Eating right can be a challenge during the holiday season as schedules are squeezed and meal planning falters. PDQ is an excellent option for families on the go. PDQ stands for People Dedicated to Quality and they are true to their name. Serving up fresh tenders, hand-tossed salads and made-to-order sandwiches, it’s not the usual fast food fodder.

Their hand-breaded chicken tenders are delightfully light and tender. Paired with a selection of signature sauces, they will satisfy the little dipper in the family. My personal favorite is their Buffalo Bleu sauce that combines the traditional spicy Buffalo wing flavor with just the right amount of blue cheese. For a tangier taste, try their signature Sweet Heat sauce, or dive into more traditional flavors such as creamy garlic, honey mustard and ranch.

Heartier appetites will be satisfied with a PDQ chicken sandwich made to order on wheat or egg buns and topped with lettuce, tomato and pickles. The Spicy Buffalo Tenders Sandwich is one of their most popular. But if you love Turkey Day, you may want to try their “Handheld Thanksgiving,” a grilled turkey breast sandwich on an egg bun with seasoned mayo, lettuce and, of course, cranberry.

Healthy options

Pair your tenders with fresh-cut French fries made daily before your eyes with their special seasoning blend. Or sneak in a serving of antioxidants by choosing their naturally sweet blueberry coleslaw or apple dippers with toffee dip. Fruit lovers may also enjoy a fresh-baked cranapple oatmeal cookie packed with chunks of apple and cranberries. Although the kids will probably eye the peanut butter and chocolate chips.

Dieters delight in delicious salad options topped with grilled or crispy chicken tenders and homemade dressings. Choose from garden salads, mixed greens or Caesar. Lighter options include a tasty Blueberry-Ginger Vinaigrette or Low-Fat Fiesta Vinaigrette, helping you manage your waistline and eat fresh.

When it comes to beverages, PDQ provides 100 plus drink choices from a variety of carbonated soft drinks to fresh-squeezed lemonade and brewed sweet, unsweet or green tea. Splurge on one of their thick hand-spun milkshakes in traditional or specialty flavors or treat yourself to their seasonal apple pie shake at half off during their daily shake break when from 3 to 5 p.m.

History and values

PDQ was founded in 2011 by former Outback Steakhouse co-founder Bob Basham and MVP Holdings CEO Nick Reader, who believe that high-quality food, memorable service and genuine hospitality are the basis of an excellent restaurant. Since then PDQ has grown to include locations in six states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas. In South Florida, PDQ is located at 3359 N. Federal Highway in Oakland Park across from the Coral Square Mall, at 2341 N. Federal Highway, Pompano Beach, next to Pompano Citi Centre and on the 17^th Street Causeway in Fort Lauderdale.

With something for the whole family, PDQ is a great place to break from your holiday shopping, especially since they value genuine hospitality and customer service. For your holiday meal planning and parties, check out their Crave Fresh catering menu and simplify entertaining family and friends this Christmas. Visit eatPDQ.com for information.

For more articles by Shelly Pond, please visit goodnewsfl.org/author/shelly/