What do Rapid Citians want? According to a recent survey, they want Chick-Fil-A.
Chick-Fil-A is the most wanted restaurant in Rapid City. In a Pine Needle survey, respondents were given six different options for new fast food in Rapid City, and Chick-Fil-A won with 47.6%. Panda Express came in second with 38.1% of the votes.
When asked about current fast food options, nearly 80% of people said they are bored with what is in Rapid City, possibly because when a new restaurant opens it is usually something the Black Hills already has. Taco Bell, McDonald’s, or Culver’s are usually what gets added around here. When asked how often they ate out, 40% of people said they eat out 1-2 days a week, followed by 2-3 days, which is 24% of people. Many are also wanting restaurants to be closer to school or places of work, as 62% of students wanted options closer to the school.
According to the survey, the majority of people are tired of McDonald’s and other cheap burger places like Burger King and Culver’s. When asked what the city has too much of, 52% said McDonald’s had too much of a presence in Rapid City, followed by Arbys at 12%. The common theme seems to be when there are at least four restaurants people don’t really care for it. “I think we need more quality and healthier foods around here,” said local respondent. After the desire for Chick-Fil-A or Panda Express, other popular options were waffle house, noodle places and some vegan options.
Overall people want a change of restaurants instead of opening places that Rapid City already has plenty of. The results of the poll suggest people want new places, not more places.
Photo: Central Fare Food Hall Virgin Miami Central by Phillip Pessar on Flickr
The Pine Needle 