Fast Food Talk Thread

Post by **Brad** » Thu Jun 25, 2026 1:21 pm

nebugeater wrote: Thu Jun 25, 2026 1:16 pm
ChadJK wrote: Thu Jun 25, 2026 11:38 am Is the Taco Bell/KFC combination location in Plattsmouth still both a KFC and a Taco Bell?
Isn't there a combo location near 144th & Maple, too, near Target?

132 and Maple was a KFC but it closed a long time ago and sat empty forever before a deli or something opened in there.

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Thu Jun 25, 2026 1:39 pm

nebugeater wrote: Thu Jun 25, 2026 1:16 pm Isn't there a combo location near 144th & Maple, too, near Target?

The one at 146th & Maple used to be a Taco Bell/Pizza Hut combo, but it was converted to a Taco Bell-only location several years ago. The one at 39th & Dodge was the same (a TB/PH combo) and was converted to a Taco Bell-only location around the same time.

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Thu Jun 25, 2026 3:59 pm

skinzfan23 wrote: Thu Jun 25, 2026 1:11 pm The one Taco Bell that I never seem to have a problem with is 108th and Q.

Agree. Both Millard locations (108th & Q and 137th & Q) have good customer service and generally do a good job.

Papillion (Shadow Lake Towne Center) is pretty good too. I don't care for the La Vista location (84th & Giles) at all.

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Sun Jun 28, 2026 4:44 pm

For our July 4 backyard dinner we typically shun firing up the grill (definitely going to be hot this year) and opt for takeout chicken, coleslaw, potato salad and fresh fruit. I do make my bbq bean recipe. We have settled on the fried chicken from Family Fare as the best in town, but KFC still has the best coleslaw. Grocery store potato salad works fine.
Curious as to if any of you have a July 4 dinner ritual?

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Mon Jun 29, 2026 1:03 am

nativeomahan wrote: Sun Jun 28, 2026 4:44 pm For our July 4 backyard dinner we typically shun firing up the grill (definitely going to be hot this year) and opt for takeout chicken, coleslaw, potato salad and fresh fruit. I do make my bbq bean recipe. We have settled on the fried chicken from Family Fare as the best in town, but KFC still has the best coleslaw. Grocery store potato salad works fine.
Curious as to if any of you have a July 4 dinner ritual?

We too avoid grilling. Standing over a hot grill on a 100° day sucks.. We've rotated through all sorts of things over the years. We got pulled pork from the local BBQ joint one year, we did the 6-foot sub thing one year,, we've done a taco bar a couple times.., We typically host the family and provide the main course and tell everyone else to brings sides to share.

I keep hearing Family Fare has the best fried chicken. I'll have to check it out. Typically, I'm not a fan of grocery store chicken (I'm a Popeye's spicy bone-in Signature Chicken guy), but I've heard Family Fare's name dropped enough times that it's worth trying.

Stan · Post by **Stan** » Mon Jun 29, 2026 8:51 am

I feel like Superman absorbing the sun when it's as hot as it is. I love it! I dream of living in South Florida so heat and humidity are my thing. I'll grill when it's hot and I just got a outdoor flattop griddle. I was making phillys last night on it.

I've got a pellet grill as well and that's probably what I'll be using.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Tue Jul 07, 2026 9:01 am

Anyone try anything new in fast food?..

I see Arby’s has a new half pound Angus Cheesesteak, which seems to be popular among new FF items…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Post by **Brad** » Tue Jul 07, 2026 9:15 am

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Tue Jul 07, 2026 9:01 am I see Arby’s has a new half pound Angus Cheesesteak, which seems to be popular among new FF items…

I tried it twice. First time I ordered it and they didn't ask any questions and it thought it was fine for fast food. Second time they asked me if I wanted the Regular or Half Pound. I said regular and I thought it had less meat than the first time, but I would also say the first time wasn't a half pound? So I'm not sure what size I had the first time. All and all its ok for a drive through window, but there are definitely better versions in town.

zippy · Post by **zippy** » Tue Jul 07, 2026 9:57 am

Brad wrote: Tue Jul 07, 2026 9:15 am
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Tue Jul 07, 2026 9:01 am I see Arby’s has a new half pound Angus Cheesesteak, which seems to be popular among new FF items…
I tried it twice. First time I ordered it and they didn't ask any questions and it thought it was fine for fast food. Second time they asked me if I wanted the Regular or Half Pound. I said regular and I thought it had less meat than the first time, but I would also say the first time wasn't a half pound? So I'm not sure what size I had the first time. All and all its ok for a drive through window, but there are definitely better versions in town.

Who are the contenders in the area for the best fast food cheese steak these days?

Post by **Brad** » Tue Jul 07, 2026 10:16 am

zippy wrote: Tue Jul 07, 2026 9:57 am
Brad wrote: Tue Jul 07, 2026 9:15 am
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Tue Jul 07, 2026 9:01 am I see Arby’s has a new half pound Angus Cheesesteak, which seems to be popular among new FF items…
I tried it twice. First time I ordered it and they didn't ask any questions and it thought it was fine for fast food. Second time they asked me if I wanted the Regular or Half Pound. I said regular and I thought it had less meat than the first time, but I would also say the first time wasn't a half pound? So I'm not sure what size I had the first time. All and all its ok for a drive through window, but there are definitely better versions in town.
Who are the contenders in the area for the best fast food cheese steak these days?

My go to is Barrett's.

Louie · Post by **Louie** » Tue Jul 07, 2026 10:17 am

Brad wrote: Tue Jul 07, 2026 10:16 am
zippy wrote: Tue Jul 07, 2026 9:57 am
Brad wrote: Tue Jul 07, 2026 9:15 am
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Tue Jul 07, 2026 9:01 am I see Arby’s has a new half pound Angus Cheesesteak, which seems to be popular among new FF items…
I tried it twice. First time I ordered it and they didn't ask any questions and it thought it was fine for fast food. Second time they asked me if I wanted the Regular or Half Pound. I said regular and I thought it had less meat than the first time, but I would also say the first time wasn't a half pound? So I'm not sure what size I had the first time. All and all its ok for a drive through window, but there are definitely better versions in town.
Who are the contenders in the area for the best fast food cheese steak these days?
My go to is Barrett's.

Certainly not fast food, but I can't imagine there being a tastier cheese steak in the city than Barrett's.

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Tue Jul 07, 2026 10:56 am

Brad wrote: Tue Jul 07, 2026 10:16 am
zippy wrote: Tue Jul 07, 2026 9:57 am Who are the contenders in the area for the best fast food cheese steak these days?
My go to is Barrett's.

Not exactly a swing through the nearest location's drive-thru kinda place, though.

Post by **Brad** » Tue Jul 07, 2026 11:09 am

ChadJK wrote: Tue Jul 07, 2026 10:56 am
Brad wrote: Tue Jul 07, 2026 10:16 am
zippy wrote: Tue Jul 07, 2026 9:57 am Who are the contenders in the area for the best fast food cheese steak these days?
My go to is Barrett's.
Not exactly a swing through the nearest location's drive-thru kinda place, though.

I guess I missed that key "Fast Food" part of that question, but that said, are there any drive through places beside Arby's with a cheesesteak?

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Tue Jul 07, 2026 11:21 am

Brad wrote: Tue Jul 07, 2026 11:09 am
ChadJK wrote: Tue Jul 07, 2026 10:56 am
Brad wrote: Tue Jul 07, 2026 10:16 am
zippy wrote: Tue Jul 07, 2026 9:57 am Who are the contenders in the area for the best fast food cheese steak these days?
My go to is Barrett's.
Not exactly a swing through the nearest location's drive-thru kinda place, though.
I guess I missed that key "Fast Food" part of that question, but that said, are there any drive through places beside Arby's with a cheesesteak?

Not many. I think the sandwich chains have "limited time only" cheesesteak options from time to time. The newer PepperJax locations have drive-thrus.

It's been a while since I had one, but Charleys used to have good cheesesteaks. Charleys is mostly a mall food court brand and I think the only ones left in the area is in the BX food court on Offutt AFB and Gateway Mall in Lincoln.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Tue Jul 07, 2026 11:46 am

Louie wrote: Tue Jul 07, 2026 10:17 am
Brad wrote: Tue Jul 07, 2026 10:16 am
zippy wrote: Tue Jul 07, 2026 9:57 am
Brad wrote: Tue Jul 07, 2026 9:15 am
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Tue Jul 07, 2026 9:01 am I see Arby’s has a new half pound Angus Cheesesteak, which seems to be popular among new FF items…
I tried it twice. First time I ordered it and they didn't ask any questions and it thought it was fine for fast food. Second time they asked me if I wanted the Regular or Half Pound. I said regular and I thought it had less meat than the first time, but I would also say the first time wasn't a half pound? So I'm not sure what size I had the first time. All and all its ok for a drive through window, but there are definitely better versions in town.
Who are the contenders in the area for the best fast food cheese steak these days?
My go to is Barrett's.
Certainly not fast food, but I can't imagine there being a tastier cheese steak in the city than Barrett's.

I agree with all of you. Barrett’s is awesome. Their version of the “hangover” burger is stellar too…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Post by **nebugeater** » Wed Jul 08, 2026 5:40 am

Brad wrote: Tue Jul 07, 2026 11:09 am
ChadJK wrote: Tue Jul 07, 2026 10:56 am
Brad wrote: Tue Jul 07, 2026 10:16 am
zippy wrote: Tue Jul 07, 2026 9:57 am Who are the contenders in the area for the best fast food cheese steak these days?
My go to is Barrett's.
Not exactly a swing through the nearest location's drive-thru kinda place, though.
I guess I missed that key "Fast Food" part of that question, but that said, are there any drive through places beside Arby's with a cheesesteak?

Pepper Jax sure fits the definition.

Firehouse Sub's has a Cheesesteak that I have had and is OK. Not many drive-throughs at Firehouse, though

https://www.firehousesubs.com/menu/stea ... gYQAvD_BwE

Post by **Brad** » Wed Jul 08, 2026 8:02 am

I can only think of a couple Pepper Jax with drive throughs. One way out at Sapp Brothers and one on 132nd, the one by my office does not.

Post by **nebugeater** » Wed Jul 08, 2026 8:03 am

Brad wrote: Wed Jul 08, 2026 8:02 am I can only think of a couple Pepper Jax with drive throughs. One way out at Sapp Brothers and one on 132nd, the one by my office does not.

The one in Gretna I drive by daily does. Often see a line of cars there during traditional meal times

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Wed Jul 08, 2026 8:51 am

nebugeater wrote: Wed Jul 08, 2026 8:03 am
Brad wrote: Wed Jul 08, 2026 8:02 am I can only think of a couple Pepper Jax with drive throughs. One way out at Sapp Brothers and one on 132nd, the one by my office does not.

The one in Gretna I drive by daily does. Often see a line of cars there during traditional meal times

Bellevue has one too near 28th & Hwy 370. That's actually the first one I noticed having one.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Wed Jul 08, 2026 2:34 pm

72nd & Jones

djc311 · Post by **djc311** » Wed Jul 08, 2026 4:13 pm

Only thing close to PepperJax we ever eat is the frozen beef steak the "inventor" of PepperJax sells at Sam's, WalMart, HyVee, etc.

Haven't had a good philly from PJ's in a few years and the pricing was crazy so we stopped going.

Kinda like Five Guys - we have always enjoyed their burgers, but the pricing is stupid expensive for what you get now. It's like eating inside a glorified McDonald's. I miss Flaky Jakes. I'm sure their pricing would be crazy too - but at least the concept was something different... burger toppings at the bar, freshly made buns, plus video games (when those were a popular thing). Fuddruckers tried to be similar but obviously that didn't work for them.

Busguy2010 · Post by **Busguy2010** » Wed Jul 08, 2026 7:32 pm

The good old days of pepperjax back in the 2000's when a Philly was good and only like 7 bucks. Now they're what, 12? And I agree they're not what they used to be.

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Thu Jul 09, 2026 8:44 am

Busguy2010 wrote: Wed Jul 08, 2026 7:32 pm The good old days of pepperjax back in the 2000's when a Philly was good and only like 7 bucks. Now they're what, 12? And I agree they're not what they used to be.

Prices are up and quality is down at most places. It sucks, but it universally sucks.

What bums me out most about PepperJax is the place lost its energy. Remember when the person grilling the meet was slicing and dicing like the grill version of the movie Cocktail? The employees were laughing and joking and interacting with the customers. The place has become joyless.

djc311 · Post by **djc311** » Thu Jul 09, 2026 8:53 am

ChadJK wrote: Thu Jul 09, 2026 8:44 am
Busguy2010 wrote: Wed Jul 08, 2026 7:32 pm The good old days of pepperjax back in the 2000's when a Philly was good and only like 7 bucks. Now they're what, 12? And I agree they're not what they used to be.
Prices are up and quality is down at most places. It sucks, but it universally sucks.

What bums me out most about PepperJax is the place lost its energy. Remember when the person grilling the meet was slicing and dicing like the grill version of the movie Cocktail? The employees were laughing and joking and interacting with the customers. The place has become joyless.

YES! I recall reading on here somewhere that they don't even cook the steak in front of you anymore, is that correct?

The one we would go to was near 170th & Center St and they had that goofy little bread chute that the hoagie slid down... I've always been a sucker for a show and watching that stuff happen in front of you was somewhat entertaining. Great Steak and Potato at the malls used to do the same thing... I actually liked their Phillies more than PepperJax when they were around.

Totally off topic, but talking about watching food prep - when I was a kid, I would always enjoy walking by the cookie store in Westroads because they had that dumb oven or rack of cookies that would spin in their window like a ferris wheel. I could stand there for quite awhile and watch them go around. I miss the interaction or visuals places used to have.

Post by **Brad** » Thu Jul 09, 2026 8:56 am

ChadJK wrote: Thu Jul 09, 2026 8:44 am What bums me out most about PepperJax is the place lost its energy. Remember when the person grilling the meet was slicing and dicing like the grill version of the movie Cocktail? The employees were laughing and joking and interacting with the customers. The place has become joyless.

Not only did they all have personalities, there were usually a half dozen or more working the line and now you go in an there are 2 people working the line.

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Thu Jul 09, 2026 9:07 am

Brad wrote: Thu Jul 09, 2026 8:56 am Not only did they all have personalities, there were usually a half dozen or more working the line and now you go in an there are 2 people working the line.

Yep! There were like two people on the grill, one doing toppings, one running the register, one on the fryer, and somebody keeping the dining room clean.

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Thu Jul 09, 2026 10:45 pm

ChadJK wrote: Thu Jul 09, 2026 8:44 am
Busguy2010 wrote: Wed Jul 08, 2026 7:32 pm The good old days of pepperjax back in the 2000's when a Philly was good and only like 7 bucks. Now they're what, 12? And I agree they're not what they used to be.
Prices are up and quality is down at most places. It sucks, but it universally sucks.

What bums me out most about PepperJax is the place lost its energy. Remember when the person grilling the meet was slicing and dicing like the grill version of the movie Cocktail? The employees were laughing and joking and interacting with the customers. The place has become joyless.

You nailed it. We used to eat at PJ about 5-6 times a year. The food was good, but the atmosphere was why we went. Lots of historic photos of Omaha, plus you got to watch your sandwich bread coming down the chute, then watch the staff make it to order. Then someone in corporate got the bright idea to raise prices and suck the fun out of the place. We completely stopped going a few years back.

Post by **Brad** » Thu Jul 09, 2026 10:51 pm

nativeomahan wrote: Thu Jul 09, 2026 10:45 pm The food was good, but the atmosphere was why we went. Lots of historic photos of Omaha, plus you got to watch your sandwich bread coming down the chute, then watch the staff make it to order. Then someone in corporate got the bright idea to raise prices and suck the fun out of the place.

Bingo!

skinzfan23 · Post by **skinzfan23** » Fri Jul 10, 2026 12:29 am

I used to go to the one in the Old Market but haven’t been in years. That sucks that they took the fun out of it.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Fri Jul 10, 2026 9:45 am

Brad wrote: Thu Jul 09, 2026 10:51 pm
nativeomahan wrote: Thu Jul 09, 2026 10:45 pm The food was good, but the atmosphere was why we went. Lots of historic photos of Omaha, plus you got to watch your sandwich bread coming down the chute, then watch the staff make it to order. Then someone in corporate got the bright idea to raise prices and suck the fun out of the place.
Bingo!

I believe the change all started about 9-10 years ago when PJ got the “bright idea” of moving their HQ’s out of Omaha to Denver CO..

They have since, moved back..but it’s never been the same…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Post by **Brad** » Fri Jul 10, 2026 9:50 am

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Fri Jul 10, 2026 9:45 am
Brad wrote: Thu Jul 09, 2026 10:51 pm
nativeomahan wrote: Thu Jul 09, 2026 10:45 pm The food was good, but the atmosphere was why we went. Lots of historic photos of Omaha, plus you got to watch your sandwich bread coming down the chute, then watch the staff make it to order. Then someone in corporate got the bright idea to raise prices and suck the fun out of the place.
Bingo!
I believe the change all started about 9-10 years ago when PJ got the “bright idea” of moving their HQ’s out of Omaha to Denver CO..

They have since, moved back..but it’s never been the same…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Technically that "Bright Idea" started with a new owner. And then a third owner moved them back. The original owners that created the atmosphere sold in 2016.

Padre · Post by **Padre** » Fri Jul 10, 2026 9:39 pm

Brad wrote: Fri Jul 10, 2026 9:50 am
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Fri Jul 10, 2026 9:45 am
Brad wrote: Thu Jul 09, 2026 10:51 pm
nativeomahan wrote: Thu Jul 09, 2026 10:45 pm The food was good, but the atmosphere was why we went. Lots of historic photos of Omaha, plus you got to watch your sandwich bread coming down the chute, then watch the staff make it to order. Then someone in corporate got the bright idea to raise prices and suck the fun out of the place.
Bingo!
I believe the change all started about 9-10 years ago when PJ got the “bright idea” of moving their HQ’s out of Omaha to Denver CO..

They have since, moved back..but it’s never been the same…

Ciao..LiO…Peace
Technically that "Bright Idea" started with a new owner. And then a third owner moved them back. The original owners that created the atmosphere sold in 2016.

Somewhere in between, I think they were headquartered in Kearney. I seem to remember they were connected with Good Evans.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Tue Jul 14, 2026 1:32 pm

Padre wrote: Fri Jul 10, 2026 9:39 pm
Brad wrote: Fri Jul 10, 2026 9:50 am
Omaha Cowboy wrote: Fri Jul 10, 2026 9:45 am
Brad wrote: Thu Jul 09, 2026 10:51 pm
nativeomahan wrote: Thu Jul 09, 2026 10:45 pm The food was good, but the atmosphere was why we went. Lots of historic photos of Omaha, plus you got to watch your sandwich bread coming down the chute, then watch the staff make it to order. Then someone in corporate got the bright idea to raise prices and suck the fun out of the place.
Bingo!
I believe the change all started about 9-10 years ago when PJ got the “bright idea” of moving their HQ’s out of Omaha to Denver CO..

They have since, moved back..but it’s never been the same…

Ciao..LiO…Peace
Technically that "Bright Idea" started with a new owner. And then a third owner moved them back. The original owners that created the atmosphere sold in 2016.
Somewhere in between, I think they were headquartered in Kearney. I seem to remember they were connected with Good Evans.

Yes you are correct about them moving the HQ’s from Denver to Kearney. Not sure how long they were HQ’d in Kearney..maybe 2 or so years.. I think sometime, right after the 2020 Pandemic year- in 2021 or 2022, they moved the HQ’s back to Omaha..

Someone correct me if I’m off on that timeline…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Post by **Brad** » Tue Jul 14, 2026 1:43 pm

Founded January 2002
Sold in 2016
Moved to Denver early 2017
Sold in 2017
Moved to Kearney late 2017
Move headquarters back to Omaha in 2022

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Wed Jul 15, 2026 10:59 am

Brad wrote: Tue Jul 14, 2026 1:43 pm Founded January 2002
Sold in 2016
Moved to Denver early 2017
Sold in 2017
Moved to Kearney late 2017
Move headquarters back to Omaha in 2022

Thanks..

They certainly didn’t stay in Denver very long..

I remembered they had moved HQ’s back to Omaha around 2022…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

Padre · Post by **Padre** » Sun Jul 26, 2026 11:07 pm

I have to admit that for the old Burger Detour location on West Maple, I was hoping for something a little more exciting than………..Arby’s.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Mon Jul 27, 2026 3:02 pm

Padre wrote: Sun Jul 26, 2026 11:07 pm I have to admit that for the old Burger Detour location on West Maple, I was hoping for something a little more exciting than………..Arby’s.

You’re not excited over their new cheesesteak sandwiches? (sarcasm of course)..

At least they were smart enough to correct a boneheaded decision and bring back their potato cakes…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Tue Jul 28, 2026 11:27 am

Taco Bell is doing $1 Mexican Pizzas today, but I believe you have to order them in the app.

Post by **nebugeater** » Tue Jul 28, 2026 2:00 pm

Omaha Cowboy wrote: Mon Jul 27, 2026 3:02 pm
Padre wrote: Sun Jul 26, 2026 11:07 pm I have to admit that for the old Burger Detour location on West Maple, I was hoping for something a little more exciting than………..Arby’s.
You’re not excited over their new cheesesteak sandwiches? (sarcasm of course)..

At least they were smart enough to correct a boneheaded decision and bring back their potato cakes…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

I had one last week, and it wasn't bad for where it is from. Have you tried it?

ChadJK · Post by **ChadJK** » Wed Jul 29, 2026 9:18 am

$1 Taco Bravos at Taco John's today only. In-restaurant only.