Fast Food Talk Thread

[ChadJK]

I see Chick-fil-A trying a little bit. Just saw an ad for a pretzel bun, cheddar chicken sandwich that you can get in grilled, original, or spicy. And it has *gasp* Dijon mustard on it.

It's still not incredibly adventurous, but it does sound pretty good. I just about never go to Chick-fil-A, cause they're the next most "bread and butter" place behind Cane's. Not to say they're not good, just not interesting. Seems like theyre trying to appeal to a different audience, and that MAY just get me to go there.

Well, you don't have to be adventuresome when people line down the block for the same old thing.

[Busguy2010]

I see Chick-fil-A trying a little bit. Just saw an ad for a pretzel bun, cheddar chicken sandwich that you can get in grilled, original, or spicy. And it has *gasp* Dijon mustard on it.

It's still not incredibly adventurous, but it does sound pretty good. I just about never go to Chick-fil-A, cause they're the next most "bread and butter" place behind Cane's. Not to say they're not good, just not interesting. Seems like theyre trying to appeal to a different audience, and that MAY just get me to go there.

Well, you don't have to be adventuresome when people line down the block for the same old thing.

I used to work with a dude that, almost every day had a plain Chick-fil-A sandwich for lunch. Not even pickles on it. And I was just being a prick and asked him, "well, what else do you eat?". And he said "cardboard". We both laughed.

But yeah, that reinforced my idea that people can just like simplicity and consistency. And you're right, the lines prove it. Ill never be like that. If I ordered a regular chicken sandwich, and they accidentally gave me a spicy deluxe, I sure as |expletive| wouldn't be taking it back lol.

[Brad]

I see Chick-fil-A trying a little bit. Just saw an ad for a pretzel bun, cheddar chicken sandwich that you can get in grilled, original, or spicy. And it has *gasp* Dijon mustard on it.

Had the spicy on the pretzel bun tonight. They add bacon to it too. It was good for fast food. Customer service was fantastic as usual. Wish more businesses trained their employees like Chic-Fil-A.

[Busguy2010]

Wish more businesses trained their employees like Chic-Fil-A.

I don't go there often enough to know how they manage to do it, but I agree, its professional. Probably the most professional fast food place out there. I don't know how they do it. You'd think they're getting paid $30 an hour to work the window haha.

[remline]

Probably the most professional fast food place out there. I don't know how they do it.

Culver's is another fast food restaurant that stands out to me for friendly and helpful service.

[Brad]

Probably the most professional fast food place out there. I don't know how they do it.

Culver's is another fast food restaurant that stands out to me for friendly and helpful service.

I'd put Runza and Culver's in the same category. Historically they always had great customers service, but in the past couple years they are not quite as good as they have been historically. Not fast food, but I would put QT in that category too where they have slipped just a little bit. Not bad, but also not quite as good as they once were.

[Busguy2010]

Ooooooh, I just saw an ad for Arby's bringing back the loaded italian sub for a limited time. That was one of my all time favorite items from Arby's, and fast food in general. Don't know if they ever brought it back since, and I just didn't hear about it, but I was super bummed when they got rid of it back 15 years ago or so. Not too excited to find out what it costs nowadays though.

[Padre]

Ooooooh, I just saw an ad for Arby's bringing back the loaded italian sub for a limited time. That was one of my all time favorite items from Arby's, and fast food in general. Don't know if they ever brought it back since, and I just didn't hear about it, but I was super bummed when they got rid of it back 15 years ago or so. Not too excited to find out what it costs nowadays though.

$6.99.

[Busguy2010]

Got me the Italian sub tonight, and it was as I remembered. Though, I asked for the meal, and I guess the kid heard me wrong. So I get back home to find out there's no curly fries. Checked the receipt, and I was charged the sandwich and a drink. Now, who on earth would do that? Lol.

No big, so I threw some frozen seasoned fries in the oven. By the time I got to the sandwich, it was cold and a looked a little pruney. So I threw it in with the fries, and it turned out looking perfect. So I guess the order mess up was a blessing in disguise.

I will always toast them from here on.

[Omaha Cowboy]

At least Arby’s brought back Potato Cakes after a nearly 5 year absence. That’s the only side item I cared about..

Arby’s had lost their mind for a pretty long stretch. Glad to see they regained their sanity…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Busguy2010]

At least Arby’s brought back Potato Cakes after a nearly 5 year absence. That’s the only side item I cared about..

Arby’s had lost their mind for a pretty long stretch. Glad to see they regained their sanity…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

It had been such a long time since I've gotten Arby's, I was wondering if they had them or not. I'm not super crazy about the potato cakes. I like them, but in this instance, I was after some curly fries, and they're my normally preferred side.

So when I ordered, I didn't specify which side I wanted, I just left it up for the luck of the draw. I also wasnt sure if they default to curly fries, or what? I didn't care what I got. Turned out I got nothing lol. I'm sure it was just a misunderstanding. I was really looking forward to those curly fries though.

[Busguy2010]

I forgot to get Jalapeño poppers though. Kickin myself.

Though I have to mention they now call them "Jalapeño bites". While they're still on the menu, they're not the same as they were. They used to be whole jalapeños. They're much smaller now.

Still, they're one of the more unique fast food sides, and one of my favorite add-ons.

[djc311]

At least Arby’s brought back Potato Cakes after a nearly 5 year absence. That’s the only side item I cared about..

Arby’s had lost their mind for a pretty long stretch. Glad to see they regained their sanity…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

I can't imagine their business was going down the toilet. Wonder if they hired some clown CEO that thought they had all the solutions like Chrysler (Stellantis) did? In any case, bringing potato cakes back was definitely one of their smartest decisions. I'm not sure they need to offer burgers and some of the other items they have added to the menu, but maybe it's working for them.

My thing with Arby's is I wish they would have never gotten rid of their original sauce they offered back in the 80's. I like Arby's sauce, but they once had a sauce that was more like a bar-b-q type sauce which was sweeter.

[Busguy2010]

At least Arby’s brought back Potato Cakes after a nearly 5 year absence. That’s the only side item I cared about..

Arby’s had lost their mind for a pretty long stretch. Glad to see they regained their sanity…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

I can't imagine their business was going down the toilet. Wonder if they hired some clown CEO that thought they had all the solutions like Chrysler (Stellantis) did? In any case, bringing potato cakes back was definitely one of their smartest decisions. I'm not sure they need to offer burgers and some of the other items they have added to the menu, but maybe it's working for them.

My thing with Arby's is I wish they would have never gotten rid of their original sauce they offered back in the 80's. I like Arby's sauce, but they once had a sauce that was more like a bar-b-q type sauce which was sweeter.

I sort of wish they would get back to the basics. Instead of "we have (all) the meats", just refocus on what made you, you.

I agree, burgers at Arby's? Weird. I had one once and it was actually really good, but Arby's isn’t a burger place. They're more of a hot shaved meat place.

I'd rather they focus on improving their roast beef sandwiches, mostly. All those add-ons make for additional work in the process, and all items suffer from that.

[remline]

I was after some curly fries, and they're my normally preferred side.

Indeed, the delicious curly fries are one of the main reasons to go to Arbys.

[ChadJK]

I was after some curly fries, and they're my normally preferred side.

Indeed, the delicious curly fries are one of the main reasons to go to Arbys.

I just saw the other day that they have these in the frozen food section at the grocery store. (They may have been around for awhile, I don't pay that close of attention.) Though, without a deep fryer you won't be getting the same results.

https://www.hy-vee.com/aisles-online/p/ ... urly-Fries

[skinzfan23]

Bakers has had them for the past few years. They are good, but as you mentioned, without a fryer they are a little different.

[Busguy2010]

I was after some curly fries, and they're my normally preferred side.

Indeed, the delicious curly fries are one of the main reasons to go to Arbys.

I just saw the other day that they have these in the frozen food section at the grocery store. (They may have been around for awhile, I don't pay that close of attention.) Though, without a deep fryer you won't be getting the same results.

https://www.hy-vee.com/aisles-online/p/ ... urly-Fries

They are pretty cool to keep in the freezer just in case. Those storms the last two years that knocked the power out for a week each killed both the bags I've bought. Haven't restocked. But that means the first bag I bought was probably 3-4 years ago. They been out there a while. They're good cause you can control the cook. I like my curly fries crisp.

Oddly enough, when I get "curly fries", I actually prefer the bits that don't do the curly thing. The ones that curl up like a slinky can tend to be a little soft and oily. Still love em though.

[Busguy2010]

Lolz. I just had the cheddar pretzel club at Chick-fil-A, and I didn't know it was served with a side of Dijon mustard. So when I took my first bite, I thought they mistakenly didn't put the mustard on it. Dug in my bag to check the receipt if they accidentally omitted the mustard, and I found the package of it... It just made me pause and look at it funny. Now that just goes a long way to show how cautious they have to be with their customer base. Can't go full send on em and actually put *MUSTARD* on the sandwich or it won't sell. So basically the only thing that differentiates it from a regular azz deluxe and asking for a side of mustard, is the pretzel bun. Chick-fil-A is so lame, it's comical

Also of mention, their food is such an egregious sodium bomb, thats the only thing they rely on for flavor. I'm surprised the market even pryed at them enough to offer a spicy sandwich. Only saving grace is you can get a pretty decent side salad there.

[Busguy2010]

And the customer service, of course.

[Busguy2010]

Goodness, I just looked up the nutrition, and the sandwich itself had 2,050mg of sodium, and the salad had 630mg. Depending who you are, thats well over a days sodium, or even two days of sodium in a palm sized chicken sandwich One meal and I basically shouldn't eat anything but fruit for the next day or two.

I knew they were bad, but didn't think they were THAT bad. Thats like a teaspoon and a half of table salt imagine throwing that down the hatch. I feel dirty now.

[djc311]

Goodness, I just looked up the nutrition, and the sandwich itself had 2,050mg of sodium, and the salad had 630mg. Depending who you are, thats well over a days sodium, or even two days of sodium in a palm sized chicken sandwich One meal and I basically shouldn't eat anything but fruit for the next day or two.

I knew they were bad, but didn't think they were THAT bad. Thats like a teaspoon and a half of table salt imagine throwing that down the hatch. I feel dirty now.

That's why they're closed on Sundays.... to give their employees a chance to spend time with family, friends, worship and to sodium detox.

[Louie]

Goodness, I just looked up the nutrition, and the sandwich itself had 2,050mg of sodium, and the salad had 630mg. Depending who you are, thats well over a days sodium, or even two days of sodium in a palm sized chicken sandwich One meal and I basically shouldn't eat anything but fruit for the next day or two.

I knew they were bad, but didn't think they were THAT bad. Thats like a teaspoon and a half of table salt imagine throwing that down the hatch. I feel dirty now.

That's why they're closed on Sundays.... to give their employees a chance to spend time with family, friends, worship and to sodium detox.

"Go spend time with your families on sundays, because if you keep eating this stuff you won't have a lot of time left to spend with them."

[Busguy2010]

I guess they're doing the public a favor. Honestly, half the time I even think about getting Chick-fil-A, it just happens to be Sunday.

[ChadJK]

Taco Bell has temporarily brought back the Chili Cheese Burrito (aka Chilito), Double Decker Taco, Cool Ranch Doritos Locos Tacos Supreme, and Caramel Apple Empanada.

https://www.tacobell.com/food/decades

[djc311]

Taco Bell has temporarily brought back the Chili Cheese Burrito (aka Chilito), Double Decker Taco, Cool Ranch Doritos Locos Tacos Supreme, and Caramel Apple Empanada.

https://www.tacobell.com/food/decades

Never had the chili cheese burrito, but apparently a lot of ppl like them. Might need to give it a try while it's around! I just checked it out on their website... $3/each. And they're also offering the Cool Ranch Doritos taco again, also at $3. Is it me, or is their food crazy expensive for what you get? I could probably order a single taco at nearly any other Mexican restaurant in Omaha for about $3 or less. Has anyone else noticed how much they get for add-ons? Tomatoes, $0.90. it's probably not even the equivalent of a full slice. Or sour cream? Also $0.90.

On occasion, I do feel like TB... but man I miss the days you could spend less than $10 and have a |expletive| load of food. Nowadays, it's over $40 for the 4 of us in my house and that's WITHOUT drinks for each person. Definitely sucks - and even though there are a lot of McDonald's haters on here, I'd rather spend my $5 on their double cheeseburger meal that at least gets me fairly full, than $10-$12 on TB for a taco, burrito and a drink.

Plus, one bonus I just realized about 2 weeks ago is that if you order in the McDonald's app, you can get their $5 double cheeseburger meal with a large drink for the same price. Whenever I would go through the drive thru, I'd take it like it's advertised which includes a small drink which is certainly small.

[Busguy2010]

Taco Bell has temporarily brought back the Chili Cheese Burrito (aka Chilito), Double Decker Taco, Cool Ranch Doritos Locos Tacos Supreme, and Caramel Apple Empanada.

https://www.tacobell.com/food/decades

Been a HOT minute since I've patronized Taco Bell. But back in the day, the caramel apple empenada was of my favorite menu items. The Cool Ranch Dorito Taco, eh, I liked it enough. I'd sometimes get all three of the Dorito tacos and call that a meal.

They kinda just strung me along too much. They took away and brought back so many items I loved I kinda just gave up on em. Just took a quick look at their menu, and honestly surprised they still have the Chalupa. But at almost 5 bucks just for that, forget it.

I reminisce on the volcano menu back in the late 2000's. A volcano burrito, volcano taco, regular taco, large Baja blast, and cinnamon twists for $5. I think I just shed a tear. What do you figure that would cost today? I can't even. Basically a 20 spot?

That was back when Taco Bell was worth it.

[Busguy2010]

We used to do the "$10 challenge" once a year in high school, get a big group of people together and see who could conquer it. $10 of food back then at Taco Bell was enough to send a person into a food coma or puke. Only a few of the 20 or so people could do it. Nowadays thats just like a regular meal. Lordy. Don't know if they continued that tradition, but now it'd be the "$30 challenge".

[skinzfan23]

Taco Bell still has pretty good deals if you use the app. I get the crunchwrap, beefy 5 layer burrito, nachos and drink for $5.50.

[ChadJK]

Is it me, or is their food crazy expensive for what you get?

That was back when Taco Bell was worth it.

Nowadays thats just like a regular meal. Lordy. Don't know if they continued that tradition, but now it'd be the "$30 challenge".

Taco Bell was my teenage job, so I go back mostly for nostalgia. However, I agree, the value is gone from Taco Bell. At their current price point you could eat at an authentic taqueria (which are now all over town) and get bigger portions of food with much less concerning ingredient lists. If you want Mexican food in a hurry, then find your local taco truck or taqueria and patronize it. Odds are there's one closer than you think.

I used to joke that if you were broke you could find enough loose change on your car floor to get a burrito at Taco Bell and that would tide you over until the next mealtime. Not anymore. R.I.P. to the 59¢/79¢/99¢ menu of my youth.

[Busguy2010]

I used to joke that if you were broke you could find enough loose change on your car floor to get a burrito at Taco Bell and that would tide you over until the next mealtime. Not anymore. R.I.P. to the 59¢/79¢/99¢ menu of my youth.

I honestly feel for kids that will never know such a thing now. I caught the tail end of it, and was ecstatic if I could scrounge up enough change, I was set.

Now, not only does that menu not exist, cash and coins are fading into the fray too. Cards psychologically make you not think about how much you're spending. Since you don't physically count it out anymore, I really do think every restaurant plays on that going over your head, and allows them to charge more without you noticing.

[Padre]

I used to joke that if you were broke you could find enough loose change on your car floor to get a burrito at Taco Bell and that would tide you over until the next mealtime. Not anymore. R.I.P. to the 59¢/79¢/99¢ menu of my youth.

I honestly feel for kids that will never know such a thing now. I caught the tail end of it, and was ecstatic if I could scrounge up enough change, I was set.

Now, not only does that menu not exist, cash and coins are fading into the fray too. Cards psychologically make you not think about how much you're spending. Since you don't physically count it out anymore, I really do think every restaurant plays on that going over your head, and allows them to charge more without you noticing.

It can go the other way as well. It takes time to count out change, and has more potential for error.

[Padre]

I used to joke that if you were broke you could find enough loose change on your car floor to get a burrito at Taco Bell and that would tide you over until the next mealtime. Not anymore. R.I.P. to the 59¢/79¢/99¢ menu of my youth.

I honestly feel for kids that will never know such a thing now. I caught the tail end of it, and was ecstatic if I could scrounge up enough change, I was set.

Now, not only does that menu not exist, cash and coins are fading into the fray too. Cards psychologically make you not think about how much you're spending. Since you don't physically count it out anymore, I really do think every restaurant plays on that going over your head, and allows them to charge more without you noticing.

It can go the other way as well. Having to count out change takes more time, and has more potential for errors.

[djc311]

Is it me, or is their food crazy expensive for what you get?

That was back when Taco Bell was worth it.

Nowadays thats just like a regular meal. Lordy. Don't know if they continued that tradition, but now it'd be the "$30 challenge".

Taco Bell was my teenage job, so I go back mostly for nostalgia. However, I agree, the value is gone from Taco Bell. At their current price point you could eat at an authentic taqueria (which are now all over town) and get bigger portions of food with much less concerning ingredient lists. If you want Mexican food in a hurry, then find your local taco truck or taqueria and patronize it. Odds are there's one close than you think.

I used to joke that if you were broke you could find enough loose change on your car floor to get a burrito at Taco Bell and that would tide you over until the next mealtime. Not anymore. R.I.P. to the 59¢/79¢/99¢ menu of my youth.

I was just telling my daughter about that menu (mainly the price points, not the items on it). She thought I was joking.

I get it, it's unrealistic to think you should be able to buy a "meal's worth" of food for less than $5 pretty much anywhere. But TB did basically set themselves up around VALUE, so part of the complaining is well-deserved, IMO. They're owned by YUM brands which also owns Pizza Hut and I find it funny how you can buy a medium pizza for $5 or get a single Chalupa for the same price.

I think one of my other bigger issues with many of these places are what they charge for a pop/soda (depending on where you grew up). McDonald's will still sell a standalone pop for about $1.50. You go to TB, etc and their drinks are about $2.50. You probably have more $$$ in the plastic cup than the syrup, so it's a joke. What's even worse is you go to a sit down restaurant and they'll charge you $3.50 for one. $0.10 of product for $3.50... one thing it's done is it's pushed me towards water in a lot of places.

[Busguy2010]

But TB did basically set themselves up around VALUE, so part of the complaining is well-deserved, IMO.

That's exactly where the rub lies. Taco Bell, as much as I liked it back then, is not good quality food. What made it good was the value. I don't remember exactly what the price of my last meal was there some 2-3-4 years ago, but I remember feeling like "I paid that much for THIS?"

The quality has to justify the price, and Taco Bell ain't it anymore.

[ChadJK]

I did read somewhere that Taco Bell's price increases over the last 15 years have far outpaced inflation. So, TB can't blame the rising costs of food and labor. They're simply raising prices until it hurts revenue. I guess we're the suckers for continuing to go there despite the price hikes.

For example, a $0.59 Bean Burrito in 1992, adjusted for inflation, should cost $1.36 today (130% increase). It instead costs $2.19 (271% increase).

[Busguy2010]

I did read somewhere that Taco Bell's price increases over the last 15 years have far outpaced inflation. So, TB can't blame the rising costs of food and labor. They're simply raising prices until it hurts revenue. I guess we're the suckers for continuing to go there despite the price hikes.

For example, a $0.59 Bean Burrito in 1992, adjusted for inflation, should cost $1.36 today (130% increase). It instead costs $2.19 (271% increase).

Like you said, they play on nostalgia now. So you'll spend $40 for a family meal, and at the same time, the kids get addicted (not gonna lie, their food is addictive in a way), and they won't know anything but a $5 chalupa. Down the road they'll be saying "I remember when" just like us, when a single chalupa is $10.

They built a cult following based on value, and its just not there anymore. They reversed course on the fan base, and yet somehow, people still go there in droves.

[Stan]

That just seems like life in general nowadays. Everything is more expensive while our wages haven't kept up and companies turn out record profits so their leaders get million dollar bonuses.

[Busguy2010]

Welp, this'll probably spell the end of quality at Pot Belly - they sold to a gas station and are set to expand from 400 some restaurants, to over 2,000.

I really regret them moving out of their spot at 74th & Dodge, which was a few years ago. I used to get them at least a few times a week. They have been really good to me, but I haven't had one anywhere near me in a long while. I swear I practically kept that location afloat, but haven't been back since they closed.

Even though said gas station doesn’t have any locations near here, hate to hear they plan to expand that much. Sounds to me like a recipe for watered down Pot Belly.

[Busguy2010]

Cini Minis are back at BK. I cannot tell you how shocked and jubilant I was when I heard it.

So many memories between going out for breakfast with my parents, to walking a mile by myself as an 8 year old with the sole and committed purpose of buying Cini Minis.

I'm excited, I hope theyre just as they were.