News

All-organic drive-thru opening outside Chicago

January 31, 2017

An organic fast food drive-thru concept is rolling out its first location in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, according to a news release. The restaurant is called Nic's and is just north of Chicago, near Schaumburg. It's focused on both speed and organic food that is free of genetic modification, hormones, antibiotics, preservatives and artificial colors and flavors.

A news release said that Nic's is the country's first organic drive-thru chain certified by Quality Assurance International, which follows strict guidelines for organic food sourcing and production from organizations worldwide, including the USDA. The restaurant is the creation of Nicolette and Benjamin Brittsan, who wanted to provide a QSR concept that did not compromise on standards preferred by those seeking the most healthful foods with the fewest additives, even on the go. 

The QSR will feature breakfast items, burgers, fries and ice cream cones, all organically sourced and without potentially harmful additives, according to the release. In fact, the concept, which is emerging right under the shadow of McDonald's nearby worldwide headquarters, is even offering its interpretation of the value meal that McDonlald's made famous.

At Nic's, value meals also feature an organic sandwich, fries and drink, but unlike McDonald's this one will sell for under $9, substantially higher than similar value meals at McDonald's and other more traditional fast food chains, where fewer precautions are typically taken regarding the way their ingredients were produced and grown. For instance, at McDonald's, similar value meals are priced anywhere from $2 to just over $6. 

Other McDonald-esque items on Nic's menu include the NicSausage, with scrambled eggs, cheese and sausage on a bun, though all components are 100-percent organic. Additionally, the chain offers a BigNic Bacon Burger, Crispy Chicken Sandwich and a Nic Jr. Meal, produced organically and without the aforementioned ingredients typically rejected by those who prefer what's sometimes called "health" or "clean" food.

Aside from a bright green "clean food" theme in the restaurant's design, the news release said the Rolling Meadows location and others to follow will feature life-sized "Nic, the Farmer" statues. Although Nic's is referred to in its press material as a chain, neither the news release nor its website note any other locations or whether any are anticipated in the near future. However, an article last March in a suburban Chicago newspaper states that the owners hope to expand to at least 50 locations nationwide over the next five years.