Once Upon A Time Without Fast Food

Once upon a time in a far away land, there was a sleepy little village… well actually county.  And in this county were a few small towns.  While the people were happy and content, there seemed to be something missing.  Not knowing what was missing, most people went about their lives in a merry fashion.  But, once they became aware of what was missing in their paradise, life would not be the same. What … what could it be that would so impact their lives, as to render such happiness..or not?  The answer… fast food!

Really… you say really?  I say yes!  How many of you can remember going to Knoxville or Morristown when wanting a pizza?  It is unthinkable now to consider driving that far for a pizza, but back then, we did just that.  Jefferson City had “The Spot”. Dandridge had “The Dairy Queen”.  And, White Pine had a similar fast food place.  It was years after fast food appeared in the larger cities before Jefferson County would join the rest of the world in the fast food craze.  Were we deprived?  You bet!

A classic example of need, was my Sunday lunch.  Every Sunday, I prepare a home cooked meal for my children and grandchildren to “come home to” and indulge (it’s a good bribe to enjoy their company).  But, alas, today the cupboards were bear and lack of ingredients left little to prepare.  There was a time when this would be disastrous, with not even grocery stores open on Sunday.  But today, I only had to decide which food to bring in, from the many choices that are with us now.  So… you might say, I was saved by the fast food industry in Jefferson County.

Remembering back, I can remember when Hardee’s came to Dandridge.  It was an exciting time, and the enormous business they had, speaks to the fact that others were glad of the fast food arrival.  We all shouted hooray when McDonald’s landed in Jefferson City and when White Pine first looked upon the Sonic.  We felt as though, we had arrived and could now be with the ranks of our neighboring counties.  And… when they kept coming… we knew we had arrived amongst the giants surrounding us!  For those of you who do not remember a time without fast food on every corner, be glad, but know it use to be so! 

Now we have 3 McDonald’s, 3 Sonic’s, 3 or 4 Subway’s, 3 Hardee’s, 3 Wendy’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, 2 Taco Bell’s, Zaxby’s,  Arby’s,  Long John Silvers, Burger King, and pizza on every corner.  And… they just keep coming!  A new Pal’s in Jefferson City and Popeye’s in Dandridge… wow! I may never cook again… just kidding!