Episoder
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๐๐ฅ Fazoli's Review: Breadsticks, Nostalgic Pasta, and the Trader Joe's Restroom ๐ฅ๐
This week, Sabrina Carmichael (@brina711) and I finally put Fazoli's to the Chili's Test. Between "unlimited" breadsticks, pasta that reminds me of my mom's pasta, overly sweet desserts, and a pizza that looked like it had been "touched," Fazoli's delivered one of the more unique fast-fast dining experiences I've ever had.
๐ Spaghetti with Meat Sauce Unlocks Childhood Memories (Plus: My Homemade Garlic Pasta Sandwiches!)
๐ฅ Breadsticks Better Than Olive Garden's
๐ The Double Slice is Presented Interestingly...
๐ง Fettuccine Alfredo Rocks Sabrina's World
๐ช Great American Cookie Desserts Are Sweet Enough to Cause Structural Damage
๐ฅค Sabrina's DIY Arnold Palmer Goes Wrong
๐ฆ Breadsticks-To-Go? Not On Their Watch!
๐งน To Bus or Not to Bus? An Existential Crisis
๐ป What Men Use Hooks for in Public Restroom Stalls - A Cautionary Tale
๐ญ Sabrina Gets Poetic About the Magic of Musso & Frank Grill
๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: What's the best chain restaurant breadstick in America?
๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast
๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4
๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/channel/UCLbraNhL6KhDPkdSWt2yiuw
๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast
๐ค Guest: Sabrina Carmichael | IG: @brina711
Patreon Producers:
Sue Ornelas, Joyce Van, & Robert McLaughlin
Patreon Subscribers:
David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, Travis Langley, & Jewell Hermann
Free Patreon Followers:
Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, Renae Michael, Crystal C., & NiZ
๐ NEXT WEEK: A few months out from Septemburger 2026, I cover the history of the No. 7 seed Smashburger with Bennett Cohen. -
๐๐ฅ Fazoli's: Admitting they Can't Compete with Pizza, the "Breadstick Express," and Dr. Lee Zagna ๐ฅ๐
This week, Sabrina Carmichael (@brina711) joins me to explore the history of Fazoli's, a restaurant that looked at the pizza wars and wisely decided, "No thanks." Instead of trying to battle the delivery giants head-on, Fazoli's carved out a niche with pasta, breadsticks, and a surprisingly unique place in the fast food landscape. Along the way, we uncover one of the strangest restaurant name changes ever and even though my guest "grew up loving Fazoli's," she'd never actually been..???
๐ Originally "Gratzi's" (But the Public Confused it with Wayne Gretzky)
๐ The Self-Realization that they Can't Compete with the Pizza Giants
๐ฅ The Legendary Breadstick Express (My New Actual Dream Car)
๐ฉบ Dr. Lee Zagna in Fazoli's Marketing
๐ How Fazoli's Found Success as Fast Food Italian
๐ฝ๏ธ Customers Compare It More to Olive Garden Than McDonald's
๐ฅ The Heat Lamp: Sabrina's Got Buffet Strategy
๐ Yelp from Strangers: A Customer Gets Called "Old" and Takes Shots at the Cashier's Makeup
๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: What's your stance on salad at a buffet?
๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast
๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4
๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/channel/UCLbraNhL6KhDPkdSWt2yiuw
๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast
๐ค Guest: Sabrina Carmichael | IG: @brina711
Patreon Producers:
Sue Ornelas, Joyce Van, & Robert McLaughlin
Patreon Subscribers:
David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, Travis Langley, & Jewell Hermann
Free Patreon Followers:
Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, Renae Michael, Crystal C., & NiZ
๐ NEXT WEEK: We eat our Fazoli's to put it to the Chili's Test. ๐๐ -
Mangler du episoder?
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๐๐ฅ MOOYAH Review: They Sure Know Their Way Around a Potato...and Beef ๐ฅ๐
This week, Sandy Rose and I put MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes to the Chili's Test. I'm not lying when I say that all of their potato things are top notch. The fries taste fresh, the chips are just as good as the fries, and the BUNS! Potato buns have rented space in my daydreams (did that make sense...?) because they're all I can think about.
๐ The MDC Shows Why MOOYAH Should Be Huge
๐ง The Well D'Onion Divides Sandy and I (We'll be okay tho...)
๐ญ The Hamburdog is as Fun to Say As It Is to Consume
๐ French Fries That You Can Taste the Skin
๐ฅ House-Made Potato Chips Somehow Aren't a Downgrade
๐ฅค Reese's vs. OREO Milkshakes
๐ฃ๏ธ A Sweet Employee Who Sounds Like She Was Trained by the Brand Itself
๐ฌ The Manager Gives Off "Nobody Wants to Work Anymore" Vibes
๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: Would you order a Hamburdog, or are you higher class than that?
๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast
๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4
๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/channel/UCLbraNhL6KhDPkdSWt2yiuw
๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast
๐ค Guest: Sandy Rose
Patreon Producers:
Sue Ornelas, Joyce Van, & Robert McLaughlin
Patreon Subscribers:
David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley
Free Patreon Followers:
Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, Jewell Hermann, Renae Michael, Crystal C., NiZ
๐ NEXT WEEK: The history of fast food Italian chain Fazoli's. -
๐๐ฅ MOOYAH: Better Burger Boom, Secret Menus, and Bird Poop ๐ฅ๐
This week, Sandy Rose joins me to break down the history of MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes, a burger chain that emerged from the "better burger" gold rush and somehow managed to stay decent even after private equity got involved. Along the way, Sandy and I debate whether being pooped on by a bird is actually good luck, unpack MOOYAH's aggressively goofy brand voice, and discover that apparently every restaurant chain on Earth is trying to expand into Dubai.
๐ Founded by Veterans During the "Better Burger" Wave
๐คฃ The Chain's Extremely Silly Brand Voice
๐ The Hall of Dang and the Magic of Secret Menus
๐ Dubai Expansion Because EVERYONE'S Doing It
๐ฐ Surviving Private Equity Ownership Without Losing the Plot
๐ฅ The Heat Lamp: Sandy Claims You Shouldn't Need a Drink with Dinner
๐ Yelp from Strangers: A Cashier Accidentally Helps a Customer Get Laid
๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: What's the greatest secret menu item of all time?
๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast
๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4
๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/channel/UCLbraNhL6KhDPkdSWt2yiuw
๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast
๐ค Guest: Sandy Rose
Patreon Producers:
Sue Ornelas, Joyce Van, & Robert McLaughlin
Patreon Subscribers:
David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley
Free Patreon Followers:
Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, Jewell Hermann, Renae Michael, Crystal C., NiZ
๐ NEXT WEEK: We head to MOOYAH to review the food and put it to the Chili's Test. -
๐ฅฉ๐ฅ Gen Korean BBQ House Review: Incredible Meats, Stingy Napkins, and Disappointing Wagyu ๐ฅ๐ฅฉ
We're back at GEN Korean BBQ House with Jon Durnell (@jon024durnell), and this meal absolutely delivers. Even if we die of smoke inhalation, the genuinely fantastic cuts of meat allow Gen to put together one of the strongest overall food experiences I've had in a while...even if the service staff was "napkin stingy."
๐ฅฉ LA-Style Galbi Always Delivers
๐ Premium Skirt Steak with Garlic Brings Us Close to Orgasm
๐ฅ Banchan Parade: Pickled Onions, Radish, Kimchi, Potato Salad & More
๐ฅญ Mango Tango Bites and Hotteok Close Things Out Strong
๐ฆ Jon Is NOT Feeling the Shrimp
๐ A5 Wagyu Somehow Underwhelms
๐งป The Staff Guards Napkins Like State Secrets
๐ฅ A Sign at the Front Takes a Shot at Vegetarians
๐ Calibration Station: Jon Names a Steak Worth Killing For While Absolutely Destroying Shoney's
๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: Have you ever had Korean BBQ?
๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast
๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4
๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/channel/UCLbraNhL6KhDPkdSWt2yiuw
๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast
๐ค Guest: Jon Durnell | IG: @jon024durnell
Patreon Producers:
Sue Ornelas, Joyce Van, & Robert McLaughlin
Patreon Subscribers:
David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley
Free Patreon Followers:
Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, Jewell Hermann, Renae Michael, Crystal C.
๐ NEXT WEEK: I dive into the history of MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes with the returning Sandy Rose. -
๐ฅฉ๐ฅ Gen Korean BBQ House: Meat Deets, Costco Gift Cards, and KBBQ History ๐ฅ๐ฅฉ
This week, Jon Durnell (@jon024durnell) joins me to break down the history of Gen Korean BBQ House, one of the fastest-growing Korean BBQ chains in America. From SoCal beginnings to a nationwide expansion strategy powered in part by Costco gift cards, Gen's rise is surprisingly fascinating. Plus, we debut a brand-new segment called Meat Deets, where we dig into the broader history of Korean BBQ itself.
๐ฅฉ Gen's California Origins and Expansion to Nearly 60 Locations
๐ The Surprisingly Effective Costco Gift Card Strategy
๐ค The Founders Were in a Proverbial Commonlaw Marriage
๐ฅ MEAT DEETS: The Centuries-Long History of Korean BBQ
๐ Why Los Angeles Koreatown Became America's KBBQ Capital
๐ The "LA Style" of Galbi That Korea Adopted Back
๐ฅฌ How Korea Perfected Pickling Before Mastering Meat
๐ฅ The Heat Lamp: Jon Declares IHOP A Superior Fighting Arena Than Waffle House
๐ Yelp from Strangers: A Furious Late-Night Wake-Up Call from Gen Management
๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: Is LA the true capital of Korean BBQ outside Korea itself?
๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast
๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4
๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/channel/UCLbraNhL6KhDPkdSWt2yiuw
๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast
๐ค Guest: Jon Durnell | IG: @jon024durnell
Patreon Producers:
Sue Ornelas, Joyce Van, & Robert McLaughlin
Patreon Subscribers:
David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley
Free Patreon Followers:
Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, Jewell Hermann, Renae Michael, Crystal C.
๐ NEXT WEEK: We head to Gen Korean BBQ House to review the food and put it to the Chili's Test. -
๐๐ค Tony Roma's Review: Robot Waiters, Trying All the Ribs, and "Champion or Chumpion" ๐ค๐
We're back at Tony Roma's with Gabe Legg (@gabe_legg), and this visit throws us for a loop almost immediately thanks to a ROBOT WAITER gliding through the dining room like Tony Roma's like a better Roomba. Between three different rib styles, Gabe trying lobster tail for the first time ever, and a human waiter who refused to accept me turning down his upsell, this meal was a bizarre little journey.
๐ Ribs Ad Infinitum: Beef, St. Louis, & Baby Back
๐ฆ Gabe Tries Lobster Tail for the First Time Ever
๐ค A Robot Waiter Steals the Show
๐ธ The Human Waiter Judges Me for Declining a Bargain
๐บ We Rate the "Show Us Your Rib Face" Contest Winners
๐ญ Vibes Swing Wildly Between Medieval Times and Bank Office
๐ฅ Gabe's Worst Restaurant Experience: Bad Melting Pot Energy
๐ซ Gabe's Best Restaurant Experience: Literally The Melting Pot
๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: Would a robot waiter improve your dining experience, or make it weirder?
๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast
๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4
๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/channel/UCLbraNhL6KhDPkdSWt2yiuw
๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast
๐ค Guest: Gabe Legg | IG: @gabe_legg
Patreon Producers:
Sue Ornelas, Joyce Van, & Robert McLaughlin
Patreon Subscribers:
David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley
Free Patreon Followers:
Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, Jewell Hermann, Renae Michael, Crystal C.
๐ NEXT WEEK: I dive into the history of Gen Korean BBQ House with Jon Durnell. -
๐๐ฅ Tony Roma's: The Rib Pivot That Took Over the World (and Then Left America?) ๐ฅ๐
This week, Gabe Legg (@gabe_legg) joins me to unpack the history of Tony Roma's, a restaurant that stumbled into ribs, built an empire on them, and somehow ended up bigger overseas than in the US. From Playboy beginnings to NFL ownership to a string of financial shakeups, Tony Roma's might be one of the strangest success (if you can call it that?) stories in chain restaurant history.
๐ A Random Rib Special That Completely Rewrote the Menu
๐ธ Tony Roma & Hugh Hefner
๐ A Dallas Cowboys Owner Added Tony Roma's to His Portfolio
๐ Bought, Sold, Flipped, Bankrupted...Repeat?
๐บ "Show Us Your Rib Face" Is a Messy But Clever Campaign
๐ง The Onion Loaf: The Bloomin' Onion's Spiritual Cousin
๐ฅ The Heat Lamp Debuts: Gabe Fires Off His Controversial Restaurant Hot Take
๐คข Yelp from Strangers: Violent Illness Still Nets FOUR STARS??
๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: How do you like your ribs?
๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast
๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, board games): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4
๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/channel/UCLbraNhL6KhDPkdSWt2yiuw
๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast
๐ค Guest: Gabe Legg | IG: @gabe_legg
Patreon Producers:
Sue Ornelas, Joyce Van, & Robert McLaughlin
Patreon Subscribers:
David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley
Free Patreon Followers:
Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, Jewell Hermann, Renae Michael, Crystal C.
๐ NEXT WEEK: We put Tony Roma's to the Chili's Test and see if the ribs hold up. -
๐๐ฅ Zaxby's Review: Fingerz, Wings, and a Whole Lot of Disagreement ๐ฅ๐
We're back at Zaxby's with Alex Stedman (@alex.paisley.stedman), and this one is...divisive. We did not see eye to eye on a LOT of these items, the vibes were aggressively brown, and one unexpected menu item rose above it all as the most consistent treat.
๐ Fingerz & Wings Meal with Tongue Torch Sauce Sparks Debate
๐ Texas Toast Holds It Down (As It Usually Does) for Michael Only
๐ฅ Veggie Egg Rolls Somehow Become the MVP
๐ฅ Fried Pickles: Alex Says Nay
๐ช Chocolate Chip Cookie Is Straight-Up Garbage
๐ฐ Fried Cheesecake Bites with Strawberry Sauce (Alex Only!)
๐ค "Retro Farmhouse" Decor That Feels More Like a Saloon
๐ญ Alex's Best & Worst Restaurant Stories: Rule-Breaking Fallout vs. Recency Bias
๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: How does Zaxby's compare to the other chicken chains?
๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast
๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4
๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/channel/UCLbraNhL6KhDPkdSWt2yiuw
๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast
๐ค Guest: Alex Stedman | IG: @alex.paisley.stedman
Patreon Producers:
Sue Ornelas, Joyce Van, & Robert McLaughlin
Patreon Subscribers:
David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley
Free Patreon Followers:
Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, Jewell Hermann, Renae Michael, & Crystal C.
๐ NEXT WEEK: I dive into the history of Tony Roma's with Gabe Legg. -
๐๐ฅ Zaxbys: Sauce Boss, $16K Beginnings, and the Cult of the Z ๐ฅ๐
Brought to you by the 2025 Septemburger Tournament bracket winner Craig Majors, this week, I'm joined by actress and improvisor Alex Stedman (@alex.paisley.stedman) to break down the history of Zaxbys. From a tiny college chicken joint called "Zax" to a 1,000+ location powerhouse, this is a story of an obsession with the letter Z that borders on ztupid. We dig into their rise, their ownership changes, and how this Southern favorite carved out its niche in the chicken wars. Also which is a better improv name: Tony Townley or Bernard Acoca?
๐ Humble Beginnings: Just $16,000 and a Dream Called "Zax"
๐ Rapid Growth to Over 1,000 Locations Nationwide
๐ฐ Acquisition by Goldman Sachs (Now Do Me Next!)
๐ New Leadership from a Former El Pollo Loco CEO
๐บ "Sauce Boss" Ads That Don't Deliver on the Promised Vibe
๐ค A Brand Identity Built Almost Entirely Around the Letter Z
๐ฝ Alex's Dream Restaurant #1: Eat on a Toilet for Maximum Efficiency
๐ Alex's Dream Restaurant #2: A Dining Experience for Singles to Meet
โญ Yelp from Strangers: Ken R. Decides His Wife Also Won't Be Returning
๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: Is the Zaxbys branding genius, or just a little too Zilly (I'm not proud of that...)?
๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast
๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4
๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/channel/UCLbraNhL6KhDPkdSWt2yiuw
๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast
๐ค Guest: Alex Stedman | IG: @alex.paisley.stedman
Patreon Producers:
Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van
Patreon Subscribers:
David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley
Free Patreon Followers:
Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, Robert McLaughlin, Jewell Hermann, Renae Michael, Crystal C.
๐ NEXT WEEK: It's time to put Zaxbys to the Chili's Test with Alex Stedman. -
๐ฎ๐ฅ Torchy's Tacos Review: Damn Good (Hey! That's Their Slogan!) ๐ฅ๐ฎ
We're back at Torchy's Tacos with my mom Sue Ornelas, and despite forgotten items, cooled-off food, and a few service hiccups, this ended up being a remarkably positive experience. The decor is packed with personality (pitchfork door handles are peak), and the food carries the day. Also, we unpack the long-standing psychological damage Torchy's has done to me assuming guacamole has cheese on it.
๐ฎ The Threesome: Tomatillo Salsa, Guacamole (with Cotija cheese smh...), and Queso
๐ฝ Street Corn That Shows Up Ready to Play
๐ฎ Taco Gauntlet: The Democrat, Green Chile Pork, Brushfire, Wrangler, and Baja Shrimp
๐ฉ Churros Close Things Out Strong
๐ง Cotija vs. "Cojita": A Full Mandela Effect Crisis
๐คฆโโ๏ธ Torchy's Made Me Ask If Guac Has Cheese Everywhere Else
๐ด Service Misfires But at Least They're Nice About It
๐ฐ Sue's Best & Worst Restaurant Stories: Sleeping Waiters and a Real-Life Wine Castle
๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: Does great food outweigh bad service, or is that a dealbreaker for you?
๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast
๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4
๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/channel/UCLbraNhL6KhDPkdSWt2yiuw
๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast
๐ค Guest: Sue Ornelas
Patreon Producers:
Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van
Patreon Subscribers:
David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley
Free Patreon Followers:
Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, Robert McLaughlin, Jewell Hermann, Renae Michael, Crystal C.
๐ NEXT WEEK: I cover the restaurant requested by my Septemburger bracket winner, a fried chicken chain called Zaxby's with actor, comedian, and friend Alex Stedman. -
๐ฎ๐ฅ Torchy's Tacos: From Trailer Park to Taco Empire (Damn Good Origins!) ๐ฅ๐ฎ
This week, I'm joined by my mom, Sue Ornelas, to dig into the history of Torchy's Tacos. From humble trailer beginnings to an expanding national chain, Torchy's built its reputation on pork tacos, the devil, and tacos named after political affiliations. We talk about its early days, the wild marketing stunts, and whether this Austin-born taco spot has what it takes to become one of the next dominant Mexican chains in America (eagle sound).
๐ฎ Founder Hustle: Free Tacos from a Red Vespa to Build the Brand
๐๏ธ Trailer Park Origins and Eating at the Original Location
๐ฃ The "Damn Good" Slogan Came Straight from Customers
๐ SXSW Parachute Drop Is Badass
๐ Expansion Across 15+ States and Growing Fast
๐ฎ Could Torchy's Become the Next Big National Mexican Chain?
๐ก Sue's Dream Restaurant: A Game Show Wheel That Builds Your Meal
๐ต๏ธ Yelp Drama: Staff Steals Your Purse and Still 3 Stars?!
๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: Is Torchy's actually "Damn Good," or just great marketing?
๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast
๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4
๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/channel/UCLbraNhL6KhDPkdSWt2yiuw
๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast
๐ค Guest: Sue Ornelas (my mom!)
Patreon Producers:
Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van
Patreon Subscribers:
David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley
Free Patreon Followers:
Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, Robert McLaughlin, Jewell Hermann, Renae Michael, Crystal C.
๐ NEXT WEEK: We're back w/my mom to put Torchy's Tacos to the Chili's Test. -
๐๐ป The Burger Den (Denny's?!): We Ate INSIDE a Ghost Kitchenโฆ and It Felt Illegal ๐ป๐
Ansley Layne (@spookyfoodie) and I return to paranormally investigate The Burger Den, exceptโฆwe're now criminals. Eating inside the Denny's, being served like it was completely normal, despite the Burger Den being take-out only?? My stars!! Our waitress actually served us despite not expecting a tip (which she DID receive), the food ranged from "dad cooked this" to "please stop cooking," and there was a claw machine full of absolute nonsense.
๐ Wake & Bacon Burger and the Double the Fun Burger (But Not Actually That Burger)
๐ Wavy Fries That Get Worseโฆand Worseโฆand Worse
๐ง Onion Rings That Save the Food Somewhat
๐ฅค Oreo & Strawberry Shakes
โ The Mystery of the All-American Sauce Remains UNSOLVED
๐ฝ A Bathroom So Bad Ansley Refuses to Participate
๐ฉโ๐ณ Unexpected Table Service at a "Takeout-Only" Dining Concept
๐ช Transparent Ad Screens That Feel Like Sci-Fi
๐งธ Claw Machine with Italian AI Brain Rot Plushies (including the Legendary Tire Frog)
๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: Would YOU eat inside a ghost kitchen if you technically weren't supposed to?
๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast
๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4
๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/channel/UCLbraNhL6KhDPkdSWt2yiuw
๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast
๐ค Guest: Ansley Layne | IG: @spookyfoodie
Patreon Producers:
Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van
Patreon Subscribers:
David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley
Free Patreon Followers:
Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, Robert McLaughlin, Jewell Hermann, Renae Michael, Crystal C.
๐ NEXT WEEK: I dive into the history of Torchy's Tacos with my mom. -
๐ป๐๐ฆ Ghost Kitchens: The Pandemic, Chain Alter Egos, and Uber's Co-Founder ๐ฆ๐๐ป
This week, I'm joined by Ansley Layne (@spookyfoodie) for a haunted deep dive into the world of ghost kitchens. We tell the entire history like a ghost story, tracing how these delivery-only concepts rose from the shadows to dominate the pandemic era. From secret alternate restaurant identities on delivery apps to celebrity-backed virtual brands, this episode pulls back the curtain on one of the most fascinating and unsettling trends in modern dining. And yes, multiple Yelp reviewers feel personally obligated to warn us that The Burger Denโฆ is just Denny's.
๐ซ๏ธ The Rise of Ghost Kitchens During the COVID-19 Pandemic
๐ฑ Restaurant Alter Egos Hiding in Plain Sight on Delivery Apps
๐ The Uber Connection and the Tech Behind the Movement
๐ Celebrity Ghost Kitchens including the infamous MrBeast Burger
๐ป Eat Deets Told Entirely as a Ghost Story
๐ด Ansley's Dream Restaurant Becomes a Haunted Rainforest Cafe
๐ฃ๏ธ Yelp Reviewers Desperate to Expose The Burger Den
๐ต๏ธโโ๏ธ Which Chains Are Secretly Operating Under Different Names?
๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: Have you ever accidentally ordered from a ghost kitchen without realizing it?
๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast
๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4
๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/channel/UCLbraNhL6KhDPkdSWt2yiuw
๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast
๐ค Guest: Ansley Layne | IG: @spookyfoodie
Patreon Producers:
Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van
Patreon Subscribers:
David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley
Free Patreon Followers:
Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, Robert McLaughlin, Jewell Hermann, Renae Michael
๐ NEXT WEEK: We step into The Burger Den and put this ghost kitchen to The Chili's Test to see if the disguise holds up. -
๐ดโโ ๏ธ๐๐ Long John Silver's Review: Pirate Music, Fried Sea Water, and Puke Breaks ๐๐๐ดโโ ๏ธ
We're back with Part 2 of Long John Silver's, and my cousin Emma Danger returns as we finally taste what the seafood chain has to offer. There are a few bright spots. The pirate-style orchestral covers of popular songs are delightful, and the Captain's Bell looming overhead feels like a reward we desperately wanted them to earn (though they didn't). Unfortunately, most of the visit sails straight into rough waters, from questionable plumbing ergonomics to fried bits that taste suspiciously like the ocean itself.
๐ Fried Everything (Including the Grilled Shrimp I tried to Order)
๐ Waffle Fries and Hush Puppies Join the Feast
๐ซ Chocolate Cheesecake Tries to Save the Day (and yes, I actually try it)
๐ง Krumbs That Taste Like "Fried Sea Water"
๐ฝ Toilet Flushers So High You're Forced to Use Your Hands (Who does that??)
๐ถ Surprisingly Great Pirate Orchestrations of Popular Songs
๐ฅค Emma's Favorite Item of the Meal Is...a Pepsi
๐๏ธ Emma Shares the Best and Worst Meals of Her Life (including her best giving her imposter syndrome)
๐ Long John Silver's Faces The Chili's Test
๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: Are Long John Silver's Krumbs a delicacy or a disaster?
๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast
๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4
๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/channel/UCLbraNhL6KhDPkdSWt2yiuw
๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast
๐ค Guest: Emma Danger
Patreon Producers:
Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van
Patreon Subscribers:
David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley
Free Patreon Followers:
Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, Robert McLaughlin, Jewell Hermann, Renae Michael
๐ NEXT WEEK: For the 100th restaurant on the main podcast feed, we dive into the world of ghost kitchens with Spooky Foodie (Ansley Layne), focusing on The Burger Den, the Denny's-created delivery-only concept. -
๐๐ดโโ ๏ธ๐ Long John Silver's: Toy Lawsuits, Abandoned by Yum!, and the Worst Restaurant Meal in America ๐๐ดโโ ๏ธ๐
This week I'm joined by my cousin Emma Danger for her fourth appearance on the show as we dive into the history of Long John Silver's. From its time sailing under the Yum! Brands flag alongside KFC and Taco Bell to its rocky financial voyages through bankruptcy, the chain has had quite the adventure. We also grapple with the heartbreaking reality that the Captain's Bell is off-limits unless the crew actually earned it, and explore how a seafood chain wound up entangled in movie tie-ins, pirate holidays, and one of the menu items crowned "Worst Restaurant Meal in America."
๐ดโโ ๏ธ From Kentucky Fried Chicken's Corporate Family to Going Solo
๐ธ Bankruptcy, Buyouts, and Rough Seas for the Brand
๐ The Captain's Bell We Desperately Wanted to Ring
๐ฌ Promotional Film Tie-Ins and the Lost in Space Toy Lawsuit
๐ฆ Talk Like a Pirate Day and the Chain's Nautical Identity
๐ฝ๏ธ The Big Catch Platter Named the Worst Restaurant Meal in America
๐ Emma Pitches a Dream Restaurant Withโฆ Questionable Logistics
๐ A Yelper Expands the Lore of the Long John Silver's Literary Universe
๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: Have you ever rung the Captain's Bell at a Long John Silver's?
๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast
๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4
๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/channel/UCLbraNhL6KhDPkdSWt2yiuw
๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast
๐ค Guest: Emma Danger
Patreon Producers:
Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van
Patreon Subscribers:
David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley
Free Patreon Followers:
Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, Robert McLaughlin, Jewell Hermann, Renae Michael
๐ NEXT WEEK: We actually eat Long John Silver's and see if the seafood shack can survive The Chili's Test. -
๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ฅ On the Border Review: Guacamole Glory, Taco Chips, and The Chili's Test ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฎ
We're back with Part 2 of On the Border, and this time Trent Tucker (@TheGOTSPod) and I actually sit down to eat at the former Brinker sibling to Chili's. There are highs. There are lows. There is guacamole made tableside that absolutely slaps. We also encounter a manager radiating peak "Karen energy," raid a Little Free Library mid-meal, and hear "Cable Car" by The Fray so many times it becomes psychological warfare.
๐ฅ Guacamole Live Is a Legitimate Triumph
๐ฎ Flautas That Do NOT Live Up to the Ornelas Family Name
๐ง Chips and Salsa Are Decent, But Why Are the Chips Half a Taco Shell?
๐ถ "Cable Car" by The Fray Plays an Unreasonable Number of Times
๐ Little Free Library Raid Yields a Parody Songbook and an Education on Spiders
๐ฌ A Manager Check-In That Screams "I'd Like to Speak toโฆ"
๐๏ธ Trent Shares His Best Meal Ever: Ramen in Japan
๐ด His Worst Meal Ever: A Burger from Rainforest Cafe
๐ On the Border Faces The Chili's Test
๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: Is tableside guac enough to overcome weird taco chips?
๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast
๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4
๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/channel/UCLbraNhL6KhDPkdSWt2yiuw
๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast
๐ค Guest: Trent Tucker | IG: @TheGOTSPod
Patreon Producers:
Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van
Patreon Subscribers:
David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley
Free Patreon Followers:
Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, Robert McLaughlin, Jewell Hermann, Renae Michael
๐ NEXT WEEK: I take Emma, my second cousin once removed to Long John Silver's, and you KNOW we're gonna talk LJS history! -
๐ฎ๐ฅ๐น On the Border: Bankruptcy, Bottomless Calories, and Marky Marg Madness ๐น๐ฅ๐ฎ
This week, Trent Tucker (@thegotspod) from the Geek Off the Street podcast joins me to break down the chaotic history of On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, a chain that once lived under the Chili's corporate umbrella at Brinker International before getting unceremoniously left behind. On the Border has had a rollercoaster run. We unpack the Mark Wahlberg-backed Marky Marg (where he didn't even show up for the toast), and celebrate the undeniable appeal of Guacamole Live prepared tableside. Plus, Trent pitches a zero-gravity ramen restaurant, and we read Yelp reviews in the style of a late-night local TV lawyer commercial.
๐ฏ Formerly a Brinker International Sibling to Chili's
๐ "Worst Mexican Chain" According to Men's Health
๐ธ Chapter 11 Bankruptcy and 40 Sudden Closures
๐น The Marky Marg Featuring Flecha Azul Tequila
๐บ "Why? Because You Can" is the Most American Slogan Ever
๐ฅ Guacamole Live Steals the Spotlight
๐ Trent's Zero-Gravity Ramen Restaurant Pitch
โ๏ธ A Yelper Who Sounds Like a Personal Injury Attorney
๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: Is tableside guac enough to save a struggling chain?
๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast
๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4
๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/channel/UCLbraNhL6KhDPkdSWt2yiuw
๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast
๐ค Guest: Trent Tucker | IG: @thegotspod
Patreon Producers:
Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van
Patreon Subscribers:
David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley
Free Patreon Followers:
Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, Robert McLaughlin, Jewell Hermann, Renae Michael
๐ NEXT WEEK: We actually eat at On the Border and put it through the Chili's Test to see if it can hang with its former corporate sibling. -
๐๐ฅ๐ Papa Murphy's Pizza Review: When Take 'N' Bake Fights Back ๐ ๐ฅ๐
We're back with Part 2 of Papa Murphy's, and this time Peter Murphy (@peter_murphy) and I actually put the take 'n' bake concept to the test after a four-hour round-trip to experience it properly. What followed was a very kind cashier, a slightly alarming health department confession, and instructions that nearly burned my apartment down. From my first time trying olives to a variety of Crush products, it's all on the table as we see whether Papa Murphy's can survive the Chili's Test.
๐ Reviewing the Murphy's Combo
๐ Ultimate Pepperoni? More Like Dull-timate Pepper-NO-ni! (idk...)
๐ง Garlic Knots Try to Steal the Spotlight
๐ช Cookie Dough vs. Fully Baked Cookies
๐ฅ Faulty Instructions Lead to a Flaming Paper Tray
๐จ Smoke Alarms, Panic, and the Consequences of Trust
๐งโ๐ณ A Cashier So Nice She Accidentally Shares Health Department Lore
๐๏ธ Peter's Worst Restaurant Experience Involves a Chicken Bone Where It Should Never Be
๐ฅฉ His Best Experience Includes His Grandfather's Favorite Steak Joint Actually Delivering
๐ Papa Murphy's Faces the Chili's Test
๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: Is take 'n' bake pizza a smart idea or a less good take on pizza?
๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast
๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4
๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/channel/UCLbraNhL6KhDPkdSWt2yiuw
๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast
๐ค Guest: Peter Murphy | IG: @peter_murphy
Patreon Producers:
Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van
Patreon Subscribers:
David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley
Free Patreon Followers:
Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, Robert McLaughlin, Jewell Hermann, Renae Michael
๐ NEXT WEEK: We dive into the history of On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina with Trent Tucker from the Geek Off the Street podcast, as another restaurant steps up to the Chili's Test. -
๐๐ฅ๐ Papa Murphy's Pizza: Take 'N' Bake, No Ovens, No Mercy ๐ ๐ฅ๐
This week, comedian Peter Murphy (@peter_murphy) joins me to break down the strange, fascinating history of Papa Murphy's, the pizza chain that refuses to cook your food for you. We dig into how take 'n' bake became the brand's entire identity, why you literally cannot buy a hot pizza there, and how that decision shaped everything from employee working conditions to who can even buy the product. We also check in with the internet, because of course someone on Yelp is furious about flip-flops.
๐ The Origins of Take 'N' Bake and the Merger That Created Papa Murphy's
๐ฅ Inventing a Dough That Works in a 425-Degree Home Oven
๐ Explosive Growth Into One of America's Biggest Pizza Chains
๐ง No Ovens, No Cooking Licenses, and a Safer, Cooler Workplace
๐งพ Why Papa Murphy's Pizzas Count as Groceries (and What That Means)
๐ Stuffed Pizzas, "Larger Than Large" Pies, and Other Menu Swings
๐ Heart-Shaped and Jack-O'-Lantern Pizzas as Annual Traditions
๐ The Mid-2010s Slump and the Challenge of Staying Relevant
๐ฑ Apps, Online Ordering, and the Modern Take 'N' Bake Pivot
๐ง The "Hub of Hacks" Includes Waffle Irons, Football Pepperonis, and Dough Experiments
โญ Yelp From Strangers Includes a Reviewer Outraged by an Employee Wearing Flip-Flops
๐ฌ COMMENT BELOW: Does take 'n' bake pizza feel convenient or like homework?
๐ข SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY:
๐ Patreon (Bonus episodes, extended Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast
๐ฌ Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4
๐ฅ Watch full episodes: youtube.com/channel/UCLbraNhL6KhDPkdSWt2yiuw
๐ All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast
๐ค Guest: Peter Murphy | IG: @peter_murphy
WATCH PETER'S SPECIAL "OUT OF NOWHERE" HERE
Patreon Producers:
Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van
Patreon Subscribers:
David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley
Free Patreon Followers:
Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, Aaron Hubbard, Steff, Robert McLaughlin, Jewell Hermann, Renae Michael
๐ NEXT WEEK: We actually review Papa Murphy's and put take 'n' bake pizza through the Chili's Test to see how it stacks up against the ultimate casual-dining benchmark. - Se mer
