Shake Shack

Image: jonolist, Flickr (license)

In 2004, New York restauranteur Danny Meyer opened a small fast-food joint in a shed in the middle of Madison Square Park in New York City. He thought it would be a fun side project to distract him from his growing portfolio of high-end NYC restaurants — a small operation slinging burgers and shakes from its one location.

The burgers — fresh, clean, and grilled to perfection — combined with nigh-prototypical french fries and amazing milkshakes to give New Yorkers something they long wanted: delicious burgers in a fast-casual environment. Soon, lines started forming around the park and he had to open a second location. Then a third. And so, on.

Within ten years, Shake Shake went from a single stand in the middle of a Manhattan park to a global food brand worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Even still, there are many who’ve never tried it or who live so far from a Shake Shack that the idea is itself exotic.

If you’ve never been, please go to one of the handful of Orlando locations. It is the quintessential American food experience — and it truly cannot be beat.

Krispy Kreme

Image: pscf11, Flickr (license)

Dunkin Donuts might be the more famous American chain, but Krispy Kreme has the better doughnuts. That might seem controversial at first glance, but anyone who’s seen the “Hot Doughnuts” sign illuminated in the window of a Krispy Kreme and made an unexpected stop can tell you that it is, without a doubt, true.

Many people are probably familiar with Krispy Kreme donuts from gas stations and supermarkets and, yes, they are often available in those locations. They are, in those moments, fine at best. But what makes Krispy Kreme special is that their donuts are meant to be served hot — and you can indeed buy a hot dozen if you see they’re making them when you arrive.

This is an important culinary tradition, and it’s one you should definitely indulge in carefully — hot Krispy Kreme doughnuts are notably much easier to eat than normal doughnuts. Do try to stop at 12.

Sonny’s BBQ

Image: vanhoosear, Flickr (license)

Barbecue is America’s finest addition to the world of culinary delights, and the debate over which region’s barbecue is best will likely rage on until the end of time.

While you will no doubt find excellent barbecue at any one of dozens of roadside shacks in Florida, Sonny’s BBQ is without a doubt the best barbecue chain in the country — and if you haven’t been before, one stop in can show why this place has a cult associated with it.

With delicious ribs, chicken, and pork — as well as a delightful salad bar — Sonny’s captures the essence of barbecue with no fuss and no wait. Let the suckers fly to Texas to wait in a 2-hour line for brisket. One bite of Sonny’s BBQ, with Texas toast and crinkle-cut fries, will give you the full barbecue experience without the pain.