PDQ was founded in 2009 in Tampa, Florida, by former Outback Steak House founder Bob Basham, and current CEO Nick Reader. PDQ originally stood for Pretty Damn Quick, but the company changed its mind fairly early and now states it means People Dedicated to Quality.
The company operates a chain of casual restaurants serving chicken, sandwiches, and hand-tossed salads. Currently, there are 60 locations, all company owned, in 11 states, with plans for expansion. Basham claims that each location averages $3 million in annual revenue.
In an April 2018 interview, Reader states that PDQ is doing a design overhaul, including a new logo and mascot.
PDQ is perhaps best known for their drive-thrus that have no speakers for ordering in advance. Food is prepared when it is ordered and not even a few minutes before. Employees quickly discover that restaurants do not have freezers. Ingredients are delivered daily and products are always fresh, not frozen.
Headquarters are located in Tampa, Florida.
