We have all seen the massive hype and hysteria that comes with certain charismatic business chains (In-N-Out, Buc-ee's, Wawa, Chick-Fil-A, etc.). When they open a new store, people flock from hundreds of miles out to try them. Other people follow them fanatically as if they were a cult. While these chains are usually pretty good, oftentimes they don't live up to the massive hype. But in this thread, I'm interested in the best chains that do not seem to succumb to this hyped-up cult following.
I feel the quintessential example in my experience is QuikTrip. They always seem to be clean, modern, hassle-free, and never too busy. They also offer amenities that I don't often see at other gas stations. I have never had a bad experience at one. Yet I've never seen anyone develop any sort of cult following for QuikTrip. It's gotten to the point where if I have the option between QuikTrip and Buc-ee's on a trip, I will take QuikTrip every time simply so I don't have to deal with the hordes of customers at Buc-ee's.
What are your favorite chains that don't really have a cult following?
Publix because of the deli food options. While everyone was going nuts over hoagies at Wawa on Semoran (when I living in Orlando) I just got my sandwiches at Publix.
Market Basket (the MA/NH one)
Chili's
Uno Chicago Grill (edited in after initial post)
AAA
Santander Bank
I can't give any pharmacies or internet/phone providers "best" status, unfortunately.
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 19, 2023, 04:53:53 PM
Publix because of the deli food options. While everyone was going nuts over hoagies at Wawa on Semoran (when I living in Orlando) I just got my sandwiches at Publix.
Publix has a following, thanks to the TikTok Florida guy (omgwicks or whatever his name is).
Quote from: 1 on December 19, 2023, 04:55:24 PM
Market Basket (the MA/NH one)
Chili's
AAA
Santander Bank
I can't give any pharmacies or internet/phone providers "best" status, unfortunately.
Market Basket has a following.
Arby's
Long John Silver's
Lee's Famous Recipe
Quote from: hbelkins on December 19, 2023, 05:21:29 PM
Long John Silver's
Interesting take. From what I've heard, Long John Silvers has a cult
dissing, at least where I've lived. Then again, I have never eaten there, so I can't really say anything about their quality.
Quote from: Rothman on December 19, 2023, 04:56:33 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 19, 2023, 04:53:53 PM
Publix because of the deli food options. While everyone was going nuts over hoagies at Wawa on Semoran (when I living in Orlando) I just got my sandwiches at Publix.
Publix has a following, thanks to the TikTok Florida guy (omgwicks or whatever his name is).
For real? That's a shame because it was nice while it was just a normal day to day thing circa 2013-2016 before things like TikTok existed.
It's a tiny chain but Cheeseburger Bobby's seems to be one of those. Easily my favorite burger.
Quote from: CoreySamson on December 19, 2023, 04:47:52 PM
I feel the quintessential example in my experience is QuikTrip. They always seem to be clean, modern, hassle-free, and never too busy. They also offer amenities that I don't often see at other gas stations. I have never had a bad experience at one. Yet I've never seen anyone develop any sort of cult following for QuikTrip. It's gotten to the point where if I have the option between QuikTrip and Buc-ee's on a trip, I will take QuikTrip every time simply so I don't have to deal with the hordes of customers at Buc-ee's.
There's a pretty big cult following for QuikTrip, actually. They even have a name for themselves, they call themselves "Tulsans". :P
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 19, 2023, 05:52:54 PM
Quote from: Rothman on December 19, 2023, 04:56:33 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 19, 2023, 04:53:53 PM
Publix because of the deli food options. While everyone was going nuts over hoagies at Wawa on Semoran (when I living in Orlando) I just got my sandwiches at Publix.
Publix has a following, thanks to the TikTok Florida guy (omgwicks or whatever his name is).
For real? That's a shame because it was nice while it was just a normal day to day thing circa 2013-2016 before things like TikTok existed.
For a continuously-successful grocery chain that's now 93 years old, I seriously doubt there's a major change because some internet rando posts a few videos about it.
If we start seeing Beaver Store-like lines because people travelled multiple states away only to get to the nearest Publix, I'll be damned.
Quote from: formulanone on December 19, 2023, 06:35:28 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 19, 2023, 05:52:54 PM
Quote from: Rothman on December 19, 2023, 04:56:33 PM
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on December 19, 2023, 04:53:53 PM
Publix because of the deli food options. While everyone was going nuts over hoagies at Wawa on Semoran (when I living in Orlando) I just got my sandwiches at Publix.
Publix has a following, thanks to the TikTok Florida guy (omgwicks or whatever his name is).
For real? That's a shame because it was nice while it was just a normal day to day thing circa 2013-2016 before things like TikTok existed.
For a continuously-successful grocery chain that's now 93 years old, I seriously doubt there's a major change because some internet rando posts a few videos about it.
If we start seeing Beaver Store-like lines because people travelled multiple states away only to get to the nearest Publix, I'll be damned.
The giveaway will be if you start hearing people in line at Publix complaining about gas prices in Needles, California.
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 19, 2023, 06:12:24 PM
Quote from: CoreySamson on December 19, 2023, 04:47:52 PM
I feel the quintessential example in my experience is QuikTrip. They always seem to be clean, modern, hassle-free, and never too busy. They also offer amenities that I don't often see at other gas stations. I have never had a bad experience at one. Yet I've never seen anyone develop any sort of cult following for QuikTrip. It's gotten to the point where if I have the option between QuikTrip and Buc-ee's on a trip, I will take QuikTrip every time simply so I don't have to deal with the hordes of customers at Buc-ee's.
There's a pretty big cult following for QuikTrip, actually. They even have a name for themselves, they call themselves "Tulsans". :P
I consider QuikTrip to be not just a cult here, but the Wichita city religion. Folks would sooner switch churches than switch away from QuikTrip. If two people want to meet up in a parking lot for whatever reason, and there are four gas stations near the convenient intersection, then it's guaranteed they'll choose the QuikTrip: they won't even consider the Kwik Shop or the Phillips 66 or whatever, because that's just not where people meet up.
Qdoba
I feel like the answers will be places that aren't worth spending your money at anyway. Some things are too big to be culty, like McDonald's other than the occasional weirdos who eat Big Macs 3 meals a day.
WinCo foods is another one it's a regional supermarket chain on the west coast.
Quote from: bing101 on December 19, 2023, 08:13:11 PM
WinCo foods is another one it's a regional supermarket chain on the west coast.
They also have a few stores in the DFW-north TX area. They very quickly carved out a percent or 2's worth of market share when they first located in the area. It has been a while, though, since they've added any new WinCo stores in the area. Now with H-E-B making a bigger push into north TX, IDK whether chains like WinCo will want to make further outlays of new stores there.
I would say Buca di Beppo. I love their chicken parmigiana.
I want to say Target.
Does Wegman's have a cult following or not? Seems to me that they did once upon a time, but I haven't seen a mention of them here or on Facebook in years.
I've never set foot in a Wegman's.
Quote from: hbelkins on December 21, 2023, 11:57:45 AM
Does Wegman's have a cult following or not? Seems to me that they did once upon a time, but I haven't seen a mention of them here or on Facebook in years.
I've never set foot in a Wegman's.
The lines and traffic jams that occur when a new Wegmans* opens suggests some level of cult following. I remember when the one just west of Fairfax City opened it was even mentioned on the WTOP traffic reports (though they avoided using the store's name, I guess because they don't advertise on that station—the traffic reports said "a new business opening along Monument Drive"). Insofar as I know, they don't offer any insane giveaways like Chick-Fil-A does, so I don't quite understand why people are so eager to hit the new store.
*They do indeed omit the apostrophe.
Quote from: hbelkins on December 21, 2023, 11:57:45 AM
Does Wegman's have a cult following or not? Seems to me that they did once upon a time, but I haven't seen a mention of them here or on Facebook in years.
I've never set foot in a Wegman's.
Yes.
Panera is the fast food version of hospital food. :D
Leeann Chin
Pei Wei
Crumbl Cookies
Insomnia Cookies
Nautical Bowls
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Lund's & Byerly's
Family Fare
Quote from: JayhawkCO on December 21, 2023, 04:18:15 PM
Panera is the fast food version of hospital food. :D
A law school classmate of mine referred to Fuddrucker's as "uppity fast food." Panera seems to fit within that overall classification. (With that said, I like some of their food on an occasional basis.)
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on December 19, 2023, 07:24:49 PM
I feel like the answers will be places that aren't worth spending your money at anyway. Some things are too big to be culty, like McDonald's other than the occasional weirdos who eat Big Macs 3 meals a day.
Not necessarily. I would say that both Qdoba and Leeann Chin are victims of another brand beating them to the punch of becoming well-known among their target audiences, but they don't really struggle because they operate in areas that don't have a Chipotle or Panda Express nearby and have slightly better selection/better deals to set themselves apart.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on December 21, 2023, 04:18:15 PM
Panera is the fast food version of hospital food. :D
Their breakfast fare is quite good. I also like their soups.
Quote from: JayhawkCO on December 21, 2023, 04:18:15 PM
Panera is the fast food version of hospital food. :D
When I want a Frontega Chicken sandwich, nothing else will do. I can't believe they temporarily (https://www.bakemag.com/articles/16077-panera-brings-back-popular-sandwich-following-customer-requests#:~:text=In%20response%20to%20complaints%20that,the%20Toasted%20Frontega%20Chicken%20Sandwich.) took it off the menu.
I might go there 4-5 times a year, it's one of those family faves as a tie-breaker for a lunch or dinner.
Does Newk's Eatery have a cult following?
Quote from: Molandfreak on December 21, 2023, 04:55:28 PM
Leeann Chin
Pei Wei
Crumbl Cookies
Insomnia Cookies
Nautical Bowls
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Lund's & Byerly's
Family Fare
Pei Wei? Really?
Crumbl's flash in the pan seems to have subsided, thankfully. Same with Insomnia.
Olive Garden :-D
Quote from: kphoger on December 21, 2023, 06:06:14 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on December 21, 2023, 04:18:15 PM
Panera is the fast food version of hospital food. :D
Their breakfast fare is quite good. I also like their soups.
If Panera well-lit their dining rooms, more people would realize their food is crap.
I do have to say I find their packaging, from the decor, lighting down to the plateware, to be most impressive in its ability to draw attention away from how crappy the food really is.
Quote from: 1 on December 21, 2023, 08:08:38 PM
Olive Garden :-D
You're right, it's not a cult. It's millions of brain-dead zombies that have lost their taste buds.
Quote from: Rothman on December 21, 2023, 08:20:15 PM
... Panera ... crap ...
My God, man! Your food snobbery knows no bounds!
Quote from: hbelkins on December 21, 2023, 11:57:45 AM
Does Wegman's have a cult following or not? Seems to me that they did once upon a time, but I haven't seen a mention of them here or on Facebook in years.
I've never set foot in a Wegman's.
I remember at one of my past jobs the company I worked for had to make egg bites for Wegmans. One of their suppliers is on the other side of the country called Valley Fine Foods which I did assignments for. We had to remove the Valley Fine Foods label for the Wegmans label whenever we were assigned to make products that sent to supermarkets outside of California. Yes I had to learn that Wegmans is like Safeway, Ralph's, Vons, Save Mart and Raleys in certain parts of the country.
https://shop.wegmans.com/shop/collections/2272
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/valley-fine-foods-launches-all-new-three-bridges-egg-bites-across-national-retailers-300910898.html
Quote from: kphoger on December 21, 2023, 08:45:15 PM
Quote from: Rothman on December 21, 2023, 08:20:15 PM
... Panera ... crap ...
My God, man! Your food snobbery knows no bounds!
Given the restaurants I've worked in, I should be the resident food snob, and maybe I am. But Rothman is much more vocal. :)
Quote from: kphoger on December 21, 2023, 08:45:15 PM
Quote from: Rothman on December 21, 2023, 08:20:15 PM
... Panera ... crap ...
My God, man! Your food snobbery knows no bounds!
Because I call out Olive Garden and Panera for what they are and yet extol the merits of Five Guys?
the virtue of five guys is the ability to pay $10,623.87 for one burger
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 22, 2023, 12:04:48 AM
the virtue of five guys is the ability to pay $10,623.87 for one burger
But only $5,623.87 for a grilled cheese sandwich! :awesomeface:
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 22, 2023, 12:04:48 AM
the virtue of five guys is the ability to pay $10,623.87 for one burger
But the burger is notches better than what you get at In-N-Out.
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 22, 2023, 12:04:48 AM
the virtue of five guys is the ability to pay $10,623.87 for one burger
Plus, if you go to a location in the District of Columbia, a 10% meals tax on top of that.
Quote from: Rothman on December 21, 2023, 09:35:30 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 21, 2023, 08:45:15 PM
Quote from: Rothman on December 21, 2023, 08:20:15 PM
... Panera ... crap ...
My God, man! Your food snobbery knows no bounds!
Because I call out Olive Garden and Panera for what they are and yet extol the merits of Five Guys?
Quote from: Rothman on December 22, 2023, 06:57:52 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 22, 2023, 12:04:48 AM
the virtue of five guys is the ability to pay $10,623.87 for one burger
But the burger is notches better than what you get at In-N-Out.
I like Five Guys too. But I've suspected, for some time now, that their secret is just that their food is really greasy—and greasy burgers are generally good. I've had burgers just as good as Five Guys served through a bullet-proof window in the 'hood, and I'm reasonably sure the reason is the same.
Quote from: kphoger on December 28, 2023, 01:39:39 PM
Quote from: Rothman on December 21, 2023, 09:35:30 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 21, 2023, 08:45:15 PM
Quote from: Rothman on December 21, 2023, 08:20:15 PM
... Panera ... crap ...
My God, man! Your food snobbery knows no bounds!
Because I call out Olive Garden and Panera for what they are and yet extol the merits of Five Guys?
Quote from: Rothman on December 22, 2023, 06:57:52 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 22, 2023, 12:04:48 AM
the virtue of five guys is the ability to pay $10,623.87 for one burger
But the burger is notches better than what you get at In-N-Out.
I like Five Guys too. But I've suspected, for some time now, that their secret is just that their food is really greasy—and greasy burgers are generally good. I've had burgers just as good as Five Guys served through a bullet-proof window in the 'hood, and I'm reasonably sure the reason is the same.
Let me know the best burger joint in the 'hood.
Quote from: Rothman on December 28, 2023, 01:41:36 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 28, 2023, 01:39:39 PM
Quote from: Rothman on December 21, 2023, 09:35:30 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 21, 2023, 08:45:15 PM
Quote from: Rothman on December 21, 2023, 08:20:15 PM
... Panera ... crap ...
My God, man! Your food snobbery knows no bounds!
Because I call out Olive Garden and Panera for what they are and yet extol the merits of Five Guys?
Quote from: Rothman on December 22, 2023, 06:57:52 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 22, 2023, 12:04:48 AM
the virtue of five guys is the ability to pay $10,623.87 for one burger
But the burger is notches better than what you get at In-N-Out.
I like Five Guys too. But I've suspected, for some time now, that their secret is just that their food is really greasy—and greasy burgers are generally good. I've had burgers just as good as Five Guys served through a bullet-proof window in the 'hood, and I'm reasonably sure the reason is the same.
Let me know the best burger joint in the 'hood.
McDowells. Gotta get the Big Mick.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 28, 2023, 01:46:18 PM
McDowells. Gotta get the Big Mick.
Nice!
Quote from: Rothman on December 28, 2023, 01:41:36 PM
Let me know the best burger joint in the 'hood.
It's not there anymore. They tore it down years ago and "revitalized" that corner. (Central & Corcoran Pl, Chicago)
Quote from: kphoger on December 28, 2023, 02:57:07 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 28, 2023, 01:46:18 PM
McDowells. Gotta get the Big Mick.
Nice!
Quote from: Rothman on December 28, 2023, 01:41:36 PM
Let me know the best burger joint in the 'hood.
It's not there anymore. They tore it down years ago and "revitalized" that corner. (Central & Corcoran Pl, Chicago)
So, Five Guys, it is.
Quote from: kphoger on December 28, 2023, 01:39:39 PM
Quote from: Rothman on December 21, 2023, 09:35:30 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 21, 2023, 08:45:15 PM
Quote from: Rothman on December 21, 2023, 08:20:15 PM
... Panera ... crap ...
My God, man! Your food snobbery knows no bounds!
Because I call out Olive Garden and Panera for what they are and yet extol the merits of Five Guys?
Quote from: Rothman on December 22, 2023, 06:57:52 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 22, 2023, 12:04:48 AM
the virtue of five guys is the ability to pay $10,623.87 for one burger
But the burger is notches better than what you get at In-N-Out.
I like Five Guys too. But I've suspected, for some time now, that their secret is just that their food is really greasy—and greasy burgers are generally good. I've had burgers just as good as Five Guys served through a bullet-proof window in the 'hood, and I'm reasonably sure the reason is the same.
I've found that no two Five Guys stores seem to use the same amount of grease. I feel like it varies just a little with a certain consistency (and a little less than average is preferable).
Quote from: Rothman on December 28, 2023, 03:01:39 PM
So, Five Guys, it is.
Nah. Any greasy burger it is. If you're gonna be on the toilet 18 minutes after dinner, you might as well not spend $10,623.87 for the burger.
Quote from: kphoger on December 28, 2023, 03:45:57 PM
Quote from: Rothman on December 28, 2023, 03:01:39 PM
So, Five Guys, it is.
Nah. Any greasy burger it is. If you're gonna be on the toilet 18 minutes after dinner, you might as well not spend $10,623.87 for the burger.
$1,329,063.
(Who will get the reference?)
Five Guys has a cult following with itself. I've never been someplace that wallpapers their location with people praising how good they are. It's a weird flex because anyone who is there likely intends on buying something and finding out for themselves. The whole having to eat out of a bag inside like a vagabond is a tad annoying.
Quote from: formulanone on December 28, 2023, 03:39:49 PM
I've found that no two Five Guys stores seem to use the same amount of grease. I feel like it varies just a little with a certain consistency (and a little less than average is preferable).
Maybe someday I too will have the ability to detect how much grease is used by individual fast-food outlets.
Quote from: Rothman on December 28, 2023, 03:01:39 PM
So, Five Guys, it is.
Quote from: kphoger on December 28, 2023, 03:45:57 PM
Nah. Any greasy burger it is. If you're gonna be on the toilet 18 minutes after dinner, you might as well not spend $10,623.87 for the burger.
Quote from: 1995hoo on December 28, 2023, 03:49:37 PM
$1,329,063.
(Who will get the reference?)
(https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2F504492-mad-6297ec16bb02140508d22fe66e508bad.jpg)
(https://cf.geekdo-images.com/nAcJkHAXfKZE8wf9eBJr7A__imagepage/img/amr9OABSV-bOgFD6jwwbvzBpbD0=/fit-in/900x600/filters:no_upscale():strip_icc()/pic204608.jpg)
I'm going to say Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. It started as a single restaurant in Kansas in 2002 and has grown to around 500 restaurants in most U.S. states. I've never had a bad burger from them. Their burgers have thin meat patties that are crispy on the edges, but moist in the middle. I'm not 100 percent certain, but I think their burgers are cooked-to-order, because it usually takes longer than other fast food places to get your order, but when you get it, it's really good. They even sell their sauces in grocery stores and their frozen custard in pint and quart containers, like packaged ice cream.
I've had Freddy's a few times and I liked it all right, but I think I've been to their Norman location all of one time. No matter what I'm doing, I would have to do a left turn into or out of their parking lot, and the intersection they're at is busy enough that I would really rather not do that. So I kind of forget that they exist.
(In order to have all right turns, I would have to be following a trajectory that takes me in the direction away from both the grocery store—the main reason I would be in that part of town—and my house! Not likely to happen naturally.)
As I've said earlier, my favorite chain restaurant burger is Cheeseburger Bobby's. It's a decently-greasy burger, so that may be why.
Good luck finding one though, lol.
The reason why I think Freddy's qualifies for this is because it's exactly the type of business that has the quality of product, consistency across locations, and uniqueness of product, but doesn't have the name recognition or cult following. I watch food reviews on YouTube occasionally and whenever I see one for Freddy's, the reviewers always rave about their burgers. They usually say something like they don't know much about this Freddy's place but they drive by it all the time and decided to try it. Then they taste the burger and can't believe how good it is.
The quality is there, the freshness of ingredients, the consistency from one restaurant to another, the cleanliness of the stores, even the retro style of decor and the 50s diner-style name. It has everything from a product and quality standpoint that the best fast food burger places do, but it doesn't have the name recognition or cult following. It just flies under the radar. I used to live in Wichita, where Freddy's originated, and even there it didn't seem like they had a bigger following than some of their competitors, such as Braum's. I think Freddy's might be too modest in their marketing, because I think a lot of people think it's just another burger place and don't realize how good it actually is.
Yep, Freddy's is strange in how it doesn't put itself out there. Been there once or twice, but I think a lot of people just pass by it because they don't know what it is and haven't heard of it.
Quote from: Big John on December 28, 2023, 06:56:22 PM
(https://cf.geekdo-images.com/nAcJkHAXfKZE8wf9eBJr7A__imagepage/img/amr9OABSV-bOgFD6jwwbvzBpbD0=/fit-in/900x600/filters:no_upscale():strip_icc()/pic204608.jpg)
You got it. I had a copy of that game as a kid. Don't know whether it may still be in my mother's basement.
I didn't realize Freddy's was that recent; sort of figured it has been around since the 1950s-60s with the decor. And I don't think I've ever seen an advertisement from them, other than scattered billboards or local coupon mailer.
Also, I think their cheese curds are better than Culver's.
Quote from: 1995hoo on December 29, 2023, 11:05:04 AM
Quote from: Big John on December 28, 2023, 06:56:22 PM
(https://cf.geekdo-images.com/nAcJkHAXfKZE8wf9eBJr7A__imagepage/img/amr9OABSV-bOgFD6jwwbvzBpbD0=/fit-in/900x600/filters:no_upscale():strip_icc()/pic204608.jpg)
You got it. I had a copy of that game as a kid. Don't know whether it may still be in my mother's basement.
I think getting that bill was a bad thing in the game.
Quote from: Rothman on December 29, 2023, 03:24:44 PM
I think getting that bill was a bad thing in the game.
So spending it on a greasy burger would be a good idea?
Quote from: SectorZ on December 28, 2023, 05:44:10 PM
Five Guys has a cult following with itself. I've never been someplace that wallpapers their location with people praising how good they are. It's a weird flex because anyone who is there likely intends on buying something and finding out for themselves. The whole having to eat out of a bag inside like a vagabond is a tad annoying.
I thought this was sorta a cute idea when they were just in their core original area, or maybe just expanding out.
When they're country-wide and the articles are 20 years old, it doesn't make sense anymore.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on December 29, 2023, 03:57:44 PM
When they're country-wide and the articles are 20 years old, it doesn't make sense anymore.
Yeah, when I see an eight-year-old newspaper headline from the Bumfuck Gazette posted on the wall, it just makes me think they couldn't actually come up with any better, more recent headlines that praised the restaurant.
Quote from: Rothman on December 29, 2023, 03:24:44 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on December 29, 2023, 11:05:04 AM
Quote from: Big John on December 28, 2023, 06:56:22 PM
(https://cf.geekdo-images.com/nAcJkHAXfKZE8wf9eBJr7A__imagepage/img/amr9OABSV-bOgFD6jwwbvzBpbD0=/fit-in/900x600/filters:no_upscale():strip_icc()/pic204608.jpg)
You got it. I had a copy of that game as a kid. Don't know whether it may still be in my mother's basement.
I think getting that bill was a bad thing in the game.
Given that the object was to lose all your money, I would say so. But there were only two ways you could get that bill—if your name was Alfred E. Neuman (because one of the cards said that if that was your name, you receive that bill, otherwise you lose a turn) or if you were playing the game with someone who had that name and you wound up having to switch seats with said person (per a card telling you to change seats).
I thought Freddy's originated in California.
I'd nominate Braum's as a chain without a cult following.
Speaking of greasy burgers, Wendy's has become much less greasy than it used to be.
Quote from: hbelkins on December 30, 2023, 06:08:22 PM
I thought Freddy's originated in California.
As stated, Wichita KS: https://www.freddys.com/about
Tractor Supply has a very loyal customer base. Definitely not cultish but loyal nonetheless. It biggest business is, believe it or not, dog food.
Quote from: hbelkins on December 30, 2023, 06:08:22 PM
I'd nominate Braum's as a chain without a cult following.
Braum's is actually somewhat divisive. It seems like you either love it or hate it. (Most people seem to love it, but my dad thinks it's disgusting because he's made a lifelong habit out of being wrong about everything.)
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 31, 2023, 10:02:02 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on December 30, 2023, 06:08:22 PM
I'd nominate Braum's as a chain without a cult following.
Braum's is actually somewhat divisive. It seems like you either love it or hate it. (Most people seem to love it, but my dad thinks it's disgusting because he's made a lifelong habit out of being wrong about everything.)
So...Everyone else versus your dad makes it divisive? :D
I enjoyed my one visit there. At least, I think I've only been there once.
Quote from: Road Hog on December 30, 2023, 07:24:35 PM
Tractor Supply has a very loyal customer base. Definitely not cultish but loyal nonetheless. It biggest business is, believe it or not, dog food.
Rural King > Tractor Supply.
(Although some of our cats are exclusively eating 4Health cat food, available only at Tractor Supply.)
I'm truly surprised that the goog hasn't shown evidence of a cult following at Culver's.
Quote from: SSOWorld on December 31, 2023, 10:32:54 PM
I'm truly surprised that the goog hasn't shown evidence of a cult following at Culver's.
Meh. I don't know about that one.
People like their butterburgers and custard, but you don't find the irrational fanaticism like you do with In-N-Out, per se.
Quote from: Rothman on January 01, 2024, 01:06:46 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on December 31, 2023, 10:32:54 PM
I'm truly surprised that the goog hasn't shown evidence of a cult following at Culver's.
Meh. I don't know about that one.
People like their butterburgers and custard, but you don't find the irrational fanaticism like you do with In-N-Out, per se.
Culvers is treated like the greatest invention in human history on Wisconsin memes Facebook pages.
McAlister's Deli, which is basically Panera minus the constant price increases..
Quote from: kphoger on December 19, 2023, 07:19:51 PM
I consider QuikTrip to be not just a cult here, but the Wichita city religion. Folks would sooner switch churches than switch away from QuikTrip. If two people want to meet up in a parking lot for whatever reason, and there are four gas stations near the convenient intersection, then it's guaranteed they'll choose the QuikTrip: they won't even consider the Kwik Shop or the Phillips 66 or whatever, because that's just not where people meet up.
This just about sums up Southwest Missouri's relationship with Kum & Go. Although they were recently bought out By Maverik, the branding will remain the same.
Quote from: Molandfreak on January 01, 2024, 02:00:55 AM
Quote from: Rothman on January 01, 2024, 01:06:46 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on December 31, 2023, 10:32:54 PM
I'm truly surprised that the goog hasn't shown evidence of a cult following at Culver's.
Meh. I don't know about that one.
People like their butterburgers and custard, but you don't find the irrational fanaticism like you do with In-N-Out, per se.
Culvers is treated like the greatest invention in human history on Wisconsin memes Facebook pages.
Culvers has one of the few cult-like restaurant followings on these forums, along with Five Guys. No other restaurant tends to get mentioned as often.
Culver's is one of the three branches of Wioscnsin state goivernment, along with Kwik Trip and Menards.
Quote from: jeffandnicole on January 01, 2024, 02:10:27 AM
Quote from: Molandfreak on January 01, 2024, 02:00:55 AM
Quote from: Rothman on January 01, 2024, 01:06:46 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on December 31, 2023, 10:32:54 PM
I'm truly surprised that the goog hasn't shown evidence of a cult following at Culver's.
Meh. I don't know about that one.
People like their butterburgers and custard, but you don't find the irrational fanaticism like you do with In-N-Out, per se.
Culvers is treated like the greatest invention in human history on Wisconsin memes Facebook pages.
Culvers has one of the few cult-like restaurant followings on these forums, along with Five Guys. No other restaurant tends to get mentioned as often.
When I lived in WI, there was little enthusiasm over it. People went to it like they went to Dairy Queen. It was just treated as a decent fast food place one could go to rather than a place to rave about.
I think the "cult" thing is restricted to a handful of companies, even then; we're using it very loosely compared real cults. Every chain business is going to have their fanatical 1%, especially those with loyalty programs. Couple that with Internet groups, online influencers, or personalities and suddenly it's easy to find people who really enjoy talk of things other than *gasp* ...roads? Talk is cheap and it never outweighs personal experience.
One can quietly enjoy Starbucks [or insert Big Company here] without all the perceived fuss. It's not a judgement.
No.
I think Target has a cult following, especially the "Target is better than Walmart" crowd.
Meijer, too.
Quote from: hbelkins on January 01, 2024, 06:35:13 PM
I think Target has a cult following, especially the "Target is better than Walmart" crowd.
Meijer, too.
:D
Nah, that's just whatever economic classes are above you looking down on you. Not cultish, just snobbery.
Target is just a brighter, cleaner Walmart. But I still prefer it.
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 01, 2024, 07:51:39 PM
Target is just a brighter, cleaner Walmart. But I still prefer it.
...with less of a selection and higher prices.
Quote from: Rothman on January 01, 2024, 07:52:10 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 01, 2024, 07:51:39 PM
Target is just a brighter, cleaner Walmart. But I still prefer it.
...with less of a selection and higher prices.
Better selection of things I might want to buy, a cleaner, more neatly stocked store, and less likely to become a monopoly provider nationwide.
Quote from: kkt on January 01, 2024, 09:07:16 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 01, 2024, 07:52:10 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 01, 2024, 07:51:39 PM
Target is just a brighter, cleaner Walmart. But I still prefer it.
...with less of a selection and higher prices.
Better selection of things I might want to buy, a cleaner, more neatly stocked store, and less likely to become a monopoly provider nationwide.
Pfft. That's what's Amazon is for.
Quote from: Rothman on January 01, 2024, 09:08:08 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 01, 2024, 09:07:16 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 01, 2024, 07:52:10 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 01, 2024, 07:51:39 PM
Target is just a brighter, cleaner Walmart. But I still prefer it.
...with less of a selection and higher prices.
Better selection of things I might want to buy, a cleaner, more neatly stocked store, and less likely to become a monopoly provider nationwide.
Pfft. That's what's Amazon is for.
Even more likely than Walmart to become a monopoly provider.
I like seeing what I buy, and like local stores to stay in business.
Quote from: Rothman on January 01, 2024, 07:52:10 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 01, 2024, 07:51:39 PM
Target is just a brighter, cleaner Walmart. But I still prefer it.
...with less of a selection and higher prices.
and accepts contactless payments (which Wal-Mart will never consider)
This one's obscure: Walt's Food Centers, a small chain of grocery stores in the south suburbs of Chicagoland.
They are completely unremarkable; their store layout hasn't changed since the eighties, and neither has their decor. Only the elderly shop there. I think it's a beautiful store, because it's laid out in a very functional manner that isn't overwhelming and makes it easy to find groceries. Selection is average, and pricing is average, but the fact that the store was extremely easy to navigate and everyone at least slightly cared about their jobs meant a lot to me. Their generic brand, Centrella, was quite good before it went bankrupt. It's a shame the one in Tinley Park, Illinois was torn down for an Amazon Fresh that will never open.
Quote from: Rothman on January 01, 2024, 07:52:10 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 01, 2024, 07:51:39 PM
Target is just a brighter, cleaner Walmart. But I still prefer it.
...with less of a selection and higher prices.
In regards to Wal-Mart, I detest shopping there; I get instant sensory overload that Target does not provide. I get a cruel realization that consumerism was better in the eighties and nineties each time I walk into one, with its "modern" bare concrete floors and soulless interior. Wal-Mart tends to survive in rural communities, not because it's a good store, but because it's the only one.
I also consider Menards and Farm and Fleet to be better one-stop shops, as they're generally less crowded and have at least the slightest amount of care put into how their store looks.
Quote from: kkt on January 01, 2024, 09:21:56 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 01, 2024, 09:08:08 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 01, 2024, 09:07:16 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 01, 2024, 07:52:10 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 01, 2024, 07:51:39 PM
Target is just a brighter, cleaner Walmart. But I still prefer it.
...with less of a selection and higher prices.
Better selection of things I might want to buy, a cleaner, more neatly stocked store, and less likely to become a monopoly provider nationwide.
Pfft. That's what's Amazon is for.
Even more likely than Walmart to become a monopoly provider.
I like seeing what I buy, and like local stores to stay in business.
That's darling. We'll see how that goes. :D
Quote from: Hobart on January 01, 2024, 10:38:55 PM
This one's obscure: Walt's Food Centers, a small chain of grocery stores in the south suburbs of Chicagoland.
They are completely unremarkable; their store layout hasn't changed since the eighties, and neither has their decor. Only the elderly shop there. I think it's a beautiful store, because it's laid out in a very functional manner that isn't overwhelming and makes it easy to find groceries. Selection is average, and pricing is average, but the fact that the store was extremely easy to navigate and everyone at least slightly cared about their jobs meant a lot to me. Their generic brand, Centrella, was quite good before it went bankrupt. It's a shame the one in Tinley Park, Illinois was torn down for an Amazon Fresh that will never open.
Quote from: Rothman on January 01, 2024, 07:52:10 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 01, 2024, 07:51:39 PM
Target is just a brighter, cleaner Walmart. But I still prefer it.
...with less of a selection and higher prices.
In regards to Wal-Mart, I detest shopping there; I get instant sensory overload that Target does not provide. I get a cruel realization that consumerism was better in the eighties and nineties each time I walk into one, with its "modern" bare concrete floors and soulless interior. Wal-Mart tends to survive in rural communities, not because it's a good store, but because it's the only one.
I also consider Menards and Farm and Fleet to be better one-stop shops, as they're generally less crowded and have at least the slightest amount of care put into how their store looks.
Back in my day, Menards didn't carry groceries.
Quote
I also consider Menards and Farm and Fleet to be better one-stop shops, as they're generally less crowded and have at least the slightest amount of care put into how their store looks.
That's a good equivalent—Menards and F&F vs Home Depot is like Target vs Walmart. Yeah, you might be able to find a better deal in the latter, but the better shopping experience will probably be from the former.
Quote from: Rothman on December 31, 2023, 01:24:11 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 31, 2023, 10:02:02 AM
Quote from: hbelkins on December 30, 2023, 06:08:22 PM
I'd nominate Braum's as a chain without a cult following.
Braum's is actually somewhat divisive. It seems like you either love it or hate it. (Most people seem to love it, but my dad thinks it's disgusting because he's made a lifelong habit out of being wrong about everything.)
So...Everyone else versus your dad makes it divisive? :D
Well, I could go down the list of people that I've met that don't like it, but you wouldn't know any of them by name, and explaining who they are would just be long and not particularly interesting. So I went with the example that's easy and straightforward to make fun of.
Dennys.
Quote from: Pink Jazz on December 21, 2023, 09:46:54 AM
I would say Buca di Beppo. I love their chicken parmigiana.
seconded
Quote from: kkt on January 01, 2024, 09:21:56 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 01, 2024, 09:08:08 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 01, 2024, 09:07:16 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 01, 2024, 07:52:10 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 01, 2024, 07:51:39 PM
Target is just a brighter, cleaner Walmart. But I still prefer it.
...with less of a selection and higher prices.
Better selection of things I might want to buy, a cleaner, more neatly stocked store, and less likely to become a monopoly provider nationwide.
Pfft. That's what's Amazon is for.
Even more likely than Walmart to become a monopoly provider.
I like seeing what I buy, and like local stores to stay in business.
Amazon also has a scary amount of counterfeit products. Including USB sticks that have a LOT less memory than they claim (both on the packaging and what the chip tells the computer is available, resulting in data loss if they're the only place where some files are stored).
They even go so far as to
delete reviews saying the drives are fraudulent, basically aiding and abetting the fraud. Yeah, Amazon is a piece of work, even ignoring all the other things we know about them that show that they are a piece of work.
Quote from: vdeane on January 02, 2024, 12:52:00 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 01, 2024, 09:21:56 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 01, 2024, 09:08:08 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 01, 2024, 09:07:16 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 01, 2024, 07:52:10 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 01, 2024, 07:51:39 PM
Target is just a brighter, cleaner Walmart. But I still prefer it.
...with less of a selection and higher prices.
Better selection of things I might want to buy, a cleaner, more neatly stocked store, and less likely to become a monopoly provider nationwide.
Pfft. That's what's Amazon is for.
Even more likely than Walmart to become a monopoly provider.
I like seeing what I buy, and like local stores to stay in business.
Amazon also has a scary amount of counterfeit products. Including USB sticks that have a LOT less memory than they claim (both on the packaging and what the chip tells the computer is available, resulting in data loss if they're the only place where some files are stored).
They even go so far as to delete reviews saying the drives are fraudulent, basically aiding and abetting the fraud. Yeah, Amazon is a piece of work, even ignoring all the other things we know about them that show that they are a piece of work.
I just bought a legit USB drive through Amazon. Works fine.
I found the fake ones pretty easy to identify. They were essentially brandless.
There are also review sites out there that help identify the legit drives.
Krogers
Waffle House
Speaking of Amazon and counterfeit products, I discovered yesterday that they sell knockoff iPod Classics. I don't know how they get by with that, even with Apple having discontinued the iPod.
Walmart is bad for selling fake flash drives and memory cards. That "Kingstick" card I got from Walmart a couple of years ago turned out to be bogus. I trust their in-house Onn brand, but outside that, nope. Kingston is OK; Kingstick is not.
Concerning Target vs. Walmart, I have found Target stores in general to be less well-lit overall. Walmarts are bright; Targets are dim. Meijer stores are brighter than Targets, however.
Quote from: vdeane on January 02, 2024, 12:52:00 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 01, 2024, 09:21:56 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 01, 2024, 09:08:08 PM
Quote from: kkt on January 01, 2024, 09:07:16 PM
Quote from: Rothman on January 01, 2024, 07:52:10 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on January 01, 2024, 07:51:39 PM
Target is just a brighter, cleaner Walmart. But I still prefer it.
...with less of a selection and higher prices.
Better selection of things I might want to buy, a cleaner, more neatly stocked store, and less likely to become a monopoly provider nationwide.
Pfft. That's what's Amazon is for.
Even more likely than Walmart to become a monopoly provider.
I like seeing what I buy, and like local stores to stay in business.
Amazon also has a scary amount of counterfeit products. Including USB sticks that have a LOT less memory than they claim (both on the packaging and what the chip tells the computer is available, resulting in data loss if they're the only place where some files are stored).
They even go so far as to delete reviews saying the drives are fraudulent, basically aiding and abetting the fraud. Yeah, Amazon is a piece of work, even ignoring all the other things we know about them that show that they are a piece of work.
Yes, to be fair it's mostly the third-party sellers that are outright fraudulent. Though Amazon is pretty sloppy about describing which version is which on things like movies.
I would dare say that Waffle House has a cult following, partially due to how famous it's become due to the large (and very amusing) fights. The service is good, the food is good, and it's a bargain... but it's also permanently ingrained into the American identity, which I consider a cult following.
Perkins, on the other hand, is relatively obscure. I've only eaten at a medicore Perkins once; the one in Milwaukee on Port Washington Road. The one in Mitchell, South Dakota dropped my family's food, so we ate free. I know that if I go into a Perkins, although it's not as cheap as Waffle House, I'll get a good meal, and a nice slice pie, whether I'm in Little Falls or Peoria.
Quote from: Hobart on January 02, 2024, 08:28:04 PM
The service is good, the food is good, and it's a bargain.
Wut?
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8XJkW84/
Quote from: Rothman on January 02, 2024, 08:36:50 PM
Quote from: Hobart on January 02, 2024, 08:28:04 PM
The service is good, the food is good, and it's a bargain.
It's worth what you pay for it.
Wut?
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8XJkW84/
Quote from: hbelkins on December 30, 2023, 06:08:22 PM
I thought Freddy's originated in California.
Maybe because they have a "California Style" burger on the menu?
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 31, 2023, 10:02:02 AM
Braum's is actually somewhat divisive. It seems like you either love it or hate it. (Most people seem to love it, but my dad thinks it's disgusting because he's made a lifelong habit out of being wrong about everything.)
I think it's ho-hum. I neither love it nor hate it.
Quote from: SSOWorld on December 31, 2023, 10:32:54 PM
I'm truly surprised that the goog hasn't shown evidence of a cult following at Culver's.
Is it, though, a popular after-church lunch spot? If so, then, in that sense, it might actually be quasi-cultish.
Quote from: kphoger on January 03, 2024, 02:50:37 PM
Quote from: hbelkins on December 30, 2023, 06:08:22 PM
I thought Freddy's originated in California.
Maybe because they have a "California Style" burger on the menu?
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 31, 2023, 10:02:02 AM
Braum's is actually somewhat divisive. It seems like you either love it or hate it. (Most people seem to love it, but my dad thinks it's disgusting because he's made a lifelong habit out of being wrong about everything.)
I think it's ho-hum. I neither love it nor hate it.
Quote from: SSOWorld on December 31, 2023, 10:32:54 PM
I'm truly surprised that the goog hasn't shown evidence of a cult following at Culver's.
Is it, though, a popular after-church lunch spot? If so, then, in that sense, it might actually be quasi-cultish.
Perkins was the after-church spot when I lived in WI, not Culver's.
Jason's Deli and Perkins have always been consistent here for decades. You know you're gonna get good muffaletta sandwiches at Jason's, and Perkins is always good quality for both breakfast and lunch.
Quote from: Sctvhound on January 03, 2024, 11:53:53 PM
Jason's Deli
Oh wow, I didn't realize Jason's Deli was so widespread. Yeah, they're great.
I like Jason's Deli okay, but they're in that awkward spot where they're more expensive than just a fast food meal, so it's not something that comes up when my wife and I are eating by ourselves, but it's not quite nice enough to take friends out to.
The last time we did actually get a hankering for it we found out that the Norman location had closed. They have three locations in Vegas, although they're all on the opposite side of town from where we're likely to end up.