#1 posting 7.18.2008
a periodic dose of life in the fast food lane
SHORELINE: Battle Lake
Now for something completely different.
Today I was out with my parents in Battle Lake, MN (two and a half hours away). We were there to meet relatives to go over some geneaology and family history. One of the branches of my ancetors started their American experience south of Battle Lake. There were nine in our group and after a look at some paperwork we went to the Shoreline Restaurant and Lanes. There were two distinct restaurants, with the bowling and pizza off to the right, and the restaurant off to the left. The restaurant also had two distinct areas, with a counter and a smaller seating area. We were shuffled to the back with our larger group. I had the California Burger. I guess I was expecting some cheese on the burger, but that wasn't part of the equation. After the lunch we met a older local relative and then visited the graves of the original immigrants.
Place: Shoreline Restaurant & Lanes, 505 N Lake Ave, Battle Lake, MN 56515
Date: Friday, July 18, 2008
Meal: Lunch
Order: California Burger, with fries and a Diet Coke
Total Cost: around $7.50
Method: sit down
Time Entered restaurant: 12:38 pm
Order Time Finished: 11:21
Wait for Food: 22:18
Pay: 21:05
Total Elapsed Time: 54:44
I am sure the fact that there were nine in the party made the food delivery time slower (and the order time). My parents took the bill.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
A&W: Brooklyn Center
#1 posting 7.16.2008
a periodic look at life in the fast food lane
A & W: Brooklyn Center
Today I was out doing a few errands and grabbed a bite at A&W near Brookdale shopping mall. A&W shares the building with KFC. There was some confusion when I ordered since both menus share the same board. "A1" is the A&W menu. They started asking if I wanted spicy or original. The longest period of time was spent at the order mike.
I went with the burger even though hot dogs are the featured item at A&W (or is it the Root Beer?)
Place: A&W, 5430 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Center, MN 55429
date July 16, 2008
Meal: lunch
Order: #A1 (Papa Burger Combo) Medium Fries and Medium Diet Root Beer
Total Cost: $5.55
Method: drive through
Time Entered Line: 1:04 pm
Order Time Finished: 0:55
Pay: 0:40
Wait for Food: 0:39
Total Elapsed Time: 2:14
I wanted the root beer, but two things
#1 it needs to be in the famous frosty mug, not the plain ordinary paper cup.
#2 the best root beer has NO ice. Somehow the kick is gone with the abundance of ice.
I ate the meal by Barnes & Noble. As I was dining a panhandler came by asking for money as I was testing my blood. I guess that shows how the neighborhood has deteriorated.
a periodic look at life in the fast food lane
A & W: Brooklyn Center
Today I was out doing a few errands and grabbed a bite at A&W near Brookdale shopping mall. A&W shares the building with KFC. There was some confusion when I ordered since both menus share the same board. "A1" is the A&W menu. They started asking if I wanted spicy or original. The longest period of time was spent at the order mike.
I went with the burger even though hot dogs are the featured item at A&W (or is it the Root Beer?)
Place: A&W, 5430 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Center, MN 55429
date July 16, 2008
Meal: lunch
Order: #A1 (Papa Burger Combo) Medium Fries and Medium Diet Root Beer
Total Cost: $5.55
Method: drive through
Time Entered Line: 1:04 pm
Order Time Finished: 0:55
Pay: 0:40
Wait for Food: 0:39
Total Elapsed Time: 2:14
I wanted the root beer, but two things
#1 it needs to be in the famous frosty mug, not the plain ordinary paper cup.
#2 the best root beer has NO ice. Somehow the kick is gone with the abundance of ice.
I ate the meal by Barnes & Noble. As I was dining a panhandler came by asking for money as I was testing my blood. I guess that shows how the neighborhood has deteriorated.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Wendy's: Menomonie
#1 posting 7.14.2008
a periodic look at life in the fast food lane
WENDY'S: Menomonie
I traveled to Menomonie for the Great Lakes Shootout. Before the action on the court tipped off I grabbed a burger at Wendy's. This marks the third Wendy's in the last week. This Wendy's met the requirement of being on the right side of the road after leaving the interstate.
Place: Wendy's, 1627 North Broadway, Menomonie, WI 54751
Date: Sunday, July 13, 2008
Meal: Lunch
Order: #2 (as usual)
Total Cost: $6.21
Method: drive through
Time Entered Line: 11:55 am
Order Time Finished: 0:31
Pay: 0:41
Wait for Food: 0:41
Total Elapsed Time: 1:51
Again Sunday lunch rush is surprisingly fast. This may be because it is further away from the UW Stout campus. Last time I was in Menomonie the Dairy Queen across UWS was slow, but it also was a supper rush.
Not only was this Wendy's fast, but the staff at the pay window and food window was very cheerful, more so than usual restaurants.
a periodic look at life in the fast food lane
WENDY'S: Menomonie
I traveled to Menomonie for the Great Lakes Shootout. Before the action on the court tipped off I grabbed a burger at Wendy's. This marks the third Wendy's in the last week. This Wendy's met the requirement of being on the right side of the road after leaving the interstate.
Place: Wendy's, 1627 North Broadway, Menomonie, WI 54751
Date: Sunday, July 13, 2008
Meal: Lunch
Order: #2 (as usual)
Total Cost: $6.21
Method: drive through
Time Entered Line: 11:55 am
Order Time Finished: 0:31
Pay: 0:41
Wait for Food: 0:41
Total Elapsed Time: 1:51
Again Sunday lunch rush is surprisingly fast. This may be because it is further away from the UW Stout campus. Last time I was in Menomonie the Dairy Queen across UWS was slow, but it also was a supper rush.
Not only was this Wendy's fast, but the staff at the pay window and food window was very cheerful, more so than usual restaurants.
Friday, July 11, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Quizno's: Lakeville
#1 posting 7.2.2008
a periodic look at life in the fast food lane
QUIZNO'S: Lakeville
Last night I ate after the Lakeville Summer League at Quizno's. This Quizno's is in a recent strip mall. When I got to Quizno's there was no one in the store except the counter folks.
For those not familiar with Quizno's, their sandwich thing is "toasty" subs. So you order, they build it and then put it on a conveyor belt through the heating oven. After the toasting they add the finishing touches.
I didn't eat the sandwich on the road, but devoured it in the parking lot.
QUIZNO'S
Place: 18440 Kenrick Ave Lakeville MN 55044
Date: Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Meal: supper
Order: Small Classic Italian (on wheat), with Cool Ranch Doritos, and small Diet Pepsi
Total cost: $6.79
Method: take out
Time entered line: 8:14 pm
order time finished/pay: 2:05
Wait for food: 1:28
Total Elapsed Time: 3:33
a periodic look at life in the fast food lane
QUIZNO'S: Lakeville
Last night I ate after the Lakeville Summer League at Quizno's. This Quizno's is in a recent strip mall. When I got to Quizno's there was no one in the store except the counter folks.
For those not familiar with Quizno's, their sandwich thing is "toasty" subs. So you order, they build it and then put it on a conveyor belt through the heating oven. After the toasting they add the finishing touches.
I didn't eat the sandwich on the road, but devoured it in the parking lot.
QUIZNO'S
Place: 18440 Kenrick Ave Lakeville MN 55044
Date: Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Meal: supper
Order: Small Classic Italian (on wheat), with Cool Ranch Doritos, and small Diet Pepsi
Total cost: $6.79
Method: take out
Time entered line: 8:14 pm
order time finished/pay: 2:05
Wait for food: 1:28
Total Elapsed Time: 3:33
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Sioux Falls Trip
#1 posting 6.29.2008
a periodic look at life in the fast food lane
I traveled to Sioux Falls and back on Friday through Sunday. So here we go with a extended trip chronicle.
FRIDAY
Since I left right at breakfast time Burger King was the first stop:
BURGER KING
Place: Burger King, 8501 Xylon Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
Date: Friday, June 27, 2008
Meal: breakfast
Order: #1 Croissant Sausage, Egg Cheese meal with small hashbrown and orange juice.
Total cost: $4.24
Method: drive through
Time entered line: 7:00 am
order time finished: 0:09
Wait to pay: 1:08
Wait for food: 0:01
Total elapsed time: 1:17
extremely fast.
SUBWAY
Place: Subway, 3101 W 41st St, Sioux Falls, SD 57105
Date: Friday, June 27, 2008
Meal: lunch*
Order: cold cut 6 inch
Total cost: $3.20
Method: take out
Time entered line: 11:32 am
order time finished: 2:39
Wait to pay: 0:09
Wait for food: 0:01
Total elapsed time: 2:49
this was for supper since I was going to be locked in for nine straight games and I wanted a little more than the hot dogs involved.
BURGER KING
Place: Burger King, 2509 W 41st St., Sioux Falls, SD 57105
Date: Friday, June 27, 2008
Meal: lunch
Order: Value meal #3 Double cheeseburger, medium fries, Diet Coke
Total cost: $4.14
Method: drive through
Time entered line: 11:39 am
order time finished: 1:19
Wait to pay: 1:28
Wait for food: 0:01
Total elapsed time: 2:48
SATURDAY
With breakfast provided by the hotel I only needed two meals
SONIC
Place: Sonic Drive In, 3810 W 34th St., Sioux Falls, SD 57106
Date: Saturday, June 28, 2008
Meal: Lunch
Order: SSCB Deal, onion rings, and a diet Dr. Pepper.
Total cost: $6.51
Method: Drive in
Time entered line: 2:12 pm
order time finished: 0:57
Wait to pay: right away
Wait for food: 6:20
Total elapsed time: 7:17
This was back to the future with the 50s themed Sonic Drive in. It is similar to the old A&W pull style. There are a few differences or modern improvements. First you call in the order with the flick of a switch. Second you pay with a credit card like at a gas station. The waitress comes to the car, but there was no tray that hangs on the car window as in the past. Instead you get your meal in a bag.
Sioux Falls has two Sonics, Minnesota has one.
MC DONALD'S
Place: McDonald's, 3200 South Minnesota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57105
Date: Saturday, June 28, 2008
Meal: supper
Order: #3 Quarterpounder with cheese meal, Diet Coke
Total cost: $5:03
Method: take out
Time entered line: 7:52 pm
order time finished: 0:30
Wait to pay: 0:01
Wait for food: 1:16
Total elapsed time: 1:47
fast for a Saturday. I avoided the 8 car line and went in to order. No one was in front and as you can see it was quick and painless. I may have been in the drive through line still.
SUNDAY
WENDY'S
Place: Wendy's, 303 11th Ave S, Hopkins, MN 55343
Date: Sunday, June 29, 2008
Meal: lunch
Order: #2 Double Cheeseburger meal. Diet Coke
Total cost: $6.07
Method: drive through
Time entered line: 1:27
order time finished: 0:20
Wait to pay: 0:38
Wait for food: 1:16
Total elapsed time: 2:14
Obviously this trip was heavy on burgers
a periodic look at life in the fast food lane
I traveled to Sioux Falls and back on Friday through Sunday. So here we go with a extended trip chronicle.
FRIDAY
Since I left right at breakfast time Burger King was the first stop:
BURGER KING
Place: Burger King, 8501 Xylon Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
Date: Friday, June 27, 2008
Meal: breakfast
Order: #1 Croissant Sausage, Egg Cheese meal with small hashbrown and orange juice.
Total cost: $4.24
Method: drive through
Time entered line: 7:00 am
order time finished: 0:09
Wait to pay: 1:08
Wait for food: 0:01
Total elapsed time: 1:17
extremely fast.
SUBWAY
Place: Subway, 3101 W 41st St, Sioux Falls, SD 57105
Date: Friday, June 27, 2008
Meal: lunch*
Order: cold cut 6 inch
Total cost: $3.20
Method: take out
Time entered line: 11:32 am
order time finished: 2:39
Wait to pay: 0:09
Wait for food: 0:01
Total elapsed time: 2:49
this was for supper since I was going to be locked in for nine straight games and I wanted a little more than the hot dogs involved.
BURGER KING
Place: Burger King, 2509 W 41st St., Sioux Falls, SD 57105
Date: Friday, June 27, 2008
Meal: lunch
Order: Value meal #3 Double cheeseburger, medium fries, Diet Coke
Total cost: $4.14
Method: drive through
Time entered line: 11:39 am
order time finished: 1:19
Wait to pay: 1:28
Wait for food: 0:01
Total elapsed time: 2:48
SATURDAY
With breakfast provided by the hotel I only needed two meals
SONIC
Place: Sonic Drive In, 3810 W 34th St., Sioux Falls, SD 57106
Date: Saturday, June 28, 2008
Meal: Lunch
Order: SSCB Deal, onion rings, and a diet Dr. Pepper.
Total cost: $6.51
Method: Drive in
Time entered line: 2:12 pm
order time finished: 0:57
Wait to pay: right away
Wait for food: 6:20
Total elapsed time: 7:17
This was back to the future with the 50s themed Sonic Drive in. It is similar to the old A&W pull style. There are a few differences or modern improvements. First you call in the order with the flick of a switch. Second you pay with a credit card like at a gas station. The waitress comes to the car, but there was no tray that hangs on the car window as in the past. Instead you get your meal in a bag.
Sioux Falls has two Sonics, Minnesota has one.
MC DONALD'S
Place: McDonald's, 3200 South Minnesota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57105
Date: Saturday, June 28, 2008
Meal: supper
Order: #3 Quarterpounder with cheese meal, Diet Coke
Total cost: $5:03
Method: take out
Time entered line: 7:52 pm
order time finished: 0:30
Wait to pay: 0:01
Wait for food: 1:16
Total elapsed time: 1:47
fast for a Saturday. I avoided the 8 car line and went in to order. No one was in front and as you can see it was quick and painless. I may have been in the drive through line still.
SUNDAY
WENDY'S
Place: Wendy's, 303 11th Ave S, Hopkins, MN 55343
Date: Sunday, June 29, 2008
Meal: lunch
Order: #2 Double Cheeseburger meal. Diet Coke
Total cost: $6.07
Method: drive through
Time entered line: 1:27
order time finished: 0:20
Wait to pay: 0:38
Wait for food: 1:16
Total elapsed time: 2:14
Obviously this trip was heavy on burgers
Monday, June 23, 2008
Ames: McDonald's, and B-Bop's
#1 posting 6.23.2008
a periodic look at life in the fast food lane
AMES TWO-FER
Yesterday I was down in Ames, Iowa for the All Iowa Attack girls basketball tournament and stopped by McDonald's for lunch and B-Bop's for supper. B-Bop's is an Iowa hamburger drive in type that harkens back to the 50's. There are only seven B-Bop's around and all are in Iowa.
This McDonald's was a bit slow in the lunch experience. We went with the take out method and there were problems with orders to our right where a store manager had to come and sort things out. Nothing was wrong with my order. It just took longer than normal because of the people in front were slow.
B-Bop's served up large drinks compared to McD's, and their fries were hot, but probably thinner, and had the deep fried feel.
Joining me on the excursion to Ames was Tony Geer and Stephen Froemming.
MC DONALD'S
Place: McDonald's, 534 South Duff, Ames, IA 50010
Date: Sunday, June 22, 2008
Meal: lunch
Order: #3 1/4 lb double with cheese meal and a Diet Coke
Total cost: $5.10
Method: take out
Time entered line: 2:07 pm
order time finished: 3:30
Wait to pay: 0:09
Wait for food: 3:28
Total elapsed time: 7:07
B-BOP'S
Place: B-Bop's, 1112 S Duff, Ames, Iowa 50010
Date: Sunday, June 22, 2008
Meal: supper
Order: #1 Single Cheeseburger meal with a diet coke
Total cost: $3.93
Method: drive through
Time entered line: 6:33 pm
order time finished: 1:00
Wait to pay: 1:10
Wait for food: 2:06
Total elapsed time: 4:16
After the order usually at other drive throughs we are told to pull forward. Not so here at B-Bop's.
a periodic look at life in the fast food lane
AMES TWO-FER
Yesterday I was down in Ames, Iowa for the All Iowa Attack girls basketball tournament and stopped by McDonald's for lunch and B-Bop's for supper. B-Bop's is an Iowa hamburger drive in type that harkens back to the 50's. There are only seven B-Bop's around and all are in Iowa.
This McDonald's was a bit slow in the lunch experience. We went with the take out method and there were problems with orders to our right where a store manager had to come and sort things out. Nothing was wrong with my order. It just took longer than normal because of the people in front were slow.
B-Bop's served up large drinks compared to McD's, and their fries were hot, but probably thinner, and had the deep fried feel.
Joining me on the excursion to Ames was Tony Geer and Stephen Froemming.
MC DONALD'S
Place: McDonald's, 534 South Duff, Ames, IA 50010
Date: Sunday, June 22, 2008
Meal: lunch
Order: #3 1/4 lb double with cheese meal and a Diet Coke
Total cost: $5.10
Method: take out
Time entered line: 2:07 pm
order time finished: 3:30
Wait to pay: 0:09
Wait for food: 3:28
Total elapsed time: 7:07
B-BOP'S
Place: B-Bop's, 1112 S Duff, Ames, Iowa 50010
Date: Sunday, June 22, 2008
Meal: supper
Order: #1 Single Cheeseburger meal with a diet coke
Total cost: $3.93
Method: drive through
Time entered line: 6:33 pm
order time finished: 1:00
Wait to pay: 1:10
Wait for food: 2:06
Total elapsed time: 4:16
After the order usually at other drive throughs we are told to pull forward. Not so here at B-Bop's.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Wendy's: Rogers
#1 posting 6.21.2008
a periodic look at life in the fast food lane.
WENDY'S: Rogers
No I haven't been starving myself or on a fast. I know my fan is eager for another report so here it goes: Today I was up at Rogers for the Breakdown tournament and I grabbed a bite to eat after the three championship games. It was off to Wendy's for a #2. It met the requirement of being on the right hand side of the road.
Place: Wendy's, 21601 S. Diamond Lake Road, Rogers, MN 55374
Date: Saturday, June 21, 2008
Meal: supper
Order: #2 1/2 lb double with cheese meal and a Diet Coke
Total cost: $6:07
Method: drive through
Time entered line: 7:42 pm
order time finished: 1:00 (one car in front)
Wait to pay: 0:19
Wait for food: 0:28
Total elapsed time: 1:47
A Saturday with fast service? it is true. Maybe it was because the timing was after the supper rush. The service not only was fast, but cheerful.
a periodic look at life in the fast food lane.
WENDY'S: Rogers
No I haven't been starving myself or on a fast. I know my fan is eager for another report so here it goes: Today I was up at Rogers for the Breakdown tournament and I grabbed a bite to eat after the three championship games. It was off to Wendy's for a #2. It met the requirement of being on the right hand side of the road.
Place: Wendy's, 21601 S. Diamond Lake Road, Rogers, MN 55374
Date: Saturday, June 21, 2008
Meal: supper
Order: #2 1/2 lb double with cheese meal and a Diet Coke
Total cost: $6:07
Method: drive through
Time entered line: 7:42 pm
order time finished: 1:00 (one car in front)
Wait to pay: 0:19
Wait for food: 0:28
Total elapsed time: 1:47
A Saturday with fast service? it is true. Maybe it was because the timing was after the supper rush. The service not only was fast, but cheerful.
Monday, June 9, 2008
TGI Friday's: Burnsville
#1 posting 6.9.2008
a periodic look at life in the fast food lane
TGI FRIDAY'S: Burnsville
My nephew graduated from St. Thomas and today I took him out for lunch at TGI Friday's. It was his call and he chose TGI Friday's. This is another sit down restaurant. The lunch crowd had pretty much vacated by the time we arrived. We got a booth. Naomi the waitress arrived early for our meal order, but we needed more time. I took the Tennessee BBQ sliders. These are two little hamburgers--think White Castle with more pizzazz. They maybe could make it three instead of two. Naomi asked if we wanted the drinks refilled (no) and if we had room for dessert (again no). The onion rings numbered about 8. I was hoping for more. Ice ruled the drink.
This was the first Monday, first meal over $10, and first time the food arrived over 20 minutes after we arrived.
Place: TGI Friday's, 14400 Buckhill Rd., Burnsville, MN 55306
Date: Monday, June 9, 2008
Meal: lunch
Order: Tennessee BBQ sliders, onion rings, and diet coke
Total cost: $11.00
Method: Dine in
Time entered: 12:38 pm
Sitting down: 0:52
drink order finished: 0:24
meal order finished: 4:51
Order arrived 16:13
check arrived: 16:06
paid and left: 3:34
Total elapsed time: 42:00
a periodic look at life in the fast food lane
TGI FRIDAY'S: Burnsville
My nephew graduated from St. Thomas and today I took him out for lunch at TGI Friday's. It was his call and he chose TGI Friday's. This is another sit down restaurant. The lunch crowd had pretty much vacated by the time we arrived. We got a booth. Naomi the waitress arrived early for our meal order, but we needed more time. I took the Tennessee BBQ sliders. These are two little hamburgers--think White Castle with more pizzazz. They maybe could make it three instead of two. Naomi asked if we wanted the drinks refilled (no) and if we had room for dessert (again no). The onion rings numbered about 8. I was hoping for more. Ice ruled the drink.
This was the first Monday, first meal over $10, and first time the food arrived over 20 minutes after we arrived.
Place: TGI Friday's, 14400 Buckhill Rd., Burnsville, MN 55306
Date: Monday, June 9, 2008
Meal: lunch
Order: Tennessee BBQ sliders, onion rings, and diet coke
Total cost: $11.00
Method: Dine in
Time entered: 12:38 pm
Sitting down: 0:52
drink order finished: 0:24
meal order finished: 4:51
Order arrived 16:13
check arrived: 16:06
paid and left: 3:34
Total elapsed time: 42:00
Sunday, June 8, 2008
McDonald's: Delano
#1 posting 6.8.2008
a periodic look at life in the fast food lane
MC DONALD'S: Delano
It has been a while.
It may have been because it was a Saturday night during graduation season. It may have been the road construction. Whatever the reason, the service was poor at Delano's McDonald. I ordered the #3 the Quarterpounder with Cheese meal. After dosing up with my insulin I saw that it was not a quarterpounder with cheese at all, at least not the cheese portion. Instead they had lettuce and tomato on it. I went back in and tried to get it fixed. They put the cheese on it. The cheese wasn't melted into the burger, just a cold slab and the burger was cold afterword. Plus the tomato and lettuce remained. If they have changed the formula for the quarterpounder I haven't heard about it. When I returned to the car I saw it was still not right, but decided I was too hungry to try to get it changed again.
This was the slowest drive through bar none. This came dangerously close to being behind the sit down supper I had last week at Davanni's. It only beat Davanni's by 26 seconds.
This is the 8th McDonald's on the chart. The average drive through time for the 7 before this Delano version---3:12. In fact four were less than 2:10.
Saturday's are the worst, the absolute worst day for service. The average time is 9+ minutes.
Sunday is the best time with 2:30.
I was in Delano watching a MYAS basketball tournament
Place: McDonald's, 1490 Babcock Blvd, Delano, MN 55328
Date: Saturday, June 7, 2008
Meal: supper
Order: #3 Quarter pounder meal with a medium Diet Coke
Total cost: $5.10
Method: drive through
Time entered line: 7:30
order time finished: 1:40 (one car in front)
Wait to pay: 6:37
Wait for food: 0:32
Wait to get the order right 3:41
Total elapsed time: 12:30
I did get two apple pies plus the modified quarterpounder.
Insulin dose: 6
a periodic look at life in the fast food lane
MC DONALD'S: Delano
It has been a while.
It may have been because it was a Saturday night during graduation season. It may have been the road construction. Whatever the reason, the service was poor at Delano's McDonald. I ordered the #3 the Quarterpounder with Cheese meal. After dosing up with my insulin I saw that it was not a quarterpounder with cheese at all, at least not the cheese portion. Instead they had lettuce and tomato on it. I went back in and tried to get it fixed. They put the cheese on it. The cheese wasn't melted into the burger, just a cold slab and the burger was cold afterword. Plus the tomato and lettuce remained. If they have changed the formula for the quarterpounder I haven't heard about it. When I returned to the car I saw it was still not right, but decided I was too hungry to try to get it changed again.
This was the slowest drive through bar none. This came dangerously close to being behind the sit down supper I had last week at Davanni's. It only beat Davanni's by 26 seconds.
This is the 8th McDonald's on the chart. The average drive through time for the 7 before this Delano version---3:12. In fact four were less than 2:10.
Saturday's are the worst, the absolute worst day for service. The average time is 9+ minutes.
Sunday is the best time with 2:30.
I was in Delano watching a MYAS basketball tournament
Place: McDonald's, 1490 Babcock Blvd, Delano, MN 55328
Date: Saturday, June 7, 2008
Meal: supper
Order: #3 Quarter pounder meal with a medium Diet Coke
Total cost: $5.10
Method: drive through
Time entered line: 7:30
order time finished: 1:40 (one car in front)
Wait to pay: 6:37
Wait for food: 0:32
Wait to get the order right 3:41
Total elapsed time: 12:30
I did get two apple pies plus the modified quarterpounder.
Insulin dose: 6
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
McDonald's: Woodbury
#1 posting 6.3.2008
a periodic look at life in the fast food lane
MC DONALD'S: Woodbury
After the Battle of the Hardwood I had supper at McDonald's in Woodbury. This was the 7th McDonald's that has made the list. This is another quick under two minute time. The average for drive throughs for those keeping track is 3:35.
McDonald's have four of the top five drive through times. This in Woodbury is #2 to Hudson.
The top four fastest service times are all on Sunday.
Three of the bottom slowest times are on Saturday.
Place: McDonald's, 1759 Weir Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125
Date: Sunday, June 1, 2008
Meal: supper
Order: #4 Double Quarter pounder meal with a medium Diet Coke
Total cost: $5.85
Method: drive through
Time entered line: 7:22
order time finished: 0:15 (no one in front)
Wait to pay: 0:27
Wait for food: 1:04
Total elapsed time: 1:46
Insulin dose: 6
a periodic look at life in the fast food lane
MC DONALD'S: Woodbury
After the Battle of the Hardwood I had supper at McDonald's in Woodbury. This was the 7th McDonald's that has made the list. This is another quick under two minute time. The average for drive throughs for those keeping track is 3:35.
McDonald's have four of the top five drive through times. This in Woodbury is #2 to Hudson.
The top four fastest service times are all on Sunday.
Three of the bottom slowest times are on Saturday.
Place: McDonald's, 1759 Weir Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125
Date: Sunday, June 1, 2008
Meal: supper
Order: #4 Double Quarter pounder meal with a medium Diet Coke
Total cost: $5.85
Method: drive through
Time entered line: 7:22
order time finished: 0:15 (no one in front)
Wait to pay: 0:27
Wait for food: 1:04
Total elapsed time: 1:46
Insulin dose: 6
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Davanni's: Woodbury
#1 posting 6.1.2008
a periodic look at life in the fast food lane
DAVANNI'S: Woodbury
On Saturday Coach Teas & I were at the Battle of the Hardwood at Woodbury High School. We took some time off waiting for the 6 pm game and drove around and found Davanni's. This is the first pizza place and also we ate at 4:15 which is not quite the supper hour.
This was the second "sit down" restaurant charted. The difference in this place is you go to the counter to order while at Lyon's Tap the waitress takes your order.
Place: Davanni's, 1905 Donegal Dr., Woodbury, Mn 55125
Date: Saturday, May 31, 2008
Meal: supper?
Order: solo thin pepperoni pizza, and a Diet Coke
Total cost: Coach Teas was good enough to take the check--my end $6.24
Method: Dine in
Time entered the line: 4:15 pm
order time finished: 2:02, We couldn't make up our minds
Wait for food: 10:54
Total elapsed time: 12:56
Insulin dose: 4
Thin pizza due to the diabetes. At 4 pm there isn't a big supper crowd rush.
a periodic look at life in the fast food lane
DAVANNI'S: Woodbury
On Saturday Coach Teas & I were at the Battle of the Hardwood at Woodbury High School. We took some time off waiting for the 6 pm game and drove around and found Davanni's. This is the first pizza place and also we ate at 4:15 which is not quite the supper hour.
This was the second "sit down" restaurant charted. The difference in this place is you go to the counter to order while at Lyon's Tap the waitress takes your order.
Place: Davanni's, 1905 Donegal Dr., Woodbury, Mn 55125
Date: Saturday, May 31, 2008
Meal: supper?
Order: solo thin pepperoni pizza, and a Diet Coke
Total cost: Coach Teas was good enough to take the check--my end $6.24
Method: Dine in
Time entered the line: 4:15 pm
order time finished: 2:02, We couldn't make up our minds
Wait for food: 10:54
Total elapsed time: 12:56
Insulin dose: 4
Thin pizza due to the diabetes. At 4 pm there isn't a big supper crowd rush.
Friday, May 30, 2008
McDonald's: Robbinsdale
#1 posting 5.30.2008
a periodic look at life in the fast food lane
MC DONALD'S: Robbinsdale
This is a first posting for breakfast. It really wasn't my normal breakfast time. Today I had to have a fasting blood test for my diabetes, the A1C test. I won't know until next week. I got delayed on my start to North Memorial with delays (like my little dog Scout chasing a rabbit). Even at NM I was delayed. Needless to say with no food and the blood sugars dropping I get a little cranky and anxious.
Place: 4601 Lake Drive, Robbinsdale, MN 55422
Date: Friday, May 30, 2008
Meal: breakfast
Order: Sausage McMuffin Meal, and a small Orange Juice
Total cost: $4.05
Method: Take out
Time entered the line: 10:05 am
order time finished: 3:45 (three in front, one cashier open)
Wait for food: 0:47
Total elapsed time: 4:32
Insulin dose: 6 even for breakfast
The reason it took so long before I ordered was because people in front didn't know what to order even though they had been standing in line waiting for the person in front. It was like they hadn't seen the menu until they made it to the front.
I guess I was stunned that there was that big a line (and delay) at 10 am. Most of the crowd in the McD appeared to be retirees.
a periodic look at life in the fast food lane
MC DONALD'S: Robbinsdale
This is a first posting for breakfast. It really wasn't my normal breakfast time. Today I had to have a fasting blood test for my diabetes, the A1C test. I won't know until next week. I got delayed on my start to North Memorial with delays (like my little dog Scout chasing a rabbit). Even at NM I was delayed. Needless to say with no food and the blood sugars dropping I get a little cranky and anxious.
Place: 4601 Lake Drive, Robbinsdale, MN 55422
Date: Friday, May 30, 2008
Meal: breakfast
Order: Sausage McMuffin Meal, and a small Orange Juice
Total cost: $4.05
Method: Take out
Time entered the line: 10:05 am
order time finished: 3:45 (three in front, one cashier open)
Wait for food: 0:47
Total elapsed time: 4:32
Insulin dose: 6 even for breakfast
The reason it took so long before I ordered was because people in front didn't know what to order even though they had been standing in line waiting for the person in front. It was like they hadn't seen the menu until they made it to the front.
I guess I was stunned that there was that big a line (and delay) at 10 am. Most of the crowd in the McD appeared to be retirees.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
McDonald's: Brooklyn Park (Osseo)
#1 posting 5.28.2008
a periodic look at life in the fast food lane
MC DONALD'S: Brooklyn Park/Osseo
Yesterday I ran an errand to Craig Arends house. He is transferring basketball games I had taped from the 1983-84 year to disc. On the way back home I stopped at the McDonald's on the Osseo/Brooklyn Park border. Technically it is in BP.
Place: 9000 85th Ave, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
Date: Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Meal: supper
Order: Big & Tasty Cheeseburger meal, Medium Diet Coke
Total cost: $5.02
Method: drive through
Time entered line: 7:09
order time finished: 0:29 (no one in front)
Wait to pay: 0:26
Wait for food: 0:52
Total elapsed time: 1:47
Insulin dose: 6
I changed up the order with a Big & Tasty. Normally it is a variation on the quarter pounder theme.
This is the only supper to make the top five fastest times. McDonald's has three of the top six fastest times.
This McDonald's is #4 on the fastest list.
a periodic look at life in the fast food lane
MC DONALD'S: Brooklyn Park/Osseo
Yesterday I ran an errand to Craig Arends house. He is transferring basketball games I had taped from the 1983-84 year to disc. On the way back home I stopped at the McDonald's on the Osseo/Brooklyn Park border. Technically it is in BP.
Place: 9000 85th Ave, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
Date: Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Meal: supper
Order: Big & Tasty Cheeseburger meal, Medium Diet Coke
Total cost: $5.02
Method: drive through
Time entered line: 7:09
order time finished: 0:29 (no one in front)
Wait to pay: 0:26
Wait for food: 0:52
Total elapsed time: 1:47
Insulin dose: 6
I changed up the order with a Big & Tasty. Normally it is a variation on the quarter pounder theme.
This is the only supper to make the top five fastest times. McDonald's has three of the top six fastest times.
This McDonald's is #4 on the fastest list.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Dairy Queen: Menomonie
#3 posting 5.26.2008
a periodic look at life in the fast food lane
DAIRY QUEEN: Menomonie
I had supper between basketball games at the Dairy Queen kitty corner from UW Stout's athletic facility.
Place: Dairy Queen, 1221 S Broadway, Menomonie, WI 54751
Date: Sunday, May 25, 2008
Meal: supper
Order: Grillburger Cheeseburger basket, Diet Pepsi
Total cost: $4.42
Method: drive through
Time entered line: 6:04 pm
order time finished: 0:20 (no one in front)
Wait to pay: 0:53
Wait for food: 5:48
Total elapsed time: 7:01
Insulin dose: 6
The wait was quite long. I am sure it was due to the crowd from the basketball tournament. I was eating in the car when the weather sirens were going off. I left the last few fries and about a bite of the burger to get to safety. The odd thing was the games weren't delayed or stopped, they kept right on going despite the blaring sirens right outside the doors. You could hear the wail in the building.
a periodic look at life in the fast food lane
DAIRY QUEEN: Menomonie
I had supper between basketball games at the Dairy Queen kitty corner from UW Stout's athletic facility.
Place: Dairy Queen, 1221 S Broadway, Menomonie, WI 54751
Date: Sunday, May 25, 2008
Meal: supper
Order: Grillburger Cheeseburger basket, Diet Pepsi
Total cost: $4.42
Method: drive through
Time entered line: 6:04 pm
order time finished: 0:20 (no one in front)
Wait to pay: 0:53
Wait for food: 5:48
Total elapsed time: 7:01
Insulin dose: 6
The wait was quite long. I am sure it was due to the crowd from the basketball tournament. I was eating in the car when the weather sirens were going off. I left the last few fries and about a bite of the burger to get to safety. The odd thing was the games weren't delayed or stopped, they kept right on going despite the blaring sirens right outside the doors. You could hear the wail in the building.
McDonald's: Hudson
#2 posting 5.26.2008
a periodic look at life in the fast food lane
MC DONALD'S: Hudson
I was off to Menomonie for the Memorial Day basketball tournament.
Place: McDonald's, 2411 Crest View Drive, Hudson, WI 54016
Date: Sunday, May 25, 2008
Meal: Lunch
Order: #4 Double Quarter pounder with cheese meal, Medium Diet Coke
Total cost: $5.90
Method: drive through
Time entered line: 12:44 pm
order time finished: 0:20 (no one in front, split drive through)
Wait to pay: 0:20
Wait for food: 0:56
Total elapsed time: 1:36
Insulin dose: 6
This ties the fastest order to food time. The previous leader was the Subway at New Hope on Mother's day. That was a walk in order however. This McDonald's takes the fastest drive through time by 21 seconds.
a periodic look at life in the fast food lane
MC DONALD'S: Hudson
I was off to Menomonie for the Memorial Day basketball tournament.
Place: McDonald's, 2411 Crest View Drive, Hudson, WI 54016
Date: Sunday, May 25, 2008
Meal: Lunch
Order: #4 Double Quarter pounder with cheese meal, Medium Diet Coke
Total cost: $5.90
Method: drive through
Time entered line: 12:44 pm
order time finished: 0:20 (no one in front, split drive through)
Wait to pay: 0:20
Wait for food: 0:56
Total elapsed time: 1:36
Insulin dose: 6
This ties the fastest order to food time. The previous leader was the Subway at New Hope on Mother's day. That was a walk in order however. This McDonald's takes the fastest drive through time by 21 seconds.
Subway: North St. Paul
#1 posting 5.26.2008
a periodic look at life in the fast food lane
SUBWAY: North St. Paul
After watching a couple of games at the MYAS North St. Paul event it was time for Supper. Tim Leighton of the Pioneer Press joined me and paid for the meal. He was at the game watching his daughter play for Fridley. This was my second time in two days my supper was paid for. There were a few folks in line, some coming from the basketball game.
Place: Subway, 2649 E 7th Ave N St Paul MN 55109
Date: Saturday, May 24, 2008
Meal: supper
Order: 6 inch Italian Spicy Italian, on wheat, with Dijon mustard, lettuce, pickles, green pepper, onion.
Total cost: $5.22 (Today the meal was paid for by Tim Leighton)
Method: dine in
Time entered line: 6:14 pm
order time finished: 6:30
Wait to pay: 1:14
Filled Drink: 1:00
Sat Down: 1:14
Total elapsed time: 9:58
Insulin dose: 6 as usual
The restaurant had seen some customers during the day. The table we sat at was not spotless. There were a few napkins on the floor, especially by the drink dispenser. This was my second longest (not counting the sit down restaurants) service to meal time. Both took place on Saturdays.
a periodic look at life in the fast food lane
SUBWAY: North St. Paul
After watching a couple of games at the MYAS North St. Paul event it was time for Supper. Tim Leighton of the Pioneer Press joined me and paid for the meal. He was at the game watching his daughter play for Fridley. This was my second time in two days my supper was paid for. There were a few folks in line, some coming from the basketball game.
Place: Subway, 2649 E 7th Ave N St Paul MN 55109
Date: Saturday, May 24, 2008
Meal: supper
Order: 6 inch Italian Spicy Italian, on wheat, with Dijon mustard, lettuce, pickles, green pepper, onion.
Total cost: $5.22 (Today the meal was paid for by Tim Leighton)
Method: dine in
Time entered line: 6:14 pm
order time finished: 6:30
Wait to pay: 1:14
Filled Drink: 1:00
Sat Down: 1:14
Total elapsed time: 9:58
Insulin dose: 6 as usual
The restaurant had seen some customers during the day. The table we sat at was not spotless. There were a few napkins on the floor, especially by the drink dispenser. This was my second longest (not counting the sit down restaurants) service to meal time. Both took place on Saturdays.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Lion's Tap: Eden Prairie
#1 posting 5.23.2008
a periodic look at life in the fast food lane
LION'S TAP: Eden Prairie
A couple of firsts today. First it has been a few days since the last real meal posting. Second it was the first time eating at a sit down restaurant. Third I was eating with my parents (we had returned from a Memorial Day trip to our ancestral cemeteries). Fourth it was the first meal in a non-chain restaurant.
The Lion's Tap is mainly known for their burgers and that is what we all ordered.
The timing will totally be different from the drive through places I usually frequent. It will be interesting to compare this sit down compared to other sit downs as the years roll on.
Place: Lion's Tap, 16180 Flying Cloud Drive, Eden Prairie, MN
Date: Friday, May 23, 2008
Meal: Supper
Order: 1/4 pound Cheeseburger with onions, fries, Diet Coke
Total cost: My parents took me out for dinner, so free. My order came to $6.45
Method: dine in
Time entered line: 5:30 pm
From the door to sitting down: 0:25
order time to finish 4:00 to 5:30 (running time from arrival)
Drinks arrived: 6:22
Food arrived: 13:09 (or 6:47 from the drink arrival)
check arrived: 30:26
payment finished: 34:41
left the restaurant 41:00
Insulin dose: 7 (a bit high with a misdiagnosis at lunch)
The restaurant was clean. the bathrooms were extremely clean. They have Cambria quartz in the bathrooms, making it look a little more classy than a regular rest room.
We were surprised with how fast the food arrived. The hamburger bun was not that large.
The service was good with the waitress checking in on us many times asking if everything was fine. It was.
The change of pace and change of place was in marked contrast to the industrial process in the other restaurants. The feel was more relaxed and more family oriented. The place was full when we left.
a periodic look at life in the fast food lane
LION'S TAP: Eden Prairie
A couple of firsts today. First it has been a few days since the last real meal posting. Second it was the first time eating at a sit down restaurant. Third I was eating with my parents (we had returned from a Memorial Day trip to our ancestral cemeteries). Fourth it was the first meal in a non-chain restaurant.
The Lion's Tap is mainly known for their burgers and that is what we all ordered.
The timing will totally be different from the drive through places I usually frequent. It will be interesting to compare this sit down compared to other sit downs as the years roll on.
Place: Lion's Tap, 16180 Flying Cloud Drive, Eden Prairie, MN
Date: Friday, May 23, 2008
Meal: Supper
Order: 1/4 pound Cheeseburger with onions, fries, Diet Coke
Total cost: My parents took me out for dinner, so free. My order came to $6.45
Method: dine in
Time entered line: 5:30 pm
From the door to sitting down: 0:25
order time to finish 4:00 to 5:30 (running time from arrival)
Drinks arrived: 6:22
Food arrived: 13:09 (or 6:47 from the drink arrival)
check arrived: 30:26
payment finished: 34:41
left the restaurant 41:00
Insulin dose: 7 (a bit high with a misdiagnosis at lunch)
The restaurant was clean. the bathrooms were extremely clean. They have Cambria quartz in the bathrooms, making it look a little more classy than a regular rest room.
We were surprised with how fast the food arrived. The hamburger bun was not that large.
The service was good with the waitress checking in on us many times asking if everything was fine. It was.
The change of pace and change of place was in marked contrast to the industrial process in the other restaurants. The feel was more relaxed and more family oriented. The place was full when we left.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Numbers to Chew On
#1 posting 5.22.2008
a periodic look at life in the fast food lane
NUMBERS TO CHEW ON
Here are the facts on the first few days of eating out fast food style--average time
Days of the week:
Sunday: 1:50
Monday: no meals
Tuesday: 3:33
Wednesday: 5:10
Thursday: 3:20
Friday: 2:47
Saturday: 6:46
Obviously Saturday seems to be a slow service day.
Lunch or dinner? average time
Lunch: 4:10 (without Saturday 1:42)
Supper: 3:37
Which restaurant?--minimum of two meals
Wendy's: 2:21
McDonald's: 4:14
Burger King: 6:45
Drive thru or dine in?
Drive thru: 3:37
Dine in: 4:25 (without the 11+ delay at the Bloomington Burger King) 2:07
There you have the first run down. I haven't dined out lately.
a periodic look at life in the fast food lane
NUMBERS TO CHEW ON
Here are the facts on the first few days of eating out fast food style--average time
Days of the week:
Sunday: 1:50
Monday: no meals
Tuesday: 3:33
Wednesday: 5:10
Thursday: 3:20
Friday: 2:47
Saturday: 6:46
Obviously Saturday seems to be a slow service day.
Lunch or dinner? average time
Lunch: 4:10 (without Saturday 1:42)
Supper: 3:37
Which restaurant?--minimum of two meals
Wendy's: 2:21
McDonald's: 4:14
Burger King: 6:45
Drive thru or dine in?
Drive thru: 3:37
Dine in: 4:25 (without the 11+ delay at the Bloomington Burger King) 2:07
There you have the first run down. I haven't dined out lately.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Wendy's: Coon Rapids
#1 posting 5.18.2008
A Periodic Look at life in the Fast Food Lane
WENDY'S: Coon Rapids
I grabbed a lunch on the way to St. Francis for a MYAS basketball tournament. This was the second visit to Wendy's in a row (I misplaced the details of last night's Wendy's). It made the requirements: on the right side of the road. I also avoided the hamburger today. I have been downing too many hamburgers lately.
Place: Wendy's, 12999 Round Lake Blvd, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
Date: Sunday, May 18, 2008
Meal: Lunch
Order: #5 Grill Chicken Combo--small, Small Diet Coke
Total cost: $5.85
Method: drive through
Time entered line: 12:06 pm
order time finished: 0:40 (no one in front)
Wait to pay: 0:55
Wait for food: 0:40
Total elapsed time: 2:15
Insulin dose: 6
I was still at the pay window when they delivered the food there. The car at the food window still didn't receive their order. This was the first time I received food this way.
The chicken grill was fine. I may explore more chicken sandwich choices the next Wendy's go around.
A Periodic Look at life in the Fast Food Lane
WENDY'S: Coon Rapids
I grabbed a lunch on the way to St. Francis for a MYAS basketball tournament. This was the second visit to Wendy's in a row (I misplaced the details of last night's Wendy's). It made the requirements: on the right side of the road. I also avoided the hamburger today. I have been downing too many hamburgers lately.
Place: Wendy's, 12999 Round Lake Blvd, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
Date: Sunday, May 18, 2008
Meal: Lunch
Order: #5 Grill Chicken Combo--small, Small Diet Coke
Total cost: $5.85
Method: drive through
Time entered line: 12:06 pm
order time finished: 0:40 (no one in front)
Wait to pay: 0:55
Wait for food: 0:40
Total elapsed time: 2:15
Insulin dose: 6
I was still at the pay window when they delivered the food there. The car at the food window still didn't receive their order. This was the first time I received food this way.
The chicken grill was fine. I may explore more chicken sandwich choices the next Wendy's go around.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Burger King: Bloomington
#1 posting 5.17.2008
A Periodic Look at life in the Fast Food Lane
BURGER KING: Bloomington
This marks the first time I ate at the same restaurant since doing the blog and it marks the first time the order was screwed up. It also marked the first time the completed order (correctly) topped the ten minute mark. I was at Bloomington Kennedy watching the North Tartan program take on some of their former players now playing D1 ball. Burger King is about two blocks away. I got gas and saw the line winding around for food. I decided not to burn the gas, but go in and order. There were two registers open and it seemed as if the teen age guy whose voice cracks from the Simpson's was working the register. It took what felt like forever (over five minutes) to get the order in. I worked off the value meal. The curve ball I threw them was the small onion rings. After completing the transaction the first time I went to the car to discover french fries. Since I ordered the onion rings I went back and showed the order slip and the fries. I got an apology and also a pair of chocolate chip cookies for the problem.
Place: Burger King, 100 W 98th St, Bloomington, MN 55420
Date: Saturday, May 17, 2008
Meal: Lunch
Order: Rodeo Cheeseburger, Small Onion Rings, Medium Diet Coke
Total cost: $3.58
Method: Take out
Time entered line: 12:29 pm (at least three in the order line ahead of me)
order time: 5:20
Wait to pay: 0:15
Wait for food: 2:02
Getting the order right: 3:43
Total elapsed time: 11:20
Insulin dose: 6
The moral of the story: Fast food isn't fast on Saturday afternoon lunch at the peak operating time with little kids and families crowding the orders.
I didn't sit and eat, but I saw the tables which were not cleaned or wiped. I saw trash on the floor, not as bad at some high schools I have been to, but a napkin here and a wrapper there. The drink station was very messy. The napkin dispenser looked like a raccoon got into it. The cover was off and napkins were strewn about. When I was getting my Diet Coke a little girl was trying to dispense ketchup in a little cup. Her aim was off and ketchup was all over the service area.
On Wednesday this Burger King had me in and out, during supper rush, in 2:07. Today it was nine minutes longer.
A Periodic Look at life in the Fast Food Lane
BURGER KING: Bloomington
This marks the first time I ate at the same restaurant since doing the blog and it marks the first time the order was screwed up. It also marked the first time the completed order (correctly) topped the ten minute mark. I was at Bloomington Kennedy watching the North Tartan program take on some of their former players now playing D1 ball. Burger King is about two blocks away. I got gas and saw the line winding around for food. I decided not to burn the gas, but go in and order. There were two registers open and it seemed as if the teen age guy whose voice cracks from the Simpson's was working the register. It took what felt like forever (over five minutes) to get the order in. I worked off the value meal. The curve ball I threw them was the small onion rings. After completing the transaction the first time I went to the car to discover french fries. Since I ordered the onion rings I went back and showed the order slip and the fries. I got an apology and also a pair of chocolate chip cookies for the problem.
Place: Burger King, 100 W 98th St, Bloomington, MN 55420
Date: Saturday, May 17, 2008
Meal: Lunch
Order: Rodeo Cheeseburger, Small Onion Rings, Medium Diet Coke
Total cost: $3.58
Method: Take out
Time entered line: 12:29 pm (at least three in the order line ahead of me)
order time: 5:20
Wait to pay: 0:15
Wait for food: 2:02
Getting the order right: 3:43
Total elapsed time: 11:20
Insulin dose: 6
The moral of the story: Fast food isn't fast on Saturday afternoon lunch at the peak operating time with little kids and families crowding the orders.
I didn't sit and eat, but I saw the tables which were not cleaned or wiped. I saw trash on the floor, not as bad at some high schools I have been to, but a napkin here and a wrapper there. The drink station was very messy. The napkin dispenser looked like a raccoon got into it. The cover was off and napkins were strewn about. When I was getting my Diet Coke a little girl was trying to dispense ketchup in a little cup. Her aim was off and ketchup was all over the service area.
On Wednesday this Burger King had me in and out, during supper rush, in 2:07. Today it was nine minutes longer.
Friday, May 16, 2008
KFC: Brooklyn Park
#2 posting 5.16.2008
A Periodic Look at life in the Fast Food Lane
KFC: Brooklyn Park
Today I was out doing errands around noon and ate at KFC. I had a coupon book and went for the Snacker deal. I ordered two honey BBQ sandwiches. I haven't really been a big KFC eater in the past, mainly because it seemed to me that KFC was a sit down place. The Snackers were good. I don't even think I would have known about it unless it was for the coupons.
Place: KFC 8025, Brooklyn Blvd., Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
Date: Friday, May 16, 2008
Meal: Lunch
Order: 2 Honey BBQ Snackers, Small potato wedge, Medium Diet Pepsi
Total cost: $4.26 (with coupon, without $4.86)
Method: Drive through
Time entered line: 1:10 pm (no cars in the order line)
order time: 0:39
Wait to pay: 0:08
Wait for food: 1:10
Total elapsed time: 1:57
Insulin dose: the steady 5
KFC is 14 seconds slower than White Castle for the fastest time in drive through. However KFC is the fastest at lunch. Then again, I was off peak time by about 40 minutes.
A Periodic Look at life in the Fast Food Lane
KFC: Brooklyn Park
Today I was out doing errands around noon and ate at KFC. I had a coupon book and went for the Snacker deal. I ordered two honey BBQ sandwiches. I haven't really been a big KFC eater in the past, mainly because it seemed to me that KFC was a sit down place. The Snackers were good. I don't even think I would have known about it unless it was for the coupons.
Place: KFC 8025, Brooklyn Blvd., Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
Date: Friday, May 16, 2008
Meal: Lunch
Order: 2 Honey BBQ Snackers, Small potato wedge, Medium Diet Pepsi
Total cost: $4.26 (with coupon, without $4.86)
Method: Drive through
Time entered line: 1:10 pm (no cars in the order line)
order time: 0:39
Wait to pay: 0:08
Wait for food: 1:10
Total elapsed time: 1:57
Insulin dose: the steady 5
KFC is 14 seconds slower than White Castle for the fastest time in drive through. However KFC is the fastest at lunch. Then again, I was off peak time by about 40 minutes.
Arby's: St. Paul
#1 posting 5.16.2008
A Periodic Look at life in the Fast Food Lane
ARBY'S: St. Paul
Yesterday I ate at Arby's after the state individual badminton tournament at St. Paul Harding. I had a variety of options, but hadn't been to Arby's in a while.
Place: Arby's, 1807 Suburban Ave, St. Paul, MN 55119
Date: Thursday, May 14, 2008
Meal: Supper
Order: The #1 A Regular Roast Beef, medium Curly Fries, and medium Diet Dr. Pepper
Total cost: $5.23
Method: Drive through
Time entered line: 6:28 pm (no cars in the order line)
order time: 0:36
Wait to pay: 2:26 (two cars ahead in the pay line)
Wait for food: 0:18
Total elapsed time: 3:20
Insulin dose: the steady 6
The drive through lane design is kind of odd. When I drove into the site I went right into the pay line.
I went with Dr. Pepper after the suggestion from the speaker. I was going to have the standard Diet Cola.
As for the timing---the hamburger places (except for the lunch rush on that Saturday in Lino Lakes) seem to have a quicker turnaround. However this Arby's was still five minutes better than Taco Bell.
A Periodic Look at life in the Fast Food Lane
ARBY'S: St. Paul
Yesterday I ate at Arby's after the state individual badminton tournament at St. Paul Harding. I had a variety of options, but hadn't been to Arby's in a while.
Place: Arby's, 1807 Suburban Ave, St. Paul, MN 55119
Date: Thursday, May 14, 2008
Meal: Supper
Order: The #1 A Regular Roast Beef, medium Curly Fries, and medium Diet Dr. Pepper
Total cost: $5.23
Method: Drive through
Time entered line: 6:28 pm (no cars in the order line)
order time: 0:36
Wait to pay: 2:26 (two cars ahead in the pay line)
Wait for food: 0:18
Total elapsed time: 3:20
Insulin dose: the steady 6
The drive through lane design is kind of odd. When I drove into the site I went right into the pay line.
I went with Dr. Pepper after the suggestion from the speaker. I was going to have the standard Diet Cola.
As for the timing---the hamburger places (except for the lunch rush on that Saturday in Lino Lakes) seem to have a quicker turnaround. However this Arby's was still five minutes better than Taco Bell.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Burger King: Bloomington
#1 posting 5.14.2008
A Periodic Look at life in the Fast Food Lane
BURGER KING: Bloomington
Today it was another hamburger fast food restaurant, one I hadn't charted yet--Burger King. I was at the badminton team state tournament in Burnsville, and came up 35W to Bloomington to dine. With BK I believe I have now hit the big three.
Place: Burger King, 100 W 98th St, Bloomington, MN 55420
Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Meal: Supper
Order: The #12 A double Cheesburger with medium fries and a medium Diet Coke
Total cost: $4.84
Method: Drive through
Time entered line: 6:02 pm (no cars in the order line)
order time: 0:15
Wait to pay: 1:34 (at least three cars ahead in the pay line)
Wait for food: 0:22
Total elapsed time: 2:11
Insulin dose: 6 (does it ever change?)
I was surprised it went so fast because there were at least three cars in front of mine. Not only that it was at the height of the Supper rush and only 2:11 for the entire transaction.
Burger King is in the fast lane at 2:11. The McDonald's in New Hope checked in at 2:07, but that was off peak hours by a good two hours.
BK is also promoting the Indiana Jones new movie.
A Periodic Look at life in the Fast Food Lane
BURGER KING: Bloomington
Today it was another hamburger fast food restaurant, one I hadn't charted yet--Burger King. I was at the badminton team state tournament in Burnsville, and came up 35W to Bloomington to dine. With BK I believe I have now hit the big three.
Place: Burger King, 100 W 98th St, Bloomington, MN 55420
Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Meal: Supper
Order: The #12 A double Cheesburger with medium fries and a medium Diet Coke
Total cost: $4.84
Method: Drive through
Time entered line: 6:02 pm (no cars in the order line)
order time: 0:15
Wait to pay: 1:34 (at least three cars ahead in the pay line)
Wait for food: 0:22
Total elapsed time: 2:11
Insulin dose: 6 (does it ever change?)
I was surprised it went so fast because there were at least three cars in front of mine. Not only that it was at the height of the Supper rush and only 2:11 for the entire transaction.
Burger King is in the fast lane at 2:11. The McDonald's in New Hope checked in at 2:07, but that was off peak hours by a good two hours.
BK is also promoting the Indiana Jones new movie.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
McDonald's: St. Paul
#1 posting 5.13.2008
A Periodic Look at life in the Fast Food Lane
MC DONALD'S: St. Paul, University Ave.
Today I dined at McDonald's for the third time in this series, but the difference in this experience was it was dining in. I was in St. Paul at Central High School for the State Badminton tournament. After the quarterfinals I didn't want to face the traffic on 94 westbound, so I traveled down University. My rule of the right side was followed as I passed up at least four fast food restaurants on the left side of the road including a McDonald's in the Midway area.
Today I ordered off the dollar menu. This was the lowest cost meal so far by over $1.50.
Place: McDonald's, 2213 University Ave, St. Paul, MN 55114
Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Meal: Supper
Order: It was the Dollar menu today with 1 Double Cheeseburger, 1 small french fries, and 1 small Diet Coke
Total cost: $3:21
Method: Walk up/Dine in
Time entered line: 5:20 pm (there was no one waiting)
order time: 0:33
Wait to pay: Self swipe, no wait there.
Wait for food: 2:00
Sat Down: after filling drink, ketchup and getting the napkins 1:11
Total elapsed time: 3:44
Insulin dose: 6
The decor was diner themed with Coke advertised on some of the tables and classic cruising cars. The restaurant was fairly clean, but I did avoid a couple of tables that looked unclean/unwiped. I selected a booth.
A Periodic Look at life in the Fast Food Lane
MC DONALD'S: St. Paul, University Ave.
Today I dined at McDonald's for the third time in this series, but the difference in this experience was it was dining in. I was in St. Paul at Central High School for the State Badminton tournament. After the quarterfinals I didn't want to face the traffic on 94 westbound, so I traveled down University. My rule of the right side was followed as I passed up at least four fast food restaurants on the left side of the road including a McDonald's in the Midway area.
Today I ordered off the dollar menu. This was the lowest cost meal so far by over $1.50.
Place: McDonald's, 2213 University Ave, St. Paul, MN 55114
Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Meal: Supper
Order: It was the Dollar menu today with 1 Double Cheeseburger, 1 small french fries, and 1 small Diet Coke
Total cost: $3:21
Method: Walk up/Dine in
Time entered line: 5:20 pm (there was no one waiting)
order time: 0:33
Wait to pay: Self swipe, no wait there.
Wait for food: 2:00
Sat Down: after filling drink, ketchup and getting the napkins 1:11
Total elapsed time: 3:44
Insulin dose: 6
The decor was diner themed with Coke advertised on some of the tables and classic cruising cars. The restaurant was fairly clean, but I did avoid a couple of tables that looked unclean/unwiped. I selected a booth.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Wendy's: Brooklyn Park
#2 posting 5.11.2008
A Periodic Look at life in the Fast Food Lane
WENDY'S: Brooklyn Park
Two postings in one day, another first. This time it was a drive through after the Minnesota girls State AAU tournament. It was a late supper. Coach Teas was with, but he didn't order anything.
Place: Wendy's, 7445 71st Ave. N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
Date: Sunday, May 10, 2008
Meal: Supper
Order: #2 1/2 lb double with cheese, fries and a medium diet coke
Total cost: $6.59
Method: Drive Through
Time entered line: 7:41 pm (there were no cars waiting)
Wait to order: no cars in front, zero (it took 21 seconds to complete the order)
Wait to pay: 1:34
Wait for food: 0:32
Total elapsed time: 2:27
Insulin dose: 6
The mistake I made here was in ordering the medium. I should have ordered the small. I am still nursing that Diet Coke.
The list in elapsed time (so far) on drive through
1. White Castle, Columbia Heights 1:43
2. McDonald's, New Hope 2:07
3. Wendy's, Brooklyn Park 2:27
4. McDonald's, Lino Lakes 6:52
5. Taco Bell, Rice Street, St. Paul 8:09
It should be noted the top three were not during peak lunch/supper hours.
A Periodic Look at life in the Fast Food Lane
WENDY'S: Brooklyn Park
Two postings in one day, another first. This time it was a drive through after the Minnesota girls State AAU tournament. It was a late supper. Coach Teas was with, but he didn't order anything.
Place: Wendy's, 7445 71st Ave. N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
Date: Sunday, May 10, 2008
Meal: Supper
Order: #2 1/2 lb double with cheese, fries and a medium diet coke
Total cost: $6.59
Method: Drive Through
Time entered line: 7:41 pm (there were no cars waiting)
Wait to order: no cars in front, zero (it took 21 seconds to complete the order)
Wait to pay: 1:34
Wait for food: 0:32
Total elapsed time: 2:27
Insulin dose: 6
The mistake I made here was in ordering the medium. I should have ordered the small. I am still nursing that Diet Coke.
The list in elapsed time (so far) on drive through
1. White Castle, Columbia Heights 1:43
2. McDonald's, New Hope 2:07
3. Wendy's, Brooklyn Park 2:27
4. McDonald's, Lino Lakes 6:52
5. Taco Bell, Rice Street, St. Paul 8:09
It should be noted the top three were not during peak lunch/supper hours.
Subway: New Hope
#1 posting 5.11.2008
A Periodic Look at life in the Fast Food Lane
SUBWAY: New Hope
Today marks a first (at least for this blog)---a walk up order, no drive through. I was at the Minnesota State Girls AAU tournament and after the quarterfinal round needed to have some lunch.
Place: Subway, 4219 Winnetka Ave N, New Hope, MN 55428
Date: Sunday, May 11, 2008
Meal: lunch
Order: Six inch cold cut combo on wheat with American Cheese, lettuce, onions, green pepper, pickles, and mustard, a bag of cheetos and a 21 oz Diet Coke
Total cost: $5.22
Method: walk up/dine in
Time entered line: 12:56 (there were no people in line)
Wait to order: right away, no wait
Wait to pay: 1:36
Total elapsed time: 1:36
Insulin dose: 6
Since I was eating in you will get a more detailed look at the interior/cleanliness issues. I sat at a table for two and read the Sunday paper as I ate. The tables were clean, the restaurant floors were clean. Trash was where it was supposed to be. There was a family out for mother's day with a little tyke reciting the ABCs at a table near by.
A Periodic Look at life in the Fast Food Lane
SUBWAY: New Hope
Today marks a first (at least for this blog)---a walk up order, no drive through. I was at the Minnesota State Girls AAU tournament and after the quarterfinal round needed to have some lunch.
Place: Subway, 4219 Winnetka Ave N, New Hope, MN 55428
Date: Sunday, May 11, 2008
Meal: lunch
Order: Six inch cold cut combo on wheat with American Cheese, lettuce, onions, green pepper, pickles, and mustard, a bag of cheetos and a 21 oz Diet Coke
Total cost: $5.22
Method: walk up/dine in
Time entered line: 12:56 (there were no people in line)
Wait to order: right away, no wait
Wait to pay: 1:36
Total elapsed time: 1:36
Insulin dose: 6
Since I was eating in you will get a more detailed look at the interior/cleanliness issues. I sat at a table for two and read the Sunday paper as I ate. The tables were clean, the restaurant floors were clean. Trash was where it was supposed to be. There was a family out for mother's day with a little tyke reciting the ABCs at a table near by.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
McDonald's: New Hope
#1 posting 5.10.2008
A Periodic Look at life in the Fast Food Lane
MC DONALD'S: New Hope
Today Coach Teas was with me as we made a supper stop after the Minnesota State girls AAU basketball tournament. I ordered supper, Coach Teas needed his Ice Cream fix. I happen to be partial to beef and I also happen to like cheese as you can see from previous orders.
Place: McDonald's, 4201 Winnetka, New Hope, MN 55429
Date: Saturday, May 10, 2008
Meal: Supper
Order: Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese meal (#4) with a medium Diet Coke (Coach Teas ordered one large vanilla cone)
Total cost: $6.81
Method: Drive Through
Time entered line: 7:41 pm (there were no cars waiting)
Wait to order: no cars in front, zero (it took 22 seconds to complete the order)
Wait to pay: 1:10
Wait for food: 0:35
Total elapsed time: 2:07
Insulin dose: 6
The paying portion of the transaction took longer because Coach Teas' credit card wouldn't take on the first swipe. They asked if we wanted to use another card. On the second swipe everything worked out fine.
This wasn't as fast as White Castle on Wednesday (1:44), but at 2:07 it was quite fast. Without the credit card issue it may have won the fastest title.
A Periodic Look at life in the Fast Food Lane
MC DONALD'S: New Hope
Today Coach Teas was with me as we made a supper stop after the Minnesota State girls AAU basketball tournament. I ordered supper, Coach Teas needed his Ice Cream fix. I happen to be partial to beef and I also happen to like cheese as you can see from previous orders.
Place: McDonald's, 4201 Winnetka, New Hope, MN 55429
Date: Saturday, May 10, 2008
Meal: Supper
Order: Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese meal (#4) with a medium Diet Coke (Coach Teas ordered one large vanilla cone)
Total cost: $6.81
Method: Drive Through
Time entered line: 7:41 pm (there were no cars waiting)
Wait to order: no cars in front, zero (it took 22 seconds to complete the order)
Wait to pay: 1:10
Wait for food: 0:35
Total elapsed time: 2:07
Insulin dose: 6
The paying portion of the transaction took longer because Coach Teas' credit card wouldn't take on the first swipe. They asked if we wanted to use another card. On the second swipe everything worked out fine.
This wasn't as fast as White Castle on Wednesday (1:44), but at 2:07 it was quite fast. Without the credit card issue it may have won the fastest title.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Culver's: Brooklyn Center
#1 posting 5.9.2008
A Periodic Look at life in the Fast Food Lane
CULVER'S: Brooklyn Center
Today I ate at Culver's before heading to Cooper for the Minnesota Girls Basketball AAU state tournament. Since the first game started at 6 pm, I decided to eat prior to going to the event. Coach Teas, my photographer, did not desire to eat out, so I was solo. Culver's isn't too far from Teas' house.
On the burger I ordered ketchup, mustard, pickles, onions and cheese.
Place: Culver's, 6900 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Center, MN 55429
Date: Friday, May 9, 2008
Meal: Supper
Order: Double ButterBurger Cheese Basket, Medium Diet Pepsi
Total cost: $6.18
Method: Drive Through
Time entered line: 5:14 pm
Wait to order: no cars in front, zero (it took 41 seconds to complete the order)
Wait to pay: 1:09
Wait for food: 1:47
Total elapsed time: 3:37
Insulin dose: 6
This is actually, from my previous experiences, pretty fast for Culver's. I usually have to pull forward into the striped parking zone and have a number wedge in the window so the staff can bring the goods out to the car. Today I was able to stay at the window.
This was the most expensive of the meals so far.
A Periodic Look at life in the Fast Food Lane
CULVER'S: Brooklyn Center
Today I ate at Culver's before heading to Cooper for the Minnesota Girls Basketball AAU state tournament. Since the first game started at 6 pm, I decided to eat prior to going to the event. Coach Teas, my photographer, did not desire to eat out, so I was solo. Culver's isn't too far from Teas' house.
On the burger I ordered ketchup, mustard, pickles, onions and cheese.
Place: Culver's, 6900 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Center, MN 55429
Date: Friday, May 9, 2008
Meal: Supper
Order: Double ButterBurger Cheese Basket, Medium Diet Pepsi
Total cost: $6.18
Method: Drive Through
Time entered line: 5:14 pm
Wait to order: no cars in front, zero (it took 41 seconds to complete the order)
Wait to pay: 1:09
Wait for food: 1:47
Total elapsed time: 3:37
Insulin dose: 6
This is actually, from my previous experiences, pretty fast for Culver's. I usually have to pull forward into the striped parking zone and have a number wedge in the window so the staff can bring the goods out to the car. Today I was able to stay at the window.
This was the most expensive of the meals so far.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Taco Bell: St. Paul, Rice Street
#1 posting 5.7.2008
A Periodic Look at life in the Fast Food Lane
TACO BELL: St. Paul
Today I was at St. Paul Arlington for the St. Paul City badminton championships Day 1. After the event it was off to Rice Street and Larpenteur for a Taco Bell. I may have made a tactical error by going through the drive through when I wasn't going to eat the Chalupas on the road. I also got the soft shell taco with packets of hot sauce. Both tend to drip and get messy. So after the order I parked and scarfed in the lot.
Place: Taco Bell, Rice Street, St. Paul
Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Meal: Supper
Order: #6, 2 Baja Beef Chalupas, a soft shell taco and a 32 ounce diet Pepsi
Total cost: $5.34
Method: Drive Through
Time entered line: 6:23 pm
Wait to order: 1 car in front, 3:33
Wait to pay: 3:07, they rang up the wrong order which took some seconds off the clock.
Wait for food: 1:29
Total elapsed time: 8:09
Since I am diabetic I will also provide the insulin dose.
Insulin dose: 6
I didn't think I ordered the 32 ounce drink, but I wasn't going to return it.
For those keeping track this restaurant/fast food joint was the slowest yet by over a minute. But I came before the rush was on. By the time I got my food the line of cars was over four. I only had one in front of me to start.
A Periodic Look at life in the Fast Food Lane
TACO BELL: St. Paul
Today I was at St. Paul Arlington for the St. Paul City badminton championships Day 1. After the event it was off to Rice Street and Larpenteur for a Taco Bell. I may have made a tactical error by going through the drive through when I wasn't going to eat the Chalupas on the road. I also got the soft shell taco with packets of hot sauce. Both tend to drip and get messy. So after the order I parked and scarfed in the lot.
Place: Taco Bell, Rice Street, St. Paul
Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Meal: Supper
Order: #6, 2 Baja Beef Chalupas, a soft shell taco and a 32 ounce diet Pepsi
Total cost: $5.34
Method: Drive Through
Time entered line: 6:23 pm
Wait to order: 1 car in front, 3:33
Wait to pay: 3:07, they rang up the wrong order which took some seconds off the clock.
Wait for food: 1:29
Total elapsed time: 8:09
Since I am diabetic I will also provide the insulin dose.
Insulin dose: 6
I didn't think I ordered the 32 ounce drink, but I wasn't going to return it.
For those keeping track this restaurant/fast food joint was the slowest yet by over a minute. But I came before the rush was on. By the time I got my food the line of cars was over four. I only had one in front of me to start.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
White Castle: Columbia Heights
#1 posting 5.6.2008
A Periodic Look at life in the Fast Food Lane
WHITE CASTLE: Columbia Heights
Today I had supper after the Minneapolis City Badminton championships. The event was at Edison and I traveled up Central Avenue to White Castle in Columbia Heights for today's meal. One of the rules of the road I have is that I eat at the first restaurant (in this case drive through) that I see that is on the right side. I didn't see the DQ soon enough, and Subway isn't really a driving type food in my estimation.
Place: White Castle, 5055 Central Ave, NE, Columbia Heights, Minnesota
Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Meal: Supper
Order: Two Double Cheeseburger Meal Total cost: $5.14
Method: Drive Through
Time entered line: 7:22 pm
Wait to order: no wait, It took me 31 seconds to decide. I won't use that time for the elapsed time.
Wait to pay: 0:59
Wait for food: 0:44
Total elapsed time: 1:43
Since I am diabetic I will also provide the insulin dose.
Insulin dose: 6
I was provided with Castle Cash which is a coupon book (17 coupons) good until June 28.
The fries at White Castle are ridged compared to the McDonald's version.
You get more Hamburger at McDonald's.
A Periodic Look at life in the Fast Food Lane
WHITE CASTLE: Columbia Heights
Today I had supper after the Minneapolis City Badminton championships. The event was at Edison and I traveled up Central Avenue to White Castle in Columbia Heights for today's meal. One of the rules of the road I have is that I eat at the first restaurant (in this case drive through) that I see that is on the right side. I didn't see the DQ soon enough, and Subway isn't really a driving type food in my estimation.
Place: White Castle, 5055 Central Ave, NE, Columbia Heights, Minnesota
Date: Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Meal: Supper
Order: Two Double Cheeseburger Meal Total cost: $5.14
Method: Drive Through
Time entered line: 7:22 pm
Wait to order: no wait, It took me 31 seconds to decide. I won't use that time for the elapsed time.
Wait to pay: 0:59
Wait for food: 0:44
Total elapsed time: 1:43
Since I am diabetic I will also provide the insulin dose.
Insulin dose: 6
I was provided with Castle Cash which is a coupon book (17 coupons) good until June 28.
The fries at White Castle are ridged compared to the McDonald's version.
You get more Hamburger at McDonald's.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Concession Food: UW Stout
#1 posting 5.4.2008
CONCESSION FOOD
Today my fine dining experience was at UW Stout's Johnson field house as I was watching the Wisconsin State AAU girls basketball tournament. I know it is not a chain, but food is food, and this was also fast food.
Place: Johnson Field House on the UW Stout campus, Menomonie Wisconsin
Date: Sunday, May 4, 2008
Meal: Lunch
Order: Two Hot Dogs with a diet Pepsi
Total cost: $4.50 ($1.50 for each hot dog, $1.50 for the 20 ounce Diet Pepsi)
Method: Walk up
From Order to service: 1:02
Since I am diabetic I will also provide the insulin dose.
Insulin dose: 4
The hot dog buns were a bit old, stiff to the touch. The hot dogs themselves were about 3/8 inch in diameter.
CONCESSION FOOD
Today my fine dining experience was at UW Stout's Johnson field house as I was watching the Wisconsin State AAU girls basketball tournament. I know it is not a chain, but food is food, and this was also fast food.
Place: Johnson Field House on the UW Stout campus, Menomonie Wisconsin
Date: Sunday, May 4, 2008
Meal: Lunch
Order: Two Hot Dogs with a diet Pepsi
Total cost: $4.50 ($1.50 for each hot dog, $1.50 for the 20 ounce Diet Pepsi)
Method: Walk up
From Order to service: 1:02
Since I am diabetic I will also provide the insulin dose.
Insulin dose: 4
The hot dog buns were a bit old, stiff to the touch. The hot dogs themselves were about 3/8 inch in diameter.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
McDonald's: Lino Lakes
#1 posting 5.3.2008
A Periodic Look at life in the Fast Food Lane
MC DONALD'S: Lino Lakes, Minnesota
The first stop on the fast food tour took place at McDonald's in Lino Lakes for lunch today. I was getting back from a girls basketball game in Forest Lake.
Here are the stats:
Place: McDonald's Lino Lakes, Minnesota
Date: Saturday, May 3, 2008
Meal: Lunch
Order: Double Quarter cheese Meal with a diet Coke
Total cost: $5.74
Method: Drive Through
Time entered line: 11:45 am
Wait to order: 4:18
Wait to pay: 0:49
Wait for food: 1:45
Total elapsed time: 6:52
Since I am diabetic I will also provide the insulin dose.
Insulin dose: 6
Notes: I was not provided with a straw or napkins. Luckily I was prepared for both contingencies with an emergency stash in the car.
A Periodic Look at life in the Fast Food Lane
MC DONALD'S: Lino Lakes, Minnesota
The first stop on the fast food tour took place at McDonald's in Lino Lakes for lunch today. I was getting back from a girls basketball game in Forest Lake.
Here are the stats:
Place: McDonald's Lino Lakes, Minnesota
Date: Saturday, May 3, 2008
Meal: Lunch
Order: Double Quarter cheese Meal with a diet Coke
Total cost: $5.74
Method: Drive Through
Time entered line: 11:45 am
Wait to order: 4:18
Wait to pay: 0:49
Wait for food: 1:45
Total elapsed time: 6:52
Since I am diabetic I will also provide the insulin dose.
Insulin dose: 6
Notes: I was not provided with a straw or napkins. Luckily I was prepared for both contingencies with an emergency stash in the car.
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