McDonald’s, Burger King, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Taco Bell.
the National Institutes of Health defines fast food as “quick, easily accessible and inexpensive alternatives to home-cooked meals which also tend to be high in saturated fat, sugar, salt and calories.
Labor shortages and lame supply chains across an array of industries mean that many of the country’s biggest names in fast food are struggling amid the continuing fallout from the pandemic.
For example, Subway Restaurants, which opened its first location in Bridgeport and is headquartered in Milford, closed 1,600 net locations last year; in large part due to the fact that the vast majority of its 22,000 locations nationwide do not have a drive-thru, according to food analysis company Technomic.
But don’t expect the big names in the industry to disappear anytime soon: Market forecasts predicted earlier this year that the global fast food industry is expected to grow by around $ 75.85 billion in 2019. 2021.
So the next time you decide to ignore warnings from national health experts and head for this accessible sodium delight, consider countering global income trends by supporting one of these local options.
Johnny’s Clam Cabin
This seasonal seal in Norwich is a veteran owned and operated business offering all the classics, including favorites like fresh tacos – squid, fish, clams or shrimp – and main courses including clam strips and fish and chips. The sandwich offerings include shrimp and clam rolls or a chicken or fish sandwich.
Johnny’s is closed in late fall and winter, but operates at 184 Main Street in Norwich.
Fred’s Shanty Restaurant
Located in New London, this famous drive-up has been operating since 1972 and offers seaside specialties – lobster rolls, fried fish, and clam chowder – as well as more common options including hot dogs and handmade burgers.
Located at 272 Pequot Ave. with seagulls flying overhead, Fred’s Shanty is open Tuesday through Sunday 11am to 7pm.
Philly’s – a taste of Philadelphie
With a nod to the famous Philadelphia division on what type of cheese to use, the restaurant at 33 Sherman Street in Norwich uses Kraft Cheese Whiz to smother premium, premium rib eye steak served on freshly baked buns, according to the restaurant’s Facebook page.
Kamp dog
It started as a hot dog stand under the Niantic River Bridge in 2003 before opening a location in 15 Broad St. in New London in 2009.
In addition to its signature dish, “the Kamp Dog” – a long grilled hot dog topped with homemade “dynamite sauce”, cheese and onions served on a New England toast – the location serves over 50 entrees for breakfast and lunch and a variety of sides.
Seats are available by table or in the countryside, Monday to Friday from 6 am to 3 pm; and from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Captain Scott’s Lobster Wharf
Created in 1996, this dockside location in New London offers views of the water as you dine outside on lobster rolls and other casual options like fried clam cakes and lobster bisque – all sold in a window configuration classic take-out.
Captain Scott’s is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
Hank’s dairy bar
Since 1957, Hank’s dairy bar provided the tri-city area with an alfresco dining experience with a drop-in ordering window.
The seasonal restaurant has a long menu featuring all the delicacies of deep-frying as well as weekly specials and a ‘south of the border’ section. Of course, the name suggests there is more for the sweet tooth, including split bananas, waffle sundaes, and a plethora of ice cream offerings.
Closed in late fall and early winter, it opens in the spring, Tuesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Located at 1006 Norwich Road in Plainfield.
This article originally appeared in The Bulletin: Lobster Rolls, Philly Cheese Steaks, Hot Dogs: Eat Local in Eastern CT
Comments are closed.