I've found lots of local places that will make orders "to go" and they really don't take that much longer than waiting at some of the fast food joints.

Some of my local faves are (in no particular order):

Panera Bread

Mission Burrito (similar to Chipotle)

Phoenecia Deli (Middle Eastern food)

Vietnamese Noodle Houses (for Pho)

There are more, but I think you get the idea. I don't do typical "fast food" anymore, haven't for a while

I think part of the interest in these places stems from an increasing move away from the drive-thru mentality. I had a relatively serious discussion on the topic with some friends, but it's sort of an unwritten law in these parts that some places are "drive thru" and not to be eaten in.

All the major fast food locations fall into this mindset. Many people I know wouldn't dream of eating inside of a McD's. I'm sure this is not true in most larger "pedestrian" cities where drive thru's pretty much are non-existent, but in my world where you drive to everything, the mentality (perhaps stigma?) is definitely there.

I'm not quite sure how these places have gotten traction. I guess I can postulate based on their growth - they always start around the University, cater the doctors on lunch and students looking for things close by, eventually end up "bigger then their britches" with lunchtime crowds, and then open 5 more locations in the various suburbs. I suppose a large commuter school is essential to this business plan.

I think it's funny that the university locations are rarely identified by most people as chains/franchises. It's when the suburb locations pop up that people clue in.

I keep hearing about "Five Guys Burgers". Heading over to Google maps to check out the closest location.