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This Chain Has the Best Turkey Sandwiches

Author Jeff Gorra

Thanksgiving is a few short weeks away. But what if you like having turkey-based dinners all year long? There’s one chain that excels at this, and in New Jersey, they have over 80 locations.

Eat This, Not That recently published a feature focusing on the fast-food establishments that cook up the best turkey sandwiches in the country. They claim Panera Bread is the number one option. “While you can buy decent sliced turkey at your supermarket deli, some chains are going beyond that and roasting their own turkey,” they said.

In addition, the turkey sandwich may be the most flexible in terms of what it can be paired with. There’s the classic sliced versions stuffed between two pieces of sourdough bread with crispy lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise or mustard. You add in the bacon and make a turkey BLT. A few slices of cheddar, American, or provolone cheese are never a bad idea either.

Here is where things get really interesting with the turkey sandwich. You have the Thanksgiving sandwich options, which is an entirely different world unto itself. Over the next few weeks you will certainly see the hot open-faced turkey sandwich special being on special at many of your local pubs. Then, of course, you have the post-holiday recipe. This is where you load up the rolls with that thick-cut sliced Thanksgiving turkey. Then, it’s imperative you load it with all the other leftovers in the fridge. Stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, gravy, and anything else you’d like.

However, prior to that exciting and indulging time of year, let’s look at some warm-up options in New Jersey to get a consistent great turkey sandwich.

Panera Bread

According to ScrapeHero, there are 82 Panera Bread locations to choose from in New Jersey. “If you want the healthiest and best quality turkey sandwiches, Panera is the place to go,” Eat This, Not That states. Their current menu includes the Bacon Turkey Bravo, the Roasted Turkey and Avocado BLT, and the Deli Turkey Sandwich.

Where Else?

Jersey Mike’s, Potbelly, and Jimmy Johns are also worth noting, according to Eat This, Not That’s feature. Though each of them offers their takes on a classic turkey sandwich, they also let you customize your order. Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop, which ranked second with Eat This, Not That, currently has “The Bobbi,” a “sandwich you’ll be thankful for.” Unfortunately, you will have to travel for the turkey sandwich, as Capriotti’s does not have any locations in New Jersey at this time. They do however, have four locations in New York.

4 Reasons Why People Love Chain Restaurants

Lately, the subject of first dates occurring at chain restaurants has garnered significant attention. A recent survey asking women about their least preferred venues for first dates has ignited a debate on the internet. This list, which was shared on Instagram by @DuvalPromo, is reportedly the result of polling women to determine their least favored first-date locations.

Among the 28 establishments on the list are restaurant chains such as Applebee’s, Chili’s, and Denny’s are featured. The top spot for the most unsuitable first date location is occupied by The Cheesecake Factory, followed by Applebee’s, Chili’s, Chipotle, and Olive Garden, rounding out the top five. It’s worth noting that the list includes not only restaurants but also specific first-date situations, including “your house,” family functions, a bar solely for drinks, and church.

Whether it’s a first date or a casual meal, the question arises: Why do some people have reservations about restaurant chains?

According to Farm Credit Canada, a chain restaurant is defined as a business with four or more locations. These restaurants are typically large-scale operations with multiple branches, sometimes spanning different countries or continents.

More Background on Chain Restaurants.

The expansion of chain restaurants did not occur overnight. Many of them have humble origins in smaller, local establishments. For instance, the Cheesecake Factory, which currently operates over 300 restaurants in the U.S. and Canada, began as a small bakery in Detroit and eventually evolved into The Cheesecake Bakery in Los Angeles in 1972, according to their website. It wasn’t until the late ’90s and early 2000s that additional locations began to appear.

Critics often express their reservations about chain restaurants, and there are valid reasons for their concerns. Many people prefer supporting local businesses over large corporations, as chain restaurant food is often mass-produced and served uniformly across various locations. Dining exclusively at upscale or independent establishments offers a sense of social prestige, something to brag about, and the feeling of indulging in a unique experience. However, ultimately, it’s all about eating a meal.

“Fancy like Applebee’s on a date night.”

There’s something comforting about knowing that, for the most part, you can find something familiar to eat at any time and almost anywhere. Maybe that’s why singer Walker Hayes dedicated his song Fancy Like, to the simple joys of eating a chain like Applebee’s. So, let’s chat about some of the reasons people actually enjoy dining at chain restaurants.

  • Safer Bets & Convenience

    One of the advantages of dining at a chain restaurant is the predictability that comes with it. Local, independent establishments can be more hit-or-miss, often offering a more limited menu selection, which makes them a riskier choice for a date or group outing. When you open the menu, you can expect to find the same menu items prepared and presented consistently. Chain restaurants usually follow uniform recipes and they use the same ingredients, equipment, and standardized training procedures. You can expect a consistent experience whether you’re in one part of the country or another. Restaurant chains are like your reliable pals on a road trip. You spot their logo on an exit sign, and you know it’s there. It’s that simple convenience that makes chain restaurants a go-to option, no matter where you are.

    Young women seated at a table holding menus in a restaurant. Young girls at cafe making choice and place their order, while waiting standing by with a digital tablet.

    jacoblund/ Getty Images

  • Familiarity & Nostalgia

    For many people, chain restaurants served as the primary dining option simply because they were the most accessible. You know how the place will look, how the wait staff is dressed, and how you are expected to dress at chain restaurants, ensuring a familiar dining experience wherever you go. Many diners have a soft spot for the food we know and love. It’s like a comforting experience. Chain restaurant grub often brings back memories of late-night munchies after Friday night football games, college hangouts, and road trips.

    Couple in restaurant eat sandwiches and have fun together. Happiness, people,enjoyment and lifestyle concept.

    Ivanko_Brnjakovic/ Getty Images

  • Affordability

    Chain restaurants tend to be easier on the wallet compared to standalone establishments with more specialized menus and daily chef’s specials. Most of us keep an eye on our dining budget and wouldn’t want to feel like we’ve emptied our pockets for a single meal. That’s why diners appreciate restaurant chains with Happy Hour, Budget Menus, and Late-Night deals.

    Tip money on restaurant's table.Change money on table

    kittimages/ Getty Images

  • Seating & Space

    Many local places struggle to seat larger groups, especially if you’ve got more than four people in your party. Unless you’ve made a reservation or a special request, you might end up waiting a while for enough room to open up, regardless of the size of your party. Additionally, local establishments sometimes arrange tables in closer proximity to maximize their limited space. Not everyone’s a fan of dining elbow-to-elbow with strangers and involuntarily eavesdropping on neighboring conversations throughout their meal.

    Happy people drinking beer at brewery bar out doors - Friendship lifestyle concept with young friends enjoying time together at open air pub - Dark color tones on vivid filter

    ViewApart/ Getty Images

Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.

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