Catching Up

#1 posting 7.11.2008
a periodic look at life in the fast food lane

CATCHING UP
Here are my most recent culinary experiences in the drive through lane. I know my one fan is eager to find out my gastronomic feasts. It has been awhile due to timing issues, and more importantly, my main computer is on the fritz and disobedient.

On Tuesday I went down to Rochester to watch the AAU 12u national tournament. The game started at noon, so I ate after the game on the way back to the metro.

TUESDAY
ARBY'S
Place: 2130 37th St NW, Rochester, MN 55901
Date: Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Meal: Lunch
Order: Beef n' Cheddar, medium Curly Fries, Medium Diet Pepsi
Total cost: $5.98
Method: Drive through
Time entered line: 1:43 pm
order time finished: 0:27
pay: 0:25
Wait for food: 0:35
Total Elapsed Time: 1:27
pretty fast, but by the time I went through the lunch rush was over.

Next stop was the Lakeville North Summer League. After the semifinal round I went through the drive through at Wendy's

WENDY'S
Place: 17610 Kendrick Ave, Lakeville, MN 55044
Date: Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Meal: Supper
Order: #2 (1/2 pound double burger with cheese, small fries, and a Diet Coke)
Total cost: $6.29
Method: drive through
Time entered line: 6:56 pm
order time finished: 1:57
pay: 0:54
Wait for food: 2:32
Total Elapsed Time: 5:23
Not exactly the speed I was looking for. Part of the problem was a multiple order from the car in front which always slows things down.

WEDNESDAY
It was off to St. Cloud for the Top 100 Expo camp going on there. During the break between morning and afternoon sessions I dined with a college coach (name hidden to protect their identity). We decided on Grizzly's Grill N' Saloon in St. Cloud because they had the Twins on TV. There is a Grizzly's in Apple Valley which is the closest metro location. There are 14 total.

GRIZZLY'S GRILL N' SALOON
Place: Crossroads Center, 4201 W Division St #73, St. Cloud, MN 56301
Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Meal: Lunch
Order: Fajita Burger with onion rings and a Diet Coke
Total cost: $12.39
Method: dine in
Time entered: 12:03 pm
order time finished: 9:48
food arrived: 14:35
pay: 28:37
Total Elapsed Time: 53:00
Grizzly's is a chain of restaurants in the upper midwest. They have the old antique signs, paraphernalia and decor like most sit down places. Chelsea was our server and was very pleasant.

THURSDAY
Again it was back to St. Cloud for the Top 100 Expo camp. This time during the break I was flying solo. It was another Wendy's this time. It was raining and I didn't feel like waiting in the line of cars in the drive through, so I went for take out. After getting the food, I moved the car away from the door (to much car traffic) and ate in the car and read the paper until the next session.

WENDY'S
Place: 395 2nd St S, Waite Park, MN 56387
Date: July 10, 2008
Meal: lunch
Order: The #2 again (see above)
Total cost: $6.30
Method: take out
Time entered line: 12:10 pm
order time finished: 3:23
pay: simultaneous
Wait for food: 0:36
Total Elapsed Time: 3:59
There were at least three orders ahead of me slowing down the order time.