Fast Food Talk Thread

[Busguy2010]

I usually opt for their Jalapeño Poppers.

Oh my, how could I have forgotten about the jalapeño poppers. I love them along with the berry sauce. It's such an unexpectedly good pairing. I'm definitely making a point to get Arby's today, mainly for the jalapeño poppers.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Potato Cakes are coming back to Arby's on 2/24/2025. I presume for a limited time only. I got a teaser email from them.

Apparently, Arby's Potato Cakes are back forever. At least, that's what the signage at Arby's is saying.

Someone who buys them more often than I do will have to let us know if they used their absence as an opportunity to jack up the price of them. They're $2.69 for a 3-piece or $3.29 for a 4-piece.

Fantastic news. The prices seem in line in comparison to what their fries are. So it doesn't appear they put a premium on the price.

Nice to see they are no longer a limited time item.

Right - some things should just be left alone... ie, Potato Cakes. Those have been around since I was a kid, so probably more than 40 years, easy. If they tried to play a game like the McRib, I think it backfired.

The McRib comes and goes so often that it's not that big of a deal to have it off the menu for a few months. But Arby's getting rid of Potato Cakes would be like them dumping the Beef N Cheddar or Regular Roast Beef sandwich.

I had stopped eating at Arby's after they replaced the potato cakes with those horrible crinkle fries. Looks like I can go back now!

Good to see them back..

Should have NEVER taken a menu original away in the first place..

Kudos to Arby’s to at least course correct…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[ChadJK]

Amigo's seems to have devolved to cheap college food I can make at home, like a hot dog wrapped in a tortilla.

Devolved?! Was it ever really more than that?? I mean, I've never walked into Amigo's thinking I'm getting something authentic.

I do enjoy fast food Tex-Mex, but I don't think any single brand is the best. I have items I like and items I hate from Taco Bell, Taco John's, and Amigos. Though, lately, I've really been craving a Taco Bravo from Taco John's. I don't walk into a national fast food chain with the same expectations as when I walk into a locally owned place. Remember kids, happiness is about low expectations.

[ChadJK]

The Italian Runza is back for a limited time.
https://www.runza.com/menu/italian-runza-sandwich

And it's gone again. Ended 2/28.

[nebugeater]

So what technology is Firehouse Subs using to identify who you are when or before you order? I could get that it may tie to reading a card, but in the past, I am sure my first name has called me by name before I have swiped my card.

I go to the one in Fremont every three or so weeks, and this has been something I have been noticing for a while now. Today, I went in and never even took my billfold out of my pocket. Paid with cash I had in a clip in my front pocket. Before I paid, they said Will this order be for 'first name"

I would assume they are using facial recognition tied to data that they tied to me at some point in the past. I looked for a camera and didn't see anything obvious. Really just kind of creepy.

[Brad]

I would assume they are using facial recognition tied to data that they tied to me at some point in the past. I looked for a camera and didn't see anything obvious. Really just kind of creepy.

They put a chip in your sub and you ingested it. Now they track you... LOL

Yes, it does seems creepy. More creepy then the Jimmy John's app saying "Hey, you're near xyz store, want to make an order?"

[nebugeater]

I would assume they are using facial recognition tied to data that they tied to me at some point in the past. I looked for a camera and didn't see anything obvious. Really just kind of creepy.

They put a chip in your sub and you ingested it. Now they track you... LOL

Yes, it does seems creepy. More creepy then the Jimmy John's app saying "Hey, you're near xyz store, want to make an order?"

I thought about the Firehouse app, too, but I don't have it on my phone. USed to use it before I "did a complete refresh" of my phone, so I guess there is a chance there is still a reminence of it on there.

[nativeomahan]

It’s pretty impossible to remain anonymous in this world today.

[bbinks]

I'm not going to immediately blame staffing for restaurant performance. I can go to Chi-Fil-A, Runza, or Arby's and get far better service than any Burger King. Maybe BK is where people end up with their bad work ethics and attitude that isn't tolerated elsewhere.

[Padre]

Does anyone know when Gandolfos started selling pizza?

[omaha79]

I'm not going to immediately blame staffing for restaurant performance. I can go to Chi-Fil-A, Runza, or Arby's and get far better service than any Burger King. Maybe BK is where people end up with their bad work ethics and attitude that isn't tolerated elsewhere.

Everything I've heard is that the main franchise owner of Burger King's in the Omaha area is terrible. And, what you get in Omaha isn't necessarily what you get in other cities. Omaha has essentially none of the new store designs and all the ones I've been to are dated, most have the 90's design and are beyond in need of a refresh. I think it's more of a franchisee situation, but could be indicative of BK having lax franchise standards as well.

[skinzfan23]

Yes, speaking about the BK's in Omaha metro, they are pretty lacking. Most also seem as if they haven't cleaned the floors since the 1990's either. It would be really nice if they invested some money into them.

[djc311]

Yes, speaking about the BK's in Omaha metro, they are pretty lacking. Most also seem as if they haven't cleaned the floors since the 1990's either. It would be really nice if they invested some money into them.

I thought someone had mentioned BK corporate took back control of most of those in Omaha? Perhaps I'm mistaken and misread that somewhere. At about the time I "thought" I heard that, I did notice the one closest to us on 178th & Center St received the upgraded digital menu displays and actually opened up their second drive thru lane again. However, other than that one change, they still seem to be very lackluster. The only thing I get occasionally from them are breakfast croissants as I prefer these over McDonald's biscuits and for 2 for $5, it's not a terrible deal.

I did actually drive thru this week in the morning and noticed their outside sign marquee says Under New Management". Not sure how long that's been on display, but the sign itself is as old as the building and looks like |expletive|. LOL

Only hot sandwich I like from there is the Italian chicken and that comes around a lot less often than the McRib. Last couple I ordered were cold back when they had them, and that was from two different stores.

I am NOT a fan of BK - honestly I'm surprised they remain open. McDonald's will have 15 cars in the drive thru at dinner any given day... BK will have 2 (if they're lucky). Can't keep the doors open for too long with that kind of traffic.

[skinzfan23]

I used to go to BK any chance I got over McDonalds, but I haven't been to BK for at least a year since they raised their prices so much and seem to not care. The one on 42nd and Hwy 370 has had their large sign completely broken for the past few months. I know it takes time to order and install those, but it looks terrible. Not to mention the inside literally is a time wrap back to the 90's.

[omaha79]

I used to go to BK any chance I got over McDonalds, but I haven't been to BK for at least a year since they raised their prices so much and seem to not care. The one on 42nd and Hwy 370 has had their large sign completely broken for the past few months. I know it takes time to order and install those, but it looks terrible. Not to mention the inside literally is a time wrap back to the 90's.

We must live relatively close, because that's the exact location I was thinking of.

[skinzfan23]

I live in the very south edge of Bellevue, but go to Twin Creek area all the time.

[ChadJK]

The Long John Silver's/A&W combo restaurant at 84th & Giles has closed.

[Padre]

The Long John Silver's/A&W combo restaurant at 84th & Giles has closed.

On Google maps it said temporarily closed, but it’s not listed on the A&W website.

[ChadJK]

The Long John Silver's/A&W combo restaurant at 84th & Giles has closed.

On Google maps it said temporarily closed, but it’s not listed on the A&W website.

This location is also no longer on the LJS website either.

I've had to submit several edits to Google Maps over the last couple of years for permanently closed (and often already replaced) restaurants that were marked "temporarily closed."

[GenX]

Yes, speaking about the BK's in Omaha metro, they are pretty lacking. Most also seem as if they haven't cleaned the floors since the 1990's either. It would be really nice if they invested some money into them.

I visited a BK recently and the ketchup in the dispenser was runny, almost as if it had been watered down…

[djc311]

Yes, speaking about the BK's in Omaha metro, they are pretty lacking. Most also seem as if they haven't cleaned the floors since the 1990's either. It would be really nice if they invested some money into them.

I visited a BK recently and the ketchup in the dispenser was runny, almost as if it had been watered down…

Probably was... due to lack of use, they likely added water.

I'm joking (kinda). It wouldn't surprise me if they did that. Out of what would usually be considered the bigger chains, this place is the most disappointing and has gone down hill in a hurry. I never went out of my way to go to a BK, but I every once in awhile a Whopper sounded good.

When I was a kid and lived up the street from the one off Saddle Creek and Dodge, we'd walk down to it on occasion. I remember when French Toast Sticks came out... one of the most amazing things ever! Even today I'd probably enjoy them (hard for them to mess up something that drops into oil and gets fried, LOL!). I also enjoyed when they released the 3-pack of "mini" burgers in the narrow container. I guess you could call them sliders.

Sucks to see places like this go down the toilet - they have the infrastructure and resources to be a good company. Not sure why the local stores are so terrible, but it's been this way for several years now (I'd say at least since Covid).

[omaha79]

I live in the very south edge of Bellevue, but go to Twin Creek area all the time.

that's where I am, off of Fairview.

[GenX]

Yes, speaking about the BK's in Omaha metro, they are pretty lacking. Most also seem as if they haven't cleaned the floors since the 1990's either. It would be really nice if they invested some money into them.

I visited a BK recently and the ketchup in the dispenser was runny, almost as if it had been watered down…

Probably was... due to lack of use, they likely added water.

I'm joking (kinda). It wouldn't surprise me if they did that. Out of what would usually be considered the bigger chains, this place is the most disappointing and has gone down hill in a hurry. I never went out of my way to go to a BK, but I every once in awhile a Whopper sounded good.

When I was a kid and lived up the street from the one off Saddle Creek and Dodge, we'd walk down to it on occasion. I remember when French Toast Sticks came out... one of the most amazing things ever! Even today I'd probably enjoy them (hard for them to mess up something that drops into oil and gets fried, LOL!). I also enjoyed when they released the 3-pack of "mini" burgers in the narrow container. I guess you could call them sliders.

Sucks to see places like this go down the toilet - they have the infrastructure and resources to be a good company. Not sure why the local stores are so terrible, but it's been this way for several years now (I'd say at least since Covid).

Disappointment. That sums it all up perfectly.

[Busguy2010]

Im pretty much gonna boycott fast food. I get the convenience factor, but I think they're exploiting it, big time. Spent $19 at Runza, $16 at Mac Donalds, $12 for a half a$s steak pilly at Pepperjax, each just for a single meal. And this is still the same |expletive| we used to pay half that amount for not even that long ago.

[djc311]

Yeah, it's all out of control. And anytime you buy food at a "better" restaurant they still ask if you want to tip them. I'm sorry, but they were getting paid the same about 4-5 years ago before tip crazy happened... and the guy flipping my burger at Five Guys really shouldn't get a tip if they're getting paid $15-$16/hour to make the burger.

You don't tip the cashier at Target - or the bagger at HyVee, etc.

Life is getting nearly impossibly expensive.

If I go to McDonald's anymore, I simply order their $5 deal or get the same at Wendy's. Runza cost my family of 4 last week $55. That's crazy for a freaking fast food burger. Obviously, we're all silly enough to pay for it, tho! LOL

[ChadJK]

You don't tip the cashier at Target - or the bagger at HyVee, etc.

Yet.

[skinzfan23]

Definitely suggest using apps, I know McDonalds is way cheaper on there and runza gives you rewards points

[Greg S]

Definitely suggest using apps, I know McDonalds is way cheaper on there and runza gives you rewards points

I can't agree with this more. I resisted downloading them for a while but you save so much.

[bbinks]

You don't tip the cashier at Target - or the bagger at HyVee, etc.

Yet.

With self check out and not having a helpful smile in every aisle, HyVee should tip their customers.

[nebugeater]

You don't tip the cashier at Target - or the bagger at HyVee, etc.

Yet.

With self check out and not having a helpful smile in every aisle, HyVee should tip their customers.

HyVee has eliminated most of its self-checkout.

[bbinks]

You don't tip the cashier at Target - or the bagger at HyVee, etc.

Yet.

With self check out and not having a helpful smile in every aisle, HyVee should tip their customers.

HyVee has eliminated most of its self-checkout.

Fort St. must be behind. I'm only there now for prescriptions.

[Brad]

You don't tip the cashier at Target - or the bagger at HyVee, etc.

Yet.

With self check out and not having a helpful smile in every aisle, HyVee should tip their customers.

HyVee has eliminated most of its self-checkout.

Fort St. must be behind. I'm only there now for prescriptions.

90th and Center as well as 132 & Dodge both still have self-checkouts too.

[nebugeater]

You don't tip the cashier at Target - or the bagger at HyVee, etc.

Yet.

With self check out and not having a helpful smile in every aisle, HyVee should tip their customers.

HyVee has eliminated most of its self-checkout.

Fort St. must be behind. I'm only there now for prescriptions.

90th and Center as well as 132 & Dodge both still have self-checkouts too.

are they using them? The stores I go to still have them in place but for the most part they are not open

[Brad]

are they using them? The stores I go to still have them in place but for the most part they are not open

Yes, usually only 1 or 2 staffed checkouts open, and then at least 6 of the self checkouts at 90th and all of them at 132nd are open..

[nebugeater]

are they using them? The stores I go to still have them in place but for the most part they are not open

Yes, usually only 1 or 2 staffed checkouts open, and then at least 6 of the self checkouts at 90th and all of them at 132nd are open..

Interesting.

I go to Gretna 180th & Q and Fremont for the most part. Rarely open

[OmahaRedWing]

are they using them? The stores I go to still have them in place but for the most part they are not open

Yes, usually only 1 or 2 staffed checkouts open, and then at least 6 of the self checkouts at 90th and all of them at 132nd are open..

Interesting.

I go to Gretna 180th & Q and Fremont for the most part. Rarely open

I just used the self checkout at 156th and Maple today.

[Busguy2010]

I just saw a commercial for Jimmy John's. They now have new toasted subs! Now that might just get me to go there!

Really though, Jimmy John's has to be the blandest and most unimaginative sandwich place. I'm not hating, but it says something when merely toasting their sandwiches is a selling point. Who would have ever thought of that? Lol

So lame, but I might actually try it.

[Brad]

I just saw a commercial for Jimmy John's. They now have new toasted subs! Now that might just get me to go there!

I have noticed the few times I have had one, they seem to take a lot longer. I order on the app and when I walk in the door, the cold sandwich is always ready sitting on the shelf. However, I have yet to walk in the door and the toasted sandwich be ready. Also, in my opinion, they are over toasting them.

Really though, Jimmy John's has to be the blandest and most unimaginative sandwich place. I'm not hating, but it says something when merely toasting their sandwiches is a selling point. Who would have ever thought of that? Lol

I modify every sandwich I get there. Remove the stupid mayo and add ingredients with flavor. That's said, I don't go to JJ because they have great sandwiches, I go because its so convenient. I can order on the app (which actually uses apple pay unlike some others that still live in 2019 and want you to save a credit card in the app). Then I keep working for about 5 more more min before heading over there and my sandwich is waiting for me. From the time I leave my desk until I get back to my desk is about 5 min.

[Padre]

I just saw a commercial for Jimmy John's. They now have new toasted subs! Now that might just get me to go there!

Really though, Jimmy John's has to be the blandest and most unimaginative sandwich place. I'm not hating, but it says something when merely toasting their sandwiches is a selling point. Who would have ever thought of that? Lol

So lame, but I might actually try it.

I tried the chicken bacon ranch toasted sandwich. Unfortunately the ranch soaks into the bread, and makes it soggy. Not very appealing.

Their real selling point was that they delivered, though that was before Uber Eats got so big. I think it’s interesting that they still have their own drivers.

[nebugeater]

I just saw a commercial for Jimmy John's. They now have new toasted subs! Now that might just get me to go there!

Really though, Jimmy John's has to be the blandest and most unimaginative sandwich place. I'm not hating, but it says something when merely toasting their sandwiches is a selling point. Who would have ever thought of that? Lol

So lame, but I might actually try it.

I tried the chicken bacon ranch toasted sandwich. Unfortunately the ranch soaks into the bread, and makes it soggy. Not very appealing.

Their real selling point was that they delivered, though that was before Uber Eats got so big. I think it’s interesting that they still have their own drivers.

Much better control of cost, time and quality