Fast Food Tennessee Style

Amid the fierce competition for fast food dollars, one East Tennessee chain continues to gain against the likes of Wendy's and McDonald's. Pal's offers takeout basics: hot dogs and burgers, toasted cheese sandwiches, and "Frenchy fries." Pals' sweet tea, a Southern staple, is legendary among regulars.

Pals began in 1952 when Fred "Pal" Barger was stationed in the Air Force in Texas and noticed a takeout-only place noted for quick service. The first Pals opened in Kingsport in 1956, and the second in 1958. Four years later, at the second location, Pals put one of the classic "Muffler Man" fiberglass statues on the roof--only this guy is holding hamburger.

The chain continued to grow, and in 1985 began offering drive-through service. Now at 19 locations, from Bristol to Morristown, Pals is noted for striking buildings sporting an enormous hamburger, hot dog, fries, and a drink on the front. The company won the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, which was presented to Pal Barger by President George W. Bush.