Wendy's, Morehead City

Since it first opened in 1969, Wendy’s has been known for its square-shaped, never-frozen burger patties. When asked why the patties are square, founder Dave Thomas once ad-libbed that Wendy’s doesn’t cut corners. The quip came off the cuff, but there’s truth to it. Wendy’s burgers are served straight off the grill, not from under a heat lamp. Its salads are made fresh daily, and its dressings don’t contain preservatives. This commitment to quality has helped it remain the world’s third-largest quick-service hamburger company, with more than 6,500 restaurants around the globe.