Opinion: A commentary on fast food in Logan

We are reaching the crescendo of fast food culture in the greater Logan area, with an ample variety of dopamine-dosing, salivating destinations fit to satiate all the hungry desires of a USU student. 

We as a Utah State community have come a long way. In the genesis of my time at USU, during the B.D.T. age (before Del Taco), options were limited. 

A fall 2018 trip westward down 400 or 1000 North lacked the fruitfulness the same journey brings today. Sure, the golden arches stretching over the 700 N. Mcdonald’s were still a pillar of society, and Chick-fil-A was well established. But the In-N-Out, Cupbop, Twisted Sugar, Del Taco, Chipotle, Cafe Zupas and Wingstop were undeveloped. 

The acceleration nearly began at the start of the A.D.T era (after Del Taco) in 2019. The establishment of Del Taco was undoubtedly transcendent. But unforeseen circumstances developed, as the pandemic had a residual impact on the Cache Valley’s quick culinary scene, in both a lack of new restaurants and a downfall of existing ones.

Back on a trajectory of growth in the valley, it’s the appropriate time to rank a handful of these joints.

Suboptimal 

Burger King, Main Street and 200 N.

I journeyed to this Burger King in August 2022 with a simplistic purpose in mind: order one large Dr. Pepper. My reasoning was simple. Although I detest the food here, I knew everyone else would, too, so the drive-thru line would be empty, making it a painless experience.  

My assumption was correct; however, I overestimated the restaurant’s ability to meet my demands. “Our fountain drink machine isn’t working,” said the voice from the speaker, and I proceeded to drive off empty handed. Two weeks later, Burger King closed down. 

Wendy’s, 1305 N. Main St.

Truthfully, this Wendy’s should not be considered a fast food joint. 

But if you have an hour on your hands and are looking to burn some fossil fuel while waiting to order some mediocre food, it’s the place to be. 

There could be three cars in line, there could be six, or there could be zero, It makes no difference at all. An irritated voice will correctly gather roughly 60% of your order, then six radio songs later — if you’re lucky — the food will be delivered, probably with a melted Frosty and one of your nuggets missing. 

Honorable mentions: Taco Bell (gross), the TSC food court (better options at every other university food court in the state).

Used to be legendary 

McDonald’s, 810 N Main St

The winter of 2020 — prior to the pandemic — was nothing short of legendary. 

Aiding to its glory was the local Mcdonald’s, nicknamed “The Neighborhood Kitchen” for those whose cooking prowess extended to driving to the drive-thru lane and ordering a Hot n’ Spicy. 

Every time Utah State basketball, led by Sam Merrill and Neemias Queta won a game that year, a trip to Mcdonald’s was in order. Victory meals after Nevada, UNLV, Colorado State, Boise State and San Jose State were truly chemistry-changing experiences. 

Tragically, McDonald’s post-coronavirus has taken a nosedive. Limited hours are the main reason ­— midnight trips for a Sprite are unattainable. Comrading with fellow college students inside the lobby on a late Tuesday night feels like a thing of the past. 

Honorable mention: The south McDonald’s (Same issues; residual impact on my lifestyle is less consequential.)

Trending up 

In and Out, 404 Main St.

The year-long construction of the In-N-Out brought a churn in my stomach and skepticism for the future. The busiest junction in the valley was about to be flipped up on its head. 

But here’s the fickle thing about change: our anticipation for it often outweighs its actual effects. 

When 1000 West was built, did it fix the traffic issue on Main Street by streamlining slow Franklin County pickup trucks? Nope. Did the In-N-Out make the intersection that much busier than it already was? Also nope. 

Instead, it added some pizazz to the corner and another late night, dine-in option. And while the fries still taste like cardboard, the hamburgers hit from time to time, and the shakes are elite. 

Wendy’s, 895 S. Main St.

Growing gray hairs on your noggin from waiting too long in the north Wendy’s drive-thru for a 4 for $4? Cut loose, and head south. The south Wendy’s, carved out between a La Quinta and a health clinic, will be waiting for you with open arms. 

The Jekyll to the north Wendy’s Hyde, the ying to its yang, the south Wendy’s is everything its northern counterpart isn’t. Efficient drive-thru line. Friendly staff. Getting your order right. When those three star align, a $5 biggie bag is well worth the trek. 

Honorable mentions: Einstein Bagels (Purely vibes, but cinnamon sugar bagels are growing on me); Costco food court (I don’t have a Costco card I can’t make this one official.)

Goated

Del Taco, 497 E 1400 N 

Friends come and go. Circumstances change. We experience times of success and moments of growth. Through it all, one thing never will change: 

Del Taco will always be there for you. 

Open 24/7, seven days a week and always properly staffed, it’s the finest fast food establishment in Cache Valley. Fine goods pierce your nose and emanate through your car with additive toxins of deliciousness. Churros, grilled chicken tacos, ranch chicken rollers, Taco Tuesday deals, or even a cheeseburger and fries. You name it, they got it. 3 p.m., or 3 a.m. Always delivers. 

Haven’t been? Quit waiting around. Get going. Consider it your new home away from home. 

Honorable mention: South Maveriks (Not fast food, but two gas stations with delicious gas station food directly across the street from each other.); 7/11 400 N. Main St. (Shoutout to the semi-broken hot chocolate machine and my boy Don.)

— jacob.nielson@usu.edu