PDQ, a chicken-centric fast-food business, has announced that it would close all drive-thru outlets in North and South Carolina, starting immediately. The decision comes after the business experienced financial challenges and decreased sales during the coronavirus outbreak.
What is PDQ?
PDQ, which stands for People Dedicated to Quality, is a fast-food restaurant brand started in 2009 in Tampa, Florida. The chain serves chicken tenders, nuggets, sandwiches, salads, and bowls, as well as fries, shakes, and cookies. The brand takes pride in its use of fresh ingredients, hand-breaded chicken, and handmade sauces.
Why is PDQ Shutting Its Drive-thru Locations?
According to a corporate statement, PDQ is eliminating drive-thru stores in North and South Carolina as part of a reorganization strategy to focus on its core markets of Florida and Texas. The business stated that the closures are required to safeguard the brand’s long-term survival and to protect the jobs of its current employees.
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The corporation also discussed the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on its business, as well as the difficulties of operating in a highly competitive and saturated industry. The firm stated that it has struggled to sustain profitability and customer loyalty in the two states, where it faces fierce competition from rival chicken franchises including as Chick-fil-A, Bojangles, and Zaxby’s.
How Many Places Are Impacted?
The firm said that it has shuttered eight drive-thru facilities in North and South Carolina, affecting around 200 employees. Locations are:
Hickory, NC
Raleigh, NC
Durham, NC
Cary, NC
Wake Forest, NC
Charlotte, NC
Columbia, SC
Greenville, SC
The corporation has said that it will give severance compensation and outplacement services to the impacted workers. The firm has also said that it will accept all gift cards and vouchers at its remaining stores.
What About the Remaining Locations?
The firm stated that it will continue to operate its Charlotte Douglas International Airport facility, as well as its Concord restaurant and flagship location in Cornelius, North Carolina. The firm also stated that it does not intend to shut any of its facilities in Florida or Texas, where it has a bigger presence and client base.
The firm stated that it will continue to provide delivery and catering services in its remaining regions, as well as online ordering and mobile app support. The firm also stated that it will continue to develop and improve its menu and service, as well as contribute to local communities and humanitarian causes.
Conclusion
PDQ, a chicken-centric fast-food restaurant, is shutting all drive-thru outlets in North and South Carolina, citing financial issues aggravated by the COVID-19 outbreak and fierce competition. The decision, part of a strategic reorganization, affects eight stores and around 200 staff.
PDQ intends to ensure its long-term sustainability by focusing on core markets in Florida and Texas while maintaining operations in chosen places. The corporation will pay severance and outplacement assistance, as well as honor gift vouchers at surviving locations. PDQ commits to improving services, menus, and community contributions in its maintained territories, with a focus on delivery, catering, and online ordering.