A Florida City Council Considers Banning Fast Food Chains

We have no shortage of fast food options in Florida. Sure we don't have In-N-Out Burgers... yet. But In-N-Out is getting closer. But try to drive a mile on a major roadway in the Tampa area without passing a McDonald's or Chick-fil-A. Well one city council in the state is looking to stop any kind of fast food chains from even having one location. And it looks like the measure might pass as the initial plan to explore the idea won by an overwhelming 6-1 vote.

According to the Herald-Tribune, City Council Member Ron Smith is asking for support to prohibit any fast food chains from opening on the island of Venice. While there are McDonald's and other fast food chains on South Tamiami Trail inland that do have a Venice address, on the island where Historic Downtown Venice is located and all the beaches are, you won't find a single McDonald's, Wendy's. You won't even the big one: Chick-fil-A. But that's specifically the chain that's prompting the debate.

The report in the Herald-Tribune talks about a rumor that a Chick-fil-A location might open where the Venice Cirus Arena used to be. There's some pretty significant history there. It was once the home of the Ringling Circus. In fact, one plan back in 2019 was to name the area "Ringling Park," according to mysuncoast.com. The Venice City Council voted to grant the 75 year lease to a Michigan investor. They said back in 2019 the developer wanted to use the area for a hotel, medical office spaces, and yes, a restaurant.

So far, no paperwork is on record saying they want to put a Chick-fil-A in the neighborhood, according to the Herald-Tribune. Right now, the only drive thru windows on the island are for banks and a dry cleaner. One restaurant does have a pickup window for take out orders. Gold Rush BBQ is a family owned and operated spot well known for their gold mining theme and sweet tea. They've been around for about 20 years, according to their website. Customers can dine in or carry out. But there's no fast food style drive thru. [Sources: Herald-Tribune, MySuncoast.com]

#1 is not going to be a big surprise to anyone who lives in Florida. But some of the restaurants that made the top 10 definitely made me do a double take. First Coast News says Food Service Direct ran the numbers and determined these to be the 20 "most sought after fast food and casual dining" spots in Florida. Not all are fast food drive-thru style places. They also factored in dine in chains where you get a menu and table service.

My favorites didn't make the top 10. Zaxby's fried chicken boxes are my jam but they came in at #13. Culver's is another regular stop for those of us who work at Q105 since we have one right next to the studio. It just missed the top 10 coming in at #11. And wait until you see who DIDN'T make the list at all!

I don't really go here much. But any fast food spot with wings gets some love from me. Their wings come in plain, buffalo, garlic parmesan, and sweet & smoky. I'm not a big fan of their style of fries, but the "monsterella stix" are a fun unique item for a fast food joint.

I'm a longtime fan of Outback... even though I usually pass on their signature the Bloomin' Onion.  For all you get... steak, salad, a loaded baked potato, and that sweet bread, Outback is a deal. And they're on Uber Eats now too so if I'm feeling extra lazy on gameday, that's a win.

I've only been once.  Not sure why... I did like LongHorn.  I guess I'm just not close to a location. They actually got their start here in Florida. The chain is owned and operated by a company in Orlando. They have over 500 locations now around the country. The first one actually opened in Atlanta though.

I'm never up early enough to do a real breakfast, but this looks good. Remember that stunt they pulled in 2018 when they became "IHOB" and announced a flip to burgers? If that seemed short lived, it was meant to be all along. They never planned to abandon breakfast food. They just wanted a way to advertise that they have burgers and other things other than pancakes. It worked. The internet went wild.

I love their shakes and sliders. We have an Arby's across the street from the radio station. Not so much a fan of their curly fries, but they have the meats.

If I'm not too hungry I go to Panera.  Their portion sizes are too small for this fatso. I love their cinnamon crunch bagels though. I just wish they would give you butter that isn't solid cold like a brick with the bagel.

Not a bad pizza for fast food. But honestly I'm more of a Hungry Howie's fan.

If there were more locations, I bet this place would rank much higher.  The buttered toast is always the first thing I chomp on. But the fried chicken sandwich is a winner. By the way if you like Zaxby's, hunt down Guthrie's the next time you're in South Tampa.

I don't think I've been to one.  But I'd probably be a fan. They are based in Texas but it wasn't long until they reached Florida by the 60s. Whataburger locations are all over the southern U.S. now.

They sell fried cheese curds.  And the ice cream is seriously good.

We have one near the radio station, but I've really never been blown away by anything I've had here.  But I like all the TVs to watch the game.

Oh boy.  How did this land in the top 10?  I mean it's ok.  But Carrabba's if far better and it didn't even make the top 20.  I will confess I do dig the breadsticks like the rest of the world.

Lived on this stuff as a kid.  I still pop by once in a while.  I would definitely rank Zaxby's higher though.  Always amazes me how worldwide they are.  Saw a bunch of them in Bogota, Colombia when I took a trip there this year.

I don't go here enough. I like that they use natural ingredients.  And I've never had a bad burrito there.  But I'm also a big fan of Moe's Mondays... which didn't make this list sadly.
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I'd go a lot more if they were closer to me.  Tater tots are a highly underrated food.

And now I'm gonna have the baby back ribs jingle in my head for the rest of the day.  This dessert looks awesome.

There's always a visit on the way home after The Q105 Saturday Night Dance Party.  I like the Baja Blast... and when they stuff Cool Ranch Doritos into their tacos, I'm in Heaven.

Surprisingly McDonald's didn't make this list.  You know they have to do more business than all these others combined.  But I get the Burger King coming in so high on the list.  Not a fan of their fries, but I do love the flavor of their burgers.

I used to a much bigger Wendy's guy. Since the pandemic, it seems like the service has taken a big hit more than any other fast food chain.  The 4 for 4 though is a steal.  And I'm a chocolate Frosty lover for sure. When I'm trying to be healthy, love their chili and a baked potato.  But it irritates me to no end when I drove off and realize they didn't put sour cream in the bag.

My go to spot the day after the Tampa Bay Lightning win a home game.  Free chicken sandwich with waffle fries and an ice water for $2?  My pleasure.