Founded in the 1950s by Fred"Pal" Barger, Pal's fast food is regarded by its industry peers as one of the best-run burger chains in a country that's spoiled foroptions; so well-oiled a machine is Pal's, it even managed to snag the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award one year — it's an honor that typically goes to hospitals, educational institutions, even luxury hotels. It was the first time the award went to a fast food chain.
The drink menu contains a number of surprises — we'll start with the fact that you can get a Dr. Enuf. Never heard of it? Again, this is a brand that never traveled far from its East Tennessee home; the classic, lemon-lime soda with added vitamins and nutrients is bottled locally in Johnson City. Mello Yello and Mr. Pibb are also offered, along with the less obscure Coke brands.