Let’s Spend National Fast Food Day Arguing Over Iconic Restaurants And Scoring Discounts

Still coming off the splendor that was National Nachos Day? Don’t worry, the next food holiday has arrived — today is National Fast Food Day! Which gives you a great excuse to check out for lunch and hit up your favorite franchise for a greasy burger or an order of crispy chicken strips. Or heck, both! Because National Fast Food Day comes but once a year. (Unlike donut day, which miraculously comes twice.)

If you’ve still got a few hours left until lunch, or, god forbid, are trying to avoid fast food for reasons of “health” and “longevity,” you can at least check out this map, put together by Thrillist a few years ago, of every state’s most iconic chain restaurant.

What you see is essentially a highlight reel of some of the greatest fast food chains in America. It’s also fodder for debate, hence Thrillist’s explanation behind their choices. Being born and raised in Indiana, I’m proud that Steak and Shake got the title for my state. Having lived for nearly a year in Albuquerque, I know that Blake’s Lotaburger is the only logical choice for New Mexico (and I shed a tear for the fact that I can’t sink my teeth into a Green Chile Cheeseburger anytime I want these days).

But some commenters aren’t pleased with the choices. Said one, of the New York decision, “Oh no, don’t you dare associate Sbarro & its shitty overpriced grease they call ‘pizza’ with New York. We gave America ‘Shake Shack’!”

Another wrote, “How is there no Jack in the Box?”

Still another complained about the choice for Georgia: “Are you guys BLIND? Repeat after me: Waffle House, Waffle House, Let’s all eat at the Waffle House….Based in Atlanta GA…Waffle House is the nations leader in good food prepared directly in front of you, 24 hours a day…and they now take AMEX….Come On Guys!”

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Whatever the case, the map will certainly help you decide on what to get for lunch today. And something else that will help you decide: all the fast food deal$ out there. Check out the roundup below.

Arby’s: Free Roast Beef Classic sandwich with the purchase of a drink, when you sign up for e-mails.

Burger King: 2 for $10 Whopper Meal, 2 for $5 Mix & Match sandwiches, or 2 for $4 breakfast sandwiches.

Domino’s: Coupons!

McDonald’s: Free hash brown or small fry with any All Day Breakfast purchase, when you download the app.

Papa John’s: Promos!

Sonic: Free medium slush when you download the app and create an account.

Subway: Free 6’’ sub with the purchase of a 30 oz. drink when you sign up for text offers.

Wendy’s: Take advantage of the 4 for $4 deal, which comes with a 4-piece nugget, small fries, and a drink, along with your choice of either a Swiss Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger, Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger or Crispy Chicken BLT.

That should be enough to hold you over until National Homemade Bread Day tomorrow. For which you might want to get out your bread machine in preparation.

P.S. Now that you know I’m a die-hard Steak and Shake fan, check out the favorites of some of our other Life writers, and get your comment fingers ready to debate.

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