Fast Food Talk Thread

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Thu Dec 29, 2022 4:14 pm

My experience with Church’s Chicken from back in the day, was that it was similar to Popeye’s.. But I always preferred Popeye’s a bit better..

Like I intimated on other posts, once the hysteria dies down, I’ll venture out to the new Church’s location and see if it’s changed since I last had it around 1990…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

S.O.Boy · Post by **S.O.Boy** » Wed Jan 18, 2023 12:45 pm

Stopped at McDonalds at 72 & Blondo (free nuggets in the app) they are remodeling the interior.

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Wed Jan 18, 2023 2:06 pm

S.O.Boy wrote: Wed Jan 18, 2023 12:45 pm Stopped at McDonalds at 72 & Blondo (free nuggets in the app) they are remodeling the interior.

I have somewhat hesitated on downloading apps from every company I frequent. That being said, I downloaded the McDonald's app because it was away to avoid their dual lined drive thru's and their automated ordering in them (they have a long ways to go there). I will say you get really good deals in the McDonald's app. Really good ones.

Greg

Padre · Post by **Padre** » Sun Jan 22, 2023 9:06 pm

Greg S wrote: Wed Jan 18, 2023 2:06 pm
S.O.Boy wrote: Wed Jan 18, 2023 12:45 pm Stopped at McDonalds at 72 & Blondo (free nuggets in the app) they are remodeling the interior.
I have somewhat hesitated on downloading apps from every company I frequent. That being said, I downloaded the McDonald's app because it was away to avoid their dual lined drive thru's and their automated ordering in them (they have a long ways to go there). I will say you get really good deals in the McDonald's app. Really good ones.

Greg

I was at the McDonalds on 40th and Dodge, and if two cars pulled up at the same time, the automated order system would pick up one person’s order on both sides. Just as you try to tell it to take that item off your order, the person in the other car orders something else that show up on your side! Very annoying!

Padre · Post by **Padre** » Sun Jan 22, 2023 9:08 pm

Culver’s changes from Pepsi to Coke, Fans are mad.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/21/business ... index.html

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Sun Jan 22, 2023 9:11 pm

Dang seems like no one but Taco Bell and Taco Johns have Pepsi and I love Pepsi

Padre · Post by **Padre** » Sun Jan 22, 2023 9:24 pm

skinzfan23 wrote: Sun Jan 22, 2023 9:11 pm Dang seems like no one but Taco Bell and Taco Johns have Pepsi and I love Pepsi

Freddy’s has Pepsi.

djc311 · Post by **djc311** » Mon Jan 23, 2023 7:45 am

skinzfan23 wrote: Sun Jan 22, 2023 9:11 pm Dang seems like no one but Taco Bell and Taco Johns have Pepsi and I love Pepsi

Long John's, TB, Pizza Hut all have Pepsi... because they're owned by Pepsi (in a roundabout way, but it's them). I prefer Pepsi, too... Coke has something in it that burns more. Not sure if it's more carbonation or what. Calorie count is about the same between the two so it's not a significant difference in sugar.

I can't remember but Arby's once had Pepsi (if they don't now). And I know a couple others have switched over time. Perhaps Hardees.

Post by **nebugeater** » Mon Jan 23, 2023 8:47 am

djc311 wrote: Mon Jan 23, 2023 7:45 am
skinzfan23 wrote: Sun Jan 22, 2023 9:11 pm Dang seems like no one but Taco Bell and Taco Johns have Pepsi and I love Pepsi
Long John's, TB, Pizza Hut all have Pepsi... because they're owned by Pepsi (in a roundabout way, but it's them). I prefer Pepsi, too... Coke has something in it that burns more. Not sure if it's more carbonation or what. Calorie count is about the same between the two so it's not a significant difference in sugar.

I can't remember but Arby's once had Pepsi (if they don't now). And I know a couple others have switched over time. Perhaps Hardees.

Subway Sandwich used to be Pepsi. That change was a long time ago though, maybe mid to late 2000's as a guess

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Mon Jan 23, 2023 9:35 am

On the whole, cola drinkers seem to prefer Coke over Pepsi. I think if you conducted a poll to that effect that the Coke fans would outnumber the Pepsi fans. Where I think Coke comes up short is on their other flavors. Honestly, how many people prefer Mello Yello over Mountain Dew? And, while not part of PepsiCo, Dr. Pepper is certainly preferred over Mr. Pibb.

I was raised in a Pepsi home, but I'm not much of a cola drinker. I used to be an avid Mountain Dew (later Diet Mountain Dew) drinker for years, but I quit drinking soda altogether back in like 2012. Mostly it's unsweetened fresh-brewed iced tea or water for me. I've had an occasional soda here and there in the years since when there's nothing else available and it all has an unpleasant aftertaste. Honestly, I think it's the HFCS. I don't get that aftertaste when I have a bottle of "Mexican Coke" that is sweetened with cane sugar instead of HFCS (or perhaps it's some other ingredient variation between US and Mexican sodas causing that aftertaste).

I will say, I've never been militant about which brand is offered. I've heard people get quite pissy when their preferred brand isn't available. It seems silly to me.

damonhynes · Post by **damonhynes** » Mon Jan 23, 2023 2:01 pm

Padre wrote: Sun Jan 22, 2023 9:08 pm Culver’s changes from Pepsi to Coke, Fans are mad.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/21/business ... index.html

I like Culver's; even more so now.

mrsticka · Post by **mrsticka** » Mon Jan 23, 2023 11:02 pm

When Church's was in Lincoln and Omaha in 1996-97, they were inside Phillips 66 gas stations along with Amigo's. I remember that. Anyone else?

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Tue Jan 24, 2023 9:22 am

mrsticka wrote: Mon Jan 23, 2023 11:02 pm When Church's was in Lincoln and Omaha in 1996-97, they were inside Phillips 66 gas stations along with Amigo's. I remember that. Anyone else?

I don’t, at least not in Omaha. Had already finished college in Lincoln by then. In 80’s I don’t remember any Amigos in gas stations in Lincoln.

For Amigos in Omaha, I only remember 2 back then and both were free standing. One was close to 90th and Fort (it’s a Taco Bell now) and the one that still exists at 84th and Dodge.

mrsticka · Post by **mrsticka** » Tue Jan 24, 2023 3:25 pm

I wasn't talking about the 80's, I was talking about 1996-1997.

NEDodger · Post by **NEDodger** » Tue Jan 24, 2023 10:36 pm

ChadJK wrote: Mon Jan 23, 2023 9:35 am On the whole, cola drinkers seem to prefer Coke over Pepsi. I think if you conducted a poll to that effect that the Coke fans would outnumber the Pepsi fans. Where I think Coke comes up short is on their other flavors. Honestly, how many people prefer Mello Yello over Mountain Dew?

Haha, I do.

mrsticka · Post by **mrsticka** » Tue Jan 24, 2023 11:48 pm

Arby's used to have Pepsi. So did Wendy's. But I didn't care. I was more than perfectly okay with drinking Pepsi. Back in the 80's, Burger King had Pepsi. I don't know if anyone remembers that. What if McDonald's switched from Coke to Pepsi? What then?

djc311 · Post by **djc311** » Wed Jan 25, 2023 10:19 am

mrsticka wrote: Tue Jan 24, 2023 11:48 pm Arby's used to have Pepsi. So did Wendy's. But I didn't care. I was more than perfectly okay with drinking Pepsi. Back in the 80's, Burger King had Pepsi. I don't know if anyone remembers that. What if McDonald's switched from Coke to Pepsi? What then?

I would LOVE it! Although to be fair McDonald's Coke is different from any other Coke. I think it has higher sugar content or possibly less carbonation than a typical can or bottle of Coke. So their "Coke" isn't that bad. But Pepsi is still the winner.

thenewguy · Post by **thenewguy** » Wed Jan 25, 2023 2:26 pm

I was told once that the coke is delivered in stainless steel tanks so that taste isn't impacted the way it is if they came in a bag

Post by **Brad** » Wed Jan 25, 2023 2:28 pm

thenewguy wrote: Wed Jan 25, 2023 2:26 pm I was told once that the coke is delivered in stainless steel tanks so that taste isn't impacted the way it is if they came in a bag

Everywhere I worked it came in a bag like all other sodas.

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Wed Jan 25, 2023 3:43 pm

thenewguy wrote: Wed Jan 25, 2023 2:26 pm I was told once that the coke is delivered in stainless steel tanks so that taste isn't impacted the way it is if they came in a bag

I've heard that too, but it's only at McDonalds. They have some exclusive thing worked out with Coca-Cola.

Here's an article I found: https://www.rd.com/article/mcdonalds-coke/

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Wed Jan 25, 2023 4:46 pm

ChadJK wrote: Wed Jan 25, 2023 3:43 pm
thenewguy wrote: Wed Jan 25, 2023 2:26 pm I was told once that the coke is delivered in stainless steel tanks so that taste isn't impacted the way it is if they came in a bag
I've heard that too, but it's only at McDonalds. They have some exclusive thing worked out with Coca-Cola.

Here's an article I found: https://www.rd.com/article/mcdonalds-coke/

This is very interesting..

Learn something new every day…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Mon Feb 06, 2023 3:20 pm

I must have missed it when it happened, but I see Omaha's last Blimpie (Millard Plaza) closed. I don't really count the one at the airport as I'm not really inclined to go to the airport to eat. Though, Blimpie's store locator says there's one in Council Bluffs on East Broadway. Bummer. My wife likes Blimpie and we'd occasionally seek out that Millard one so she could get her fix.

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Mon Feb 06, 2023 4:13 pm

I like Blimpies as well, I really like how they slice the meats and cheese off a whole block right in front of you.

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Mon Feb 06, 2023 5:15 pm

skinzfan23 wrote: Mon Feb 06, 2023 4:13 pm I like Blimpies as well, I really like how they slice the meats and cheese off a whole block right in front of you.

I too liked that about Blimpie.

I heard Subway is going to begin slicing meats that way. Trying to win back their customers. Though, fresh cut meat and fresh meat don't mean the same thing. Neither do fresh cut meat and good quality meat. The only thing fresh is the cut. lol

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Mon Feb 06, 2023 6:28 pm

ChadJK wrote: Mon Feb 06, 2023 5:15 pm
skinzfan23 wrote: Mon Feb 06, 2023 4:13 pm I like Blimpies as well, I really like how they slice the meats and cheese off a whole block right in front of you.
I too liked that about Blimpie.

I heard Subway is going to begin slicing meats that way. Trying to win back their customers. Though, fresh cut meat and fresh meat don't mean the same thing. Neither do fresh cut meat and good quality meat. The only thing fresh is the cut. lol

When I worked at First Data (now Fiserv) at the 6855 building off 68th and Pacific, they had a Blimpie in their cafeteria..

It’s been some years back, but I now wonder if it’s still there…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

bbinks · Post by **bbinks** » Sat Feb 25, 2023 11:49 am

S.O.Boy wrote: Wed Jan 18, 2023 12:45 pm Stopped at McDonalds at 72 & Blondo (free nuggets in the app) they are remodeling the interior.

Pretty new store to be getting a remodel already.

bbinks · Post by **bbinks** » Sat Feb 25, 2023 11:52 am

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Wed Jan 25, 2023 4:46 pm
ChadJK wrote: Wed Jan 25, 2023 3:43 pm
thenewguy wrote: Wed Jan 25, 2023 2:26 pm I was told once that the coke is delivered in stainless steel tanks so that taste isn't impacted the way it is if they came in a bag
I've heard that too, but it's only at McDonalds. They have some exclusive thing worked out with Coca-Cola.

Here's an article I found: https://www.rd.com/article/mcdonalds-coke/
This is very interesting..

Learn something new every day…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Plus their water and syrup go through a system that pre chills it so not to dilute the ice.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Sat Feb 25, 2023 6:29 pm

bbinks wrote: Sat Feb 25, 2023 11:52 am
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Wed Jan 25, 2023 4:46 pm
ChadJK wrote: Wed Jan 25, 2023 3:43 pm
thenewguy wrote: Wed Jan 25, 2023 2:26 pm I was told once that the coke is delivered in stainless steel tanks so that taste isn't impacted the way it is if they came in a bag
I've heard that too, but it's only at McDonalds. They have some exclusive thing worked out with Coca-Cola.

Here's an article I found: https://www.rd.com/article/mcdonalds-coke/
This is very interesting..

Learn something new every day…

Ciao..LiO…Peace
Plus their water and syrup go through a system that pre chills it so not to dilute the ice.

That is also pretty slick..and an important component to a good tasting fountain soft drink…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Padre · Post by **Padre** » Thu Mar 09, 2023 9:35 pm

Large BK Franchisee declaring bankruptcy.

https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.co ... bankruptcy

None in Omaha, but quite a few in Lincoln, as well as York, Hastings, and Beatrice.

djc311 · Post by **djc311** » Fri Mar 10, 2023 7:48 am

Padre wrote: Thu Mar 09, 2023 9:35 pm Large BK Franchisee declaring bankruptcy.

https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.co ... bankruptcy

None in Omaha, but quite a few in Lincoln, as well as York, Hastings, and Beatrice.

I'm not surprised that BK is struggling - I AM surprised it's not associated with the Omaha stores. I think I've asked this before, but whoever is running the locations around here sucks. Or, at least they suck at running them.

I know I've mentioned this but the BK in front of Target on 178th & Center St has 2 drive thru lanes and hasn't had the outside lane open for probably 4-5 years now. I was shocked to see them replace their drive thru menus with the new digital type like McDonald's has had in place for years. After covid that store was probably closed more often than it was open for business.

When I saw BK come back with their Italian Chicken Sandwich I wanted to be excited! I've ordered it 3-4x at different locations (178th & Center, Millard Ave at Q St and 168th & Dodge by VP) and they all were awful. It took over 10 minutes in the drive thru and in the worst case scenario I was only the third car in line and every store served the sandwich cold... the cheese felt like it had come right out of the cooler and didn't have a chance to melt down around the chicken patty. The sauce was stale and seriously it just sucked. I wanted to like it again... but I think they've ruined it forever - I won't go back.

Before anyone says I'm being a bit too harsh on a BK menu item, regardless of wherever people like to eat at the very least you expect your food to be hot and probably not take 10-15 minutes to get thru the drive thru lane when you're behind 1-2 other cars. And no one has cheap food anymore - their meal is $10 which is the norm at a fast food place anymore. For $10 at least serve me something hot, even if it tastes bad.

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Fri Mar 10, 2023 9:19 am

djc311 wrote: Fri Mar 10, 2023 7:48 am
Padre wrote: Thu Mar 09, 2023 9:35 pm Large BK Franchisee declaring bankruptcy.

https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.co ... bankruptcy

None in Omaha, but quite a few in Lincoln, as well as York, Hastings, and Beatrice.
I'm not surprised that BK is struggling - I AM surprised it's not associated with the Omaha stores. I think I've asked this before, but whoever is running the locations around here sucks. Or, at least they suck at running them.

Omaha-area BK's are so horrible at what they do that it's just cringeworthy. Like, I've been embarrassed FOR them when I've visited them the last few years. I too am surprised that, one, it's not the Omaha locations and, two, it didn't happen sooner. I know retail and food service are struggling for employees even though they're paying almost double what they were a few years ago. However, most other chains have adapted and are getting by with what they have and some have actually returned to something resembling decent customer service. BK not so much. At this point I think they've just poisoned their reputation (as both an employer and a place to eat) in Omaha and Lincoln and I don't know how they recover from that.

djc311 · Post by **djc311** » Fri Mar 10, 2023 2:42 pm

ChadJK wrote: Fri Mar 10, 2023 9:19 am
djc311 wrote: Fri Mar 10, 2023 7:48 am
Padre wrote: Thu Mar 09, 2023 9:35 pm Large BK Franchisee declaring bankruptcy.

https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.co ... bankruptcy

None in Omaha, but quite a few in Lincoln, as well as York, Hastings, and Beatrice.
I'm not surprised that BK is struggling - I AM surprised it's not associated with the Omaha stores. I think I've asked this before, but whoever is running the locations around here sucks. Or, at least they suck at running them.
Omaha-area BK's are so horrible at what they do that it's just cringeworthy. Like, I've been embarrassed FOR them when I've visited them the last few years. I too am surprised that, one, it's not the Omaha locations and, two, it didn't happen sooner. I know retail and food service are struggling for employees even though they're paying almost double what they were a few years ago. However, most other chains have adapted and are getting by with what they have and some have actually returned to something resembling decent customer service. BK not so much. At this point I think they've just poisoned their reputation (as both an employer and a place to eat) in Omaha and Lincoln and I don't know how they recover from that.

At this point in time I'd prefer they converted them over to Wendy's, In and Outs or even Whattaburgers (although I realize the last two aren't even possible options).

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Fri Mar 10, 2023 7:11 pm

ChadJK wrote: Fri Mar 10, 2023 9:19 am
djc311 wrote: Fri Mar 10, 2023 7:48 am
Padre wrote: Thu Mar 09, 2023 9:35 pm Large BK Franchisee declaring bankruptcy.

https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.co ... bankruptcy

None in Omaha, but quite a few in Lincoln, as well as York, Hastings, and Beatrice.
I'm not surprised that BK is struggling - I AM surprised it's not associated with the Omaha stores. I think I've asked this before, but whoever is running the locations around here sucks. Or, at least they suck at running them.
Omaha-area BK's are so horrible at what they do that it's just cringeworthy. Like, I've been embarrassed FOR them when I've visited them the last few years.

BK has been horrible at what they do for years now, and pretty much anywhere in the country. Other than maybe a couple of breakfast menu options, their food is complete trash.. Here in Omaha, with fast food option burgers 1000 times better like Don & Millies, Bronco’s or Runza, BK doesn’t even register on my fast food consideration radar..same with McDonald’s…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Tue Mar 14, 2023 10:28 am

Went to St Louis last weekend. When I travel I always try to eat at places that we can't get here. On the way hit Gates in KC that's close to the Truman Sports Complex (it was really good). In St Louis we had some restaraunts that were all attached to an area of our hotel (Westport for those familiar). Had to eat a couple times quickly as we were there for a hockey tournament.

All the McDonalds's we saw were just like here, in great shape and well maintained. BK was just like here, hit and miss. But since traveling went to Steak and Shake and it was really good both times.

Greg

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Tue Mar 14, 2023 12:22 pm

Greg S wrote: Tue Mar 14, 2023 10:28 am When I travel I always try to eat at places that we can't get here.

I have a rule about that when we vacation. Locally-owned unique eateries are preferred, but if it's going to be a chain then it cannot be one we have in Omaha. I'm not traveling 1.,000 miles to eat at f'ing Subway.

The Burger Kings in Tulsa were horrible when I was there from 2009-2013. Even worse than Omaha and Lincoln are now. Nobody ate them and they had maybe half as many of them as Omaha (despite the similar metro area size). I hadn't had it in forever at the time and told one of my coworkers I was going to BK for lunch and he looked at me and was like, "Good God, why?!" The Tulsa BKs were just trash. Over the last 10 years the Omaha and Lincoln BKs have followed suit.

It's too bad BK is what it is today. Way back in the day (90s) I used to love to get the occasional Bacon Double Cheeseburger from BK or a Bacon, Egg, & Cheese Croissan'Wich. I ate it a lot in the USAF as it was one of the first major brand fast food chains to get AFB access (Popeye's followed later) and it was just easier than driving off-base sometimes.

Similarly, the Applebee's in Tulsa were also horrid. They're no gem in Omaha, but they were especially bad in Tulsa 10 years ago. Taco Bell in Tulsa was an afterthought as it seems most people in Tulsa would rather eat at Taco Bueno.

On a side note, if you want an awesome Bacon (or Sausage), Egg, & Cheese "Croissan'Wich." Go to the drive-thru at the Summer Kitchen Cafe in La Vista. They have breakfast croissant sandwiches. They're on a full-size croissant, the eggs are fluffy and moist, and they're everything a croissant breakfast sandwich should be. Of course, they're also not $1.99. lol

mrsticka · Post by **mrsticka** » Tue Mar 14, 2023 6:32 pm

I like McDonald's breakfast items. Their pancakes, sausage patties, hash browns, scrambled eggs, etc. Delicious.

damonhynes · Post by **damonhynes** » Tue Mar 14, 2023 9:27 pm

Greg S wrote: Tue Mar 14, 2023 10:28 am Went to St Louis last weekend. When I travel I always try to eat at places that we can't get here.

Hence Whataburger and to a lesser extent, In-N-Out when I go to Texas. Shipley's Donuts put Krispy Kreme to shame. In Atlanta, The Varsity.

OTOH, Braums in Kansas and Oklahoma was meh in my estimation. Wifey detested it.

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Wed Mar 15, 2023 8:39 am

damonhynes wrote: Tue Mar 14, 2023 9:27 pm OTOH, Braums in Kansas and Oklahoma was meh in my estimation. Wifey detested it.

Agreed. I've tried Braum's on several occasion and it's just okay for me.

My wife has family in Oklahoma that swear by Braum's milk. For those of you who don't know, Bram's is similar to Dairy Queen but they also have a small grocery inside. I had heard that the reason Braum's milk is so popular is they process it to concentrate the lactose and so their milk is sweeter than most other brands.

Greg S · Post by **Greg S** » Wed Mar 15, 2023 9:57 am

ChadJK wrote: Wed Mar 15, 2023 8:39 am
damonhynes wrote: Tue Mar 14, 2023 9:27 pm OTOH, Braums in Kansas and Oklahoma was meh in my estimation. Wifey detested it.
Agreed. I've tried Braum's on several occasion and it's just okay for me.

My wife has family in Oklahoma that swear by Braum's milk. For those of you who don't know, Bram's is similar to Dairy Queen but they also have a small grocery inside. I had heard that the reason Braum's milk is so popular is they process it to concentrate the lactose and so their milk is sweeter than most other brands.

My wife is from OKC. I absolutely make Braum's a must stop when we are there. We also usually make a stop at one in Salina on the way back home too.

Greg

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Thu Mar 16, 2023 5:59 pm

Greg S wrote: Wed Mar 15, 2023 9:57 am
ChadJK wrote: Wed Mar 15, 2023 8:39 am
damonhynes wrote: Tue Mar 14, 2023 9:27 pm OTOH, Braums in Kansas and Oklahoma was meh in my estimation. Wifey detested it.
Agreed. I've tried Braum's on several occasion and it's just okay for me.

My wife has family in Oklahoma that swear by Braum's milk. For those of you who don't know, Bram's is similar to Dairy Queen but they also have a small grocery inside. I had heard that the reason Braum's milk is so popular is they process it to concentrate the lactose and so their milk is sweeter than most other brands.
My wife is from OKC. I absolutely make Braum's a must stop when we are there. We also usually make a stop at one in Salina on the way back home too.

Greg

Their burgers are not too shabby either. For fast food, you get a lot of food for the dollar..The ice cream there is pretty good too…

Ciao..LiO…Peace