What’s a mom or dad to do when the whole family is hungry and you need something fast and delicious? How about fast food without hormones, antibiotics, GMOs, preservatives and artificial flavors or colors? Enter Nic’s Organic Fast Food, the nation’s first QA1 certified organic drive-thru, offering fast food favorites such as burgers, fries, chicken sandwiches, nuggets, ice cream and more.
If you go
2101 Plum Grove Rd., Rolling Meadows, IL
By parents, for parents
Nicolette and Benjamin Brittsan, a husband and wife duo, decided to open an all-organic fast food chain after dining at a fast food restaurant with their two children and realizing there were no options that matched their organic lifestyle. Both are well-versed in the restaurant industry having gone to culinary school, worked in various positions, and having owned their own upscale restaurant, Benjamin, in Highland Park.
Welcoming atmosphere
While the drive-thru option is tempting, having the option to dine-in is also worthwhile. You’ll be greeted by Farmer Nic, the muscular farmer statue that serves as a tribute to farmers and producers that supply Nic’s ingredients, and you’ll notice how welcoming the restaurant is with its clean, white and bright green color scheme.
Good eats
With both breakfast and lunch options, Nic’s offers fast food favorites we all know and love from hamburgers and cheeseburgers, to chicken sandwiches and fries. Also seeing veggie burgers was a pleasant surprise. At the recommendation of the friendly staff, my family tried the BigNic Bacon Burger with not one, but two grass-fed organic patties, organic American cheese and organic bacon. All the extras and condiments–lettuce, tomato, onion, dill pickle, mayo, mustard and bun are all organic. And yes, it was as good as it sounds. We also tried the Organic Crispy Chicken Sandwich and fries, which were crispy and delicious. Next time, we’ll have to try the tater tots.
Kids meals are available as well. Choose from an organic hamburger, organic cheeseburger, organic veggie burger or 4-piece organic nuggets, paired with organic fries and organic applesauce. Crayons are also included for coloring the bag that the food comes in.
Not only do they offer organic food, but also organic soda options. Tractor Sodas, an all-natural soda company, provides plenty of unique soda options such as blood orange, ginger beer, root beer, or my personal favorite, cherry crème. Families in need of a sweet treat can cap off their dining experience with an organic sundae or vanilla soft serve ice cream–with organic sprinkles, of course.
Parents should rejoice that they have another option besides the typical fast food joints. And while the price is a little more than what you may be used to, you have to remember that the quality is better, and in this instance, you get what you pay for. If you don’t have one close to you, fear not. The Brittsans are hoping to open four more Chicagoland locations this year, and are aiming for 50 locations in three and a half years.
Read more about our experience at Nic’s Organic Fast Food.
