Tampa Bay Business Journal
Another in a long line of Tampa Bay-based restaurant chains is generating national buzz.
Nation’s Restaurant News, a top food service trade magazine, has named PDQ one of its 2014 Hot Concepts winners, joining four other emerging brands.
“Hot Concepts recognizes forward-thinking companies at the leading edge of foodservice that also show strong potential for growth,” NRN said on its website.
The publication said of PDQ: “With its emphasis on freshness, [the restaurant] looks to stand out in the crowded quick-serve and fast-casual chicken segment.”
PDQ was founded in 2011 by Outback Steakhouse co-founder Bob Basham and Nick Reader, chief executive of MVP Holdings. The chain currently has 25 locations from Florida to North Carolina.
The other Hot Concepts winners are: LYFE Kitchen (Chicago); Protein Bar (Chicago); Slater’s 50/50 (Southern California) and Snap Kitchen (Austin, Tex.)
NRN’s editorial team selected the winners. The chosen five will be celebrated at the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators Conference (MUFSO), held Oct. 5-7 in Dallas.