Having been raised in the Tri-Cities area I am more than familiar with Pal’s Sudden Service. I even have a few extra pounds as proof. But the 52 years of Pal’s existence spreads beyond the borders of Kingsport, Bristol and Johnson City.

Earlier this week I found myself on a plane returning from the Boston area. As I took my aisle seat I was greeted with a friendly face seated next to the window. Conversation quickly kicked up a little known fact about my plane neighbor: that she gives thanks each day for Pal’s.

At 36,000 feet in the air high above the state of Kentucky I could not believe my ears. The young lady had never lived in the Tri-Cities area nor did she know many people there. But she did know one thing and it was Pal’s Frenchie Fries.

It has been over 8 years since I lived within reasonable driving distance of Pal’s so I sure do miss it. But what I never expected was to meet a complete stranger who shared my love for the most known unknown of fast-food restaurants.