I’m from Fort Collins, a college town at the foothills of the Rockies in Colorado. The economy is fueled by Colorado State University, technology companies (like HP, Woodward, OtterBox) and beer (New Belgium, Anheuser-Busch, and a dozen local breweries). They have a quaint downtown that I’m told is the inspiration for Disneyland’s Main Street.
It was common knowledge growing up that Fort Collins had the most restaurants per capita in the U.S. I’ve tried to back this up, with no luck. Either way, there is literally no shortage of cheap, late-night, casual options.
I miss two main things about Fort Collins (other than the obvious – love you, mom): 1. Being close to Red Rocks 2. The never-ending fast-casual dining options.
Now, hear me out.
Fort Collins’ is smaller than Greenville by about 135,000 people. And yet, they have so. many. more. fast casual dining options (no drive through, but also no wait staff). College towns are fueled by cheap, tasty eats.
It’s arguably the best thing about living among an influx of rouge 18-21 year-olds. I love Greenville + it’s highly acclaimed (and growing) dining scene. But our lunch-time, late-night, and under $10 options are severely lacking.
Here are some places that I’ve found along the way that I feel would help take Greenville’s fast causal game to the next level. Note: We love local. We’re not discrediting the incredible hometown eateries. But who doesn’t want to share the love?
1️⃣ . Noodles & Co. – Exactly what it sounds like. Wonderful, giant bowls of pasta. Their penne rosa with grilled chicken is incredible.
📍 480 locations, 16 in North Carolina
2️⃣ . Qdoba – *Opinion* a better version of Chiplotle + Moe’s, with incredible queso and breakfast quesadillas.
📍 704 locations, 19 in North Carolina, 2 in South Carolina, both in the Charleston area.
3️⃣ . Beau Jo’s Pizza – Hearty, deep pizza. The signature move is eating the soft crust with honey.
📍 5 locations, all in Colorado. Note: Is there anywhere to get deep-dish pizza in Greenville?
4️⃣ . Snooze – A brunch location, known for their huge pancakes + fresh mimosas.
📍 17 locations in Colorado, Arizona, California, and Texas.
5️⃣ . Shake Shack – Made-to-order burgers, shakes + fries.
📍 136 locations, including one in Atlanta.
6️⃣ . Cafe Mexicali – Giant burritos smothered in Green Chile. Note: They have breakfast burritos. Also note: Still in search for a smothered breakfast burrito in this state.
📍 3 locations, all in Fort Collins.
7️⃣ . Raising Cane’s – Let’s just say, I thought Zaxby’s would give this a run for its money. It doesn’t.
📍 340+ locations, including Clemson.
8️⃣ Torchy’s Tacos – Also incredible queso and margaritas.
📍 16 locations in Texas, Oklahoma, and Colorado.
9️⃣. Cheba Hut – Toasted Subs. My favorite is a chicken bacon ranch gilled sub.
📍 20 locations in the west + Wisconsin.
🔟 . Newk’s Eatery – Pasta bar, personal pizzas, etc. Logan’s pick.
📍 100+ locations, including Columba, Rock Hill, and Atlanta.
What other cool places you’ve run across in your travels? Do you have local off-the-path fast causal recommendations? Let us know. Reply to this email with your thoughts, email us at hello@gvltodaycom, or shoot us a line on Instagram or Facebook.
