Photo by Krista Wadsworth
Photo by Krista Wadsworth
Photo by Krista Wadsworth
Photo by Krista WadsworthPDQ started its expansion into Texas with the April 16 opening of its first restaurant on Preston Road.
PDQ (People Dedicated to Quality) specializes in fresh, never frozen chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches and salads. The menu is rounded out by freshly cut fries, hand-spun milkshakes, cookies, blueberry coleslaw and apple slices with toffee dip.
There is no freezer at PDQ and no preservatives are used in the food, said Jeff Kamis, chief marketing and public relations officer.
The ingredients, from the chicken to the seven variety of dressings, are kept chilled, but have a shelf life. If an ingredient is not used while fresh, it is thrown out, Kamis said. Bread is shipped to the restaurant three to four times a week.
Idaho potatoes, taken straight from the box, are inspected, then chopped, baked, then chilled for several hours before hitting the fry-cooker. Made-to-order tenders are hand-breaded right before cooking.
Its fast-casual business approach gives diners the option to order at the drive-thru or eat inside the spacious restaurant. With its lofty ceilings, TVs and free Wi-Fi, PDQ is conducive to sitting down and eating for everyone from "grandkids to grandparents," he said. "We have the speed factor and take into consideration the affordability factor as well," Kamis said.
Other unique restaurant features include a hands-free handwashing station with a foot pedal—cleanliness is "extremely important" to PDQ, Kamis said—and a "bar" area with a clear view of the kitchen operations. "People should get to see and know what they are eating," Kamis said.
A Coca-Cola soda system offers more than 100 drink choices. The restaurant also serves a bottled cherry-flavored soda called Cheerwine—a throwback to its beginnings.
The drive-thru technique is also unusual. PDQ does not have a "squawk box," and instead customers drive to the window to order in person.
The chain originated in Florida in 2011 and also has restaurants in Alabama and North Carolina.
PDQ is at 4585 Preston Road and is open 10:30 a.m.–10 p.m. seven days a week. 972-292-7673. The business also caters. www.eatpdq.com
