and a half before, and nearly 2,000 miles away from, the first '''[[#Other|Dairy Queen]]'''. But nowadays it's rare that you hear Orange Julius mentioned anytime other than in the same breath as its now-parent company: with the exception of a few remaining independent outlets widely scattered across the country in shopping malls and the like, today most Orange Juliuses (Julii?) exist as "restaurants-within-restaurants" inside Dairy Queen locations. The namesake product is not quite a juice blend and not quite a smoothie — a concoction of frozen orange juice concentrate mixed with milk, sugar, vanilla, and egg whites — and there's also a range of smoothies and other drinks to round out the menu.
===Other===
===Other===