The Coachella Valley has quite a few fast food joints (most with drive-thrus!), but why don’t the people of Palm Springs have these fast food joints!
1) Baker’s Drive Thru
Anyone who was driven out to The I.E. has probably enjoyed a Papa Meal or a Mama Meal with hamburgers, fries, and Mexican food from this franchise which began in San Bernardino in 1952. The chain now has 38 restaurants with the closest being in Beaumont and is consistently voted “Best Fast Food” in San Bernardino County by readers of the San Bernardino Sun.
2) Dunkin Donuts
Why must Starbucks be the only game in town? At the end of 2011, there were 10,083 Dunkin Donuts stores in the world with over 7,000 in The United States – yet none in The Coachella Valley. The chain announced plans to expand into California in the next few years, but for now you will have to drive to Barstow or San Diego.
UPDATE: Dunkin’ is coming to The Coachella Valley – and probably all because of this article 😉
3) Chik-fil-A
Politically, this place is pretty ridiculous – but you know what is also ridiculous? Waffle fries! Redlands and Temecula are not too far a drive for a chicken sandwich, but why not here?
4) Portillo’s
So, we should consider ourselves luck that this Midwest chain has any California locations at all (they have 2), but how great would it be to have those Italian beef sandwiches in The Desert? If you have never stopped in Moreno Valley – do it! In addition to the sandwiches, the hot dogs are killer and do not even get me started on the chocolate cake.
5) Krispy Kreme
Come to think of it, having one of these donut spots closer than Ontario might lead me to become 300 pounds. Stay far, far away from me Krispy Kreme. I mean it!!!
What do you think…any that I missed?
1. Never eaten at bakers. If I remember correctly there’s a bunch of them in the San Bernardino area but never stopped and ate at one. Had a friend who said it sucked so never stopped.
2. Dunkin Donuts. My first experience with this company was interesting. Every single one of their donuts is the exact opposite of what you find in every other donut store in america. It took me a while to get use to this. The donuts were good, and I’d go back again but none near me. Personally, give me a winchell’s or mom and pop donut shop any day…
3. Chik-fil-a. Never been there….never even seen one.
4. Portillo’s. Never even heard of it. But if it’s a hot dog shop, I’m always in the mood for a good chili cheese dog.
5. Krispy Kreme. You can keep this overpriced, overrated donut shop. Donuts are twice as much money and half the size of any other donut in america. I’ve had mini donuts bigger than their donuts (not really but pretty damn close.) I’ve never bought one of their donuts and never will. Had a few when people brought them to work and they were nothing special.
Interesting list. When you get to the subject of big box stores….when can we get a Fry’s Electronics….That store is insane and puts best buy to shame.
Thanks for checking out my post and the in-depth response. Portillo’s is my favorite of the 5 on the list. If you are ever in Moreno Valley, check them out. Also, do not discount Krispy Kreme so easily…if you see one of their locations with a red neon light lit around the outside, that is indicating the donuts are fresh and at that moment…they are amazing. Anyway, I like your idea for a box store list. I dig me some Fry’s. I also would not mind an IKEA at some point as well.