Raleigh Tops List of Fast Food-Addicted Cities

Feeling a little chubby these days? Well, Men’s Health noticed. We’re number five on the list of 100 Fast Food-Addicted Cities. They explain their ranking system:

We started our search for America’s fast-food addicts by tallying the number of McDonald’s, Burger Kings, Wendy’s, and Taco Bells per capita. Next, we factored in the percentage of people who visit fast-food restaurants (Experian Simmons) and those who consume fast food seven or more times a month (SimplyMap). Finally, we went to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the number of people who are obese, and to see who’s eating the fewest fruits and vegetables.

Now, I’m the first to admit I regularly enjoy all manner of fast food, so I’m not exactly helping, but of all the kick ass Top Ten lists Raleigh dominates, this is a little embarassing. But, hey, look on the bright side. At least we’re not as fat as Charlotte, they came in third.

• ct
  09/04 08:30 AM
  

  This has more to do with economic prosperity,  disposable income, young demographics, and rapid real estate development than anything else. Don’t sweat it.

• arthurb3
  09/04 08:54 AM
  

  There are a few factors that skew this bell curve!

• Abby
  09/04 08:57 AM
  

  The only fast food I’ve eaten in the three years I’ve lived in Raleigh are places like Mo’s and Noodles, & Co. None of my friends eat fast food. Yeah, I think ct’s right.

• RaleighRob
  09/04 09:52 AM
  

  If Raleigh stopped at the Beltline, we’d probably be in the bottom half of that list, really.  Add North Raleigh, and we shoot sky-high in fast-food & chain restaurant consumption.

• ct
  09/04 10:02 AM
  

  True, but this reflects real-estate buildout patterns from 1920 to 1960. Franchised restaurants didn’t really kick in until the 1960s. By that time, most of inside-the-Beltline Raleigh was built-out. But I’d argue that Western Blvd from Avent Ferry Rd to the Beltline has as many fast food joints per mile as anywhere north of the Beltline.

• JeffS
  09/04 10:10 AM
  

  Why the denial? Have you not taken a good look around lately?

  “If Raleigh stopped at the beltline” it wouldn’t be a large enough town to even be measured in the survey. What’s your point? You might want to look at the McDonalds store locator before letting the smug level get too high.

• roi
  09/04 10:14 AM
  

  I am waiting for Smitty’s take on this.

• Richard Bacchus
  09/04 11:31 AM
  

  I’m with JeffS, all the way.

  As proud as I have become of the great, local fast food, Char-Grill, Snoopy’s and The Roast Grill.

  Take a look at yourself Raleigh, it’s time to ease up on the unhealthy eats.

• smitty
  09/04 12:18 PM
  

  “It has been wittily remarked that there are three kinds of falsehood: the first is a ‘fib,’ the second is a downright lie, and the third and most aggravated is statistics.”

  -unknown

• TSnow27604
  09/06 05:15 AM
  

  And it’s the denial that must be overcome before we can start our road to recovery.

• Chad
  09/06 06:59 AM
  

  This is why it is vital to support localy owned restaurants, grocery stores, and farmers.  Yes, I will agree that most of the franchizes that are located here do put a small amount of money back into the local economy. But, most of the product is shipped in from out of state or even out of country (beef mainly).  This totally screws the local farmers and other food suppliers.  Most of the “food” that is served at high volume fast food restaurants is all fillers.  And if anyone is thinking it already, yes I do own a restaurant in downtown.

• smitty
  09/07 07:06 PM
  

  I’m with Chad, we should support our local cattle ranchers, I think.

• Derek
  09/08 04:00 AM
  

  There is never a good reason to support cattle ranchers of any type

• Dan from Detroit
  09/08 05:16 AM
  

  I’m planning on a lunch of taco bell to celebrate

• Chad
  09/09 07:46 PM
  

  Sorry Derek, I have to disagree with you (kind of). Yes mass raised herds of beef, crammed into undersized stock yards, force fed antibiotics and corn, only to be cruely slaughter and have their remains polute fresh water sources is not an indusrty to support. The enviromental impact is enough to make anyone take up a bunch of carrots and yell “NO MORE MEAT!”.  But, the manor in which our local farmers/ranchers (with in 100 miles) raise their herds, is a far cry from the stockyards of Dumas, Tx. (if you have been through this town you know what I am talking about).  Most of these farmers prduce a finished product of 90% to 100% grass fed beef.  I can personally say that I have visited most of these farms in the area, and the quality of life and the handling of the cattle is unbeleavably well maintained.  This can also be said for the pork and poultry being raised in smaller operations localy.  Unfortunately, this can not be said for some of the largest employers of the state.  These “pork-opolis” plants and huge poultry houses contribute some of the singular highest enviromental polution in the nation.  As a chef, I take every advantage of having top quality product localy avalible.  I have met these small volume farmers, have had them dine at my restaurants, and have been a guest at there supper table.  It is our right and responsibility as consumers to help support local economic growth.  The dollar you spend with a local buiseness will stay in the area alot longer than one spent with a huge corporation.  As you can tell I feel very strongly about this subject. And if what you where trying to convey was that eating meat is wrong, I respect your choice.  You may want to read a recent article in Gourmet Magazine about the tomato industry in southern Florida.    http://www.gourmet.com/magazine/2000s/2009/03/politics-of-the-plate-the-price-of-tomatoes

• 150
  09/11 06:58 AM
  

  What restaurant do you own Chad?  Your last comments make me interested in supporting it.

• Chad
  09/11 10:35 AM
  

  I am in the process of opening a place in downtown at 938 North Blount St.  We’re calling it “Market”.  We will be serving localy raised/grown product with a west coast flair.  In fact our catch phrase is “Local Ingredients, West Coast Inspired”.  The atmosphere is a casual neighborhood enviroment, without being cookie cutter.  We are schedualed to open mid October.