PDQ is a fast-casual chicken chain where you order at a counter and food arrives in minutes
PDQ stands for "People Dedicated to Quality" and operates as a fast-casual restaurant focused on chicken sandwiches, tenders, and salads. You walk in, order at the counter (or through a mobile app at some locations), pay, and receive your food within a few minutes. The chain does not have table service — you pick up your order and either eat in the dining area or take it with you.
PDQ locations are concentrated in the Southeast and parts of the Midwest, though the chain has expanded to other regions. Each restaurant is designed for quick service: a limited menu focused on chicken, a straightforward ordering process, and a kitchen built for speed. Unlike traditional fast food with a drive-through window, PDQ requires you to order inside or through their app.
The restaurant positions itself between traditional fast food (McDonald's, Chick-fil-A) and full-service casual dining. Prices are higher than a typical fast-food burger but lower than a sit-down restaurant. The ordering and payment happen before you receive food, similar to Chipotle or Panera.
Key Takeaways
- PDQ is a counter-service chicken restaurant where you order and pay before receiving your food, with no table service or drive-through at most locations.
- The menu centers on chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, salads, and sides, with limited customization compared to build-your-own chains.
- Most PDQ locations are in the Southeast and Midwest, though the chain continues to open restaurants in new markets.
- You can order in person at the counter or through the PDQ mobile app at participating locations for pickup.
What's on the PDQ menu and how much it costs
PDQ's menu is built around chicken. The main categories are chicken sandwiches (including a classic sandwich and a spicy version), chicken tenders, salads, and sides like fries, coleslaw, and hushpuppies. Sauces and dressings are available on the side or mixed in, and you can choose your protein portion size on some items.
Prices vary by location and change over time, but a chicken sandwich typically costs between $7 and $10, a tender basket between $8 and $12, and salads between $9 and $13. Sides run $2 to $4, and drinks are priced like other fast-casual chains. Combo meals bundle a sandwich or tenders with a side and drink at a modest discount.
Customization is more limited than at chains like Chipotle. You can usually choose sauce, skip toppings, or pick a different protein size, but you cannot build a sandwich from scratch the way you would at a submarine shop. The menu is designed to move quickly, which means fewer options than a traditional restaurant.
How to order at PDQ
In-person ordering happens at a counter. You read the menu board, decide what you want, step up to the register, tell the staff your order, and pay. The staff then passes your order to the kitchen. You either wait at the counter or sit down, and your number is called when the food is ready — usually within 5 to 10 minutes.
Many PDQ locations now offer ordering through their mobile app. You place your order in the app, pay through the app, and then pick it up at the counter or a designated pickup area when notified. App ordering can save time during busy periods because your order goes straight to the kitchen instead of waiting in a line at the register.
Some locations may offer delivery through third-party apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats, though this varies by restaurant and region. Delivery adds time and a service fee, so pickup is usually faster and cheaper if you can get to the restaurant.
Where PDQ locations are and how to find one
PDQ has the most locations in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The chain also operates in parts of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, with newer locations opening in the Midwest and other regions. As of recent counts, there are roughly 100 to 150 PDQ restaurants, though this number changes as the chain expands.
To find the nearest PDQ, visit the PDQ website and use their location finder tool. You can search by city, zip code, or address, and the tool shows hours, phone numbers, and whether that location offers app ordering or delivery. Google Maps also lists PDQ locations and their hours.
If you live outside the current PDQ footprint, the chain may not be in your area yet. Expansion plans are announced on the company website and through their social media accounts, so following those channels is the best way to learn when PDQ opens near you.
Dietary information and allergen concerns
PDQ publishes nutritional information and allergen details on their website. Because the menu is chicken-focused, vegetarian options are limited — salads can be ordered without protein, and some sides work as a light meal, but there is no dedicated plant-based protein option. Gluten-free customers should ask staff about which items are prepared without gluten-containing ingredients, as cross-contamination can occur in a shared kitchen.
Common allergens in PDQ's menu include chicken, soy (in many sauces), wheat (in breading and buns), and tree nuts (in some dressings). The website lists full allergen information for each menu item. If you have a severe allergy, inform the staff when ordering so they can take precautions during preparation.
Nutritional content varies widely by item. A grilled chicken salad is significantly lower in calories than a fried tender basket with fries. The PDQ website breaks down calories, sodium, fat, and protein for each menu item, which you can review before ordering.
How PDQ compares to other fast-casual chicken chains
PDQ competes primarily with Chick-fil-A, Wingstop, and regional chains. Compared to Chick-fil-A, PDQ has a smaller geographic footprint and does not operate on Sundays, but offers a similar ordering model and price point. Chick-fil-A has drive-through service at most locations, while PDQ does not. Wingstop focuses on wings and is more of a takeout-oriented concept, whereas PDQ emphasizes sandwiches and tenders with dine-in seating.
PDQ's menu is narrower than Chick-fil-A's (which includes breakfast, salads, and sides like mac and cheese) but more focused on quality chicken preparation. Prices are comparable between PDQ and Chick-fil-A, though regional variation exists. Both chains emphasize fresh chicken and limited menus designed for speed.
If you prefer a build-your-own model, chains like Chipotle or Panera offer more customization. If you want drive-through convenience, Chick-fil-A or traditional fast food is faster. PDQ works best if you value a streamlined menu, are willing to order inside or through an app, and live in or visit a market where they operate.
What to know about PDQ's mobile app and loyalty program
The PDQ mobile app lets you browse the menu, place orders for pickup, and pay in advance at participating locations. You can save your favorite orders and see nutritional information before you order. The app also shows which locations near you are currently open and whether they offer app ordering.
PDQ runs a rewards program through the app where you earn points on purchases. Points can be redeemed for free or discounted items, though the specific rewards and point values vary. You must create an account in the app to join the rewards program, and points are tied to that account.
App ordering is optional — you can always order at the counter. However, using the app during peak times (lunch and dinner) can reduce wait time because your order goes directly to the kitchen. Some locations may offer app-exclusive deals or early access to limited-time menu items.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does PDQ have a drive-through?
Most PDQ locations do not have drive-through service. You order inside at the counter or through the mobile app for pickup. A small number of newer locations may have drive-through windows, so check your local restaurant's details on the PDQ website or call ahead to confirm.
Can I customize my order at PDQ?
You can make basic changes like choosing your sauce, removing toppings, or selecting a different protein size. However, PDQ does not offer the level of customization you would find at Chipotle or a submarine chain. The menu is designed for speed, so major modifications may not be possible.
Does PDQ deliver?
Some PDQ locations work with third-party delivery apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats, but not all do. Check the PDQ website or search your address on delivery apps to see if PDQ is available in your area. Delivery adds time and fees compared to picking up in person.
What if I have a food allergy?
PDQ publishes allergen information on their website for every menu item. Tell the staff about your allergy when ordering so they can take precautions. Cross-contamination can happen in a shared kitchen, so inform staff if you need strict separation of allergens.
Is PDQ only in the South?
PDQ started in the Southeast and has the most locations there, but the chain is expanding to other regions including the Midwest. Check the PDQ location finder on their website to see if there is a restaurant near you, or follow their social media for announcements about new openings.