Going out to eat for lunch is a privilege that is enjoyed by many juniors and seniors this year at Paint Branch, a place that is close to numerous fast-food spots. When I say close, I mean within driving distance to get to lunch and come back in time. 

While the fast-food options around the Burtonsville/Silver Spring area are better than cafeteria food or lunches brought from home, a significant number of the people who leave for lunch every day go to the same few places. When you go out almost every day of the week, like I do, the same food gets awfully boring. This is why this area needs more fast-food options. 

Montgomery County is a highly populated area with 25 public high schools. High school kids are generally not the wealthiest consumers, so relatively “cheap” ($10 and under) meals are what we live for. Fast food places have become hang-out spots for high school students, and the money that teens bring into these establishments is also a staple in the economy.

                While an increase in accessible-during-lunchtime fast food places would be nice, I’d settle for having more options within a short drive that I can frequently visit when I have more time on my hands. If you look outside of the “lunch distance,” let’s call it five miles, there are quite a few other places to eat. A good example of this: Olney. Olney has are some restaurants that we don’t have down here such as Café Rio and Quiznos, both of which would add more variety to our everyday lunch excursions.

If I could make a “wish list” of places that I’d like to see open up in the local area, it would be heavy on the burger places. The types of places I’d add would enhance the fast-food community.

                I have eaten at Sonic two times in my life. The closest Sonic to us is 17 miles away in Ellicott City. Their constant advertising on TV only increases my desire to have one much closer. Also, the food is really good.

                In-N-Out Burger is only on the West coast, but its reputation as one of the best burger places around has made its way over to our side. I have only heard stories about how good it is, and I wouldn’t mind trying it myself. Burtonsville does have a wide open shopping center that could certainly use a nice “anchor” like this West coast staple.

                Elevation Burger has become more common in the local area. There is one at Wheaton Mall and one in Potomac. I have eaten there twice and I wouldn’t mind eating there more often – something I would definitely do if it were closer. Wheaton Mall is close, but it could be closer.

                White Castle, a place that became infamous thanks to the fan-favorite movie “Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle,” would also be a strong addition to the area.   I have eaten their frozen burgers – the ones that are sold at Giant and Safeway, but have never had the in-store experience. I’m sure others would enjoy White Castle as well.

The Burtonsville/Silver Spring area has many fast-food options, but an experienced fast food eater like me gets bored of visiting the same eight or ten places every few weeks. Some new places would be great add-ons to the area.