There’s plenty of fast food chains that model their menu off of fast, cheap, bulk food. But no one tops Little Caesars in terms of speed and bang-for-your-buck, if not quality. Sure, it’s probably the worst chain pizza shop in St. Louis. The crust tastes like cardboard, the sauce is terrible, and the cheese is more solid than melted. But it isn’t that bad. It’s definitely edible and it’s definitely pizza, albeit really bad pizza.

Obviously, the main appeal lies with the Hot ‘N Ready $5 pizza offer. Though they don’t provide delivery, it is honestly unbeatable in terms of efficiency and cost to walk into a store, no order placed, and walk out within two minutes with a large pizza that only cost you $5 and some change.

This is especially great for poorer families or groups like college students. It’s not healthy or nutritious, but the number of pure calories you get for $5 can help provide dinner or lunch for a person for a few days. If you have the money, you’re going to have a better experience with Domino’s or Papa John’s or Pizza Hut. But if you’re tight on cash or trying to save money, or even just want basically the fastest, cheapest food possible, Little Caesars is absolutely fine.

And it’s not like they don’t have other menu items. Their dipping sauces and breadsticks are good and they offer deep dish and other pizzas. I wouldn’t personally recommend spending $9 on Little Caesars over pretty much any other pizza place, but the option is still there if anyone so chooses.

So no, Little Caesars is by no means good. But it gets a lot more flack than it really deserves considering they provide cheap, instant food to anyone who walks through the door.