It’s 5 p.m. Work is wrapping up, one child has practice, another has homework, everyone wants something different to eat and no one has started dinner. As families head back to school and packed schedules return, the nightly question of “What’s for dinner?” can quickly become one more source of stress.

The Stand, with 22 locations, is helping families rethink the answer. With fresh, made-to-order burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads, bowls, kids meals and options for a variety of dietary preferences, The Stand offers a middle ground between spending the evening shopping, cooking and cleaning up and relying on traditional fast food.

“Back to school changes the entire rhythm of the household, and dinner is one of the first places families feel it,” said Zachary Wishengrad, vice president of The Stand. “Parents want convenience, but they also want fresh food, variety and something everyone in the family will actually enjoy. We want to make that decision a little easier.”

Once school begins, the hours between the end of the workday and bedtime can become a juggling act. The 5 p.m. dinner problem can include:

• Parents finishing the workday or commuting home.
• Children heading to sports practices, lessons and after-school activities.
• Homework and school projects competing for evening time.
• Family members wanting different things for dinner.
• Dietary needs and preferences that can make one meal difficult for everyone.
• The time involved in grocery shopping, cooking and cleaning up.
• The added pressure of keeping family meals within the household budget.

According to a 2025 Pew Research Center report, taste, cost, healthiness and convenience all factor into Americans’ food choices. Taste tops the list, with 83% of U.S. adults saying it is extremely or very important when deciding what to eat. About six in 10 highly prioritize cost, while 52% say healthiness is highly important and 47% say the same about convenience. The findings highlight the balancing act families face when deciding what to put on the table, particularly when busy schedules and household budgets are competing for attention.

For many families, that leaves a familiar choice: Spend valuable time cooking and cleaning, grab traditional fast food or find another convenient option that can satisfy several different tastes.

The Stand aims to provide that third option. Parents can choose from protein-packed bowls, fresh salads, sandwiches, wraps and creative burgers, while children can stick with familiar favorites. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options also help families with different dietary needs and preferences find something at the same table.

“The reality is that families don’t all want the same thing for dinner,” Wishengrad said. “One person may want a burger, someone else wants a salad or bowl, and the kids may want grilled chicken, mac and cheese or chicken tenders. Being able to get all of that in one place can make a big difference on a busy weeknight.”

The Stand’s menu puts a fresh spin on American classics while offering choices for different tastes. Options for families include:

• Creative burgers, including the French Onion Soup Burger, Ultimate Egg Burger and Jalapeño Bacon Cheeseburger.
• Protein-packed bowls, including the Miso Salmon Bowl and Tex-Mex Steak Bowl.
• Sandwiches, wraps and seasonally inspired salads.
• Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
• Kids meals with choices including beef or turkey burgers, teriyaki chicken, grilled cheese, grilled chicken breast, mac and cheese, crispy chicken tenders and beef hot dogs.
• Kids meal sides including fries, apple slices, chips, slaw or rice.
• Pet-friendly patios where four-legged family members can join the outing.

The Stand App gives families an easy way to save time and money during the busy back-to-school season. Guests can order ahead for pickup or delivery, earn loyalty rewards, and access special offers throughout the year- reinforcing The Stand’s commitment to convenience and value.

For families, solving the 5 p.m. dinner problem is about more than convenience. Time, budget, taste, dietary preferences and the desire for fresh food can all factor into deciding what to put on the table.

“Dinner doesn’t have to be another thing families have to stress about,” Wishengrad said. “Sometimes having someone else take care of the cooking means families get a little more time to sit down, talk and enjoy being together. That’s what we want The Stand to provide.”

The Stand is a fan favorite for those who like variety and an elevated take on traditional favorites. Some of the unique menu items offered include the French Onion Soup Burger, Miso Salmon Bowl, Ultimate Egg Burger, Short Rib Grilled Cheese, Jalapeño Bacon Cheeseburger, and more. They also have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options available, including a Falafel Wrap, Veggie Burger, Mac and Cheese, and Sweet Potato Fries. Every location serves craft beer and wine, while several locations offer a full bar with crafted cocktails and shareable bar snacks. The Stand was founded in 2003 with a mission of providing great food, equally great service, and all at an affordable price. Committed to using the best ingredients and supporting local suppliers whenever possible, The Stand continues to deliver freshness, value, and community connection at each of its locations. What began with Murray Wishengrad’s first restaurant in Encino, California, has now grown into 22 locations, with several more in the works. For menus, locations, and the latest news, visit thestand.com.