"Fine" Dining

Comedian Michael Ornelas dives deep into the stories behind your favorite chain restaurants like Cracker Barrel, McDonald's, and Dunkin' before determining if they are better or worse than Chili's: the most mediocre restaurant in America.

Buffalo Wild Wings: The Fourth Jonas Brother, Hank the Buffalo, and The Lost "W" 11/12/2025

Buffalo Wild Wings: The Fourth Jonas Brother, Hank the Buffalo, and The Lost "W" 🐃🔥🍗 Buffalo Wild Wings GO: The Fourth Jonas, Blazin’ Heat & a Fightin’ Manager 🍗🔥🐃 This week, Shannon Bengston (@SSBengston) joins me to trace the wild story behind Buffalo Wild Wings GO: from its roots as “BW3” in Columbus, Ohio to its modern takeout-only spin-off. We cover Hank the Buffalo, the forgotten Weck sandwich, and the Jonas Brothers ad campaign (yes, including the mysterious fourth Jonas). Plus, Shannon dreams up her own spooky restaurant concept, The Raven, while we cover some of the craziest Yelp reviews including one where the manager challenged a customer to a fight. 🏈 What the Weck? Sports on Kummelweck 🐃 Hank the Buffalo: Mascot or Menace? 🎸 The Jonas Brothers (All Four of Them) Join the Ad Campaign 🌶️ The Blazin’ Challenge: Heat, Headbands, and Disappointment 👻 Shannon’s Haunted Dream Restaurant Pitch: The Raven 🗣️ Yelp Review Drama: A Manager Threatens to "Take This Outside" 🍗 Why Buffalo Wild Wings GO Exists (and What It Means for the Brand) 💬 COMMENT BELOW: Have you ever done the Blazin’ Challenge, and did you actually survive it? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: 🎉 Patreon (Bonus episodes, full Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast 💬 Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 🎥 Watch full episodes: youtube.com/@finediningpodcast 🔗 All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast 🎤 Guest: Shannon Bengston | IG: @SSBengston Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van Patreon Subscribers: David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley Free Patreon Followers: Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, & Aaron Hubbard 👉 NEXT WEEK: We actually review Buffalo Wild Wings GO. The food, the lack of service, and why we now hate Garfield the cat! /episode/index/show/9369c4b7-1e7b-4d55-9b95-8001ab364097/id/39001290

Outback Steakhouse: "No Rules, Just Right," Survivor, & Bloomin' Onion Perfection 11/05/2025

Outback Steakhouse: "No Rules, Just Right," Survivor, & Bloomin' Onion Perfection 🥩🦘🍺 Outback Steakhouse: "No Rules, Just Right," Survivor, & Bloomin’ Onion Perfection 🍺🦘🥩 This week, I’m joined by VyVy Nguyen (@cest_la_vyvy) to explore the not-so-Australian history of Outback Steakhouse, the restaurant that proves authenticity is optional when the vibes are right. From a “No Rules, Just Right” slogan that’s maybe a little too spicy, to Survivor contestants earning an Outback feast as a reward, we dive deep into the steakhouse that brought the Outback to America (without ever visiting Australia). Plus, I announce the winner of the Septemburger 2025 drawing and debut a brand-new theme song to kick off the Bridge Season between Seasons 3 and 4! 🥩 Is Outback the Best Chain Restaurant of Them All? 🍽️ The Four Founders Who’d Never Been to Australia 🧅 The Birth of the Bloomin’ Onion: A Golden Fried Masterpiece 🦘 Is it Okay to Get Naked in an Outback Steakhouse? 🔥 The U.K. Rejects Outback 📺 The Iconic Survivor Episode Featuring an Outback Feast 🪩 A Yelper Brings up "Trauma Bonding" 🏆 Announcing the Winner of the Septemburger 2025 Drawing 💬 COMMENT BELOW: What’s your go-to order at Outback Steakhouse? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: 🎉 Patreon (Bonus episodes, full Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast 💬 Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 🎥 Watch full episodes: youtube.com/@finediningpodcast 🔗 All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast 🎤 Guest: VyVy Nguyen | IG: @cest_la_vyvy Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van Patreon Subscribers: David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley Free Patreon Followers: Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, & Aaron Hubbard 👉 NEXT WEEK: We cover the history of Buffalo Wild Wings GO with Shannon Bengston — diving into the delivery-focused spin-off of a sports bar classic! /episode/index/show/9369c4b7-1e7b-4d55-9b95-8001ab364097/id/38918135

Hometown Buffet: Absolute Trash 10/29/2025

Hometown Buffet: Absolute Trash 🥴🍽️🚫 Hometown Buffet: The Absolute Bottom of the Tchotchke of Mediocrity 🚫🍽️🥴 This week, we revisit a meal that has haunted me since 2014: Hometown Buffet, the worst restaurant experience of my life. Joined by Trey Burch, I relive the sleepy Sunday morning buffet that somehow managed to fail at everything. From nonexistent service to questionable sushi, this trip back to mediocrity’s basement proves exactly why this chain is extinct (and deserves to be). 📉 The Rise and Fall of Hometown Buffet: 4 Bankruptcies and a “Scatter Bar” Concept 🥴 A Nearly Empty Sunday Brunch is the Reddest of Flags 🚫 No Service, No Bussing, Just a Neighboring Table for Dirty Plates 🍣 Trey Eats Sushi at a Low-Grade Buffet (and Lives to Tell About It) 🥓 Every Food Item Somehow Worse Than the Last 😷 Sneeze Guards Positioned Way Too High to Help Anyone 😡 The Manager Who Told a Guest Her Refund Was “Unfair” 💀 Declared: The Definitive 0.00/10 on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity 🪦 A Buffet So Bad, I’m Glad It’s Gone 💬 COMMENT BELOW: What’s the worst restaurant you’ve ever eaten at? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: 🎉 Patreon (Bonus episodes, full Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast 💬 Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 🎥 Watch full episodes: youtube.com/@finediningpodcast 🔗 All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van Patreon Subscribers: David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley Free Patreon Followers: Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, & Aaron Hubbard 👉 NEXT WEEK: The Bridge Season begins with the history of Outback Steakhouse with my guest, returning favorite VyVy Nguyen. /episode/index/show/9369c4b7-1e7b-4d55-9b95-8001ab364097/id/38818075

The BEST Restaurant I've Ever Experienced: chi SPACCA 10/22/2025

The BEST Restaurant I've Ever Experienced: chi SPACCA 🥩🔥🍎 chi SPACCA: The Perfect 10 on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity 🍎🔥🥩 This week, I finally crown my very first perfect restaurant: chi SPACCA, the Italian butcher by Nancy Silverton and the best dining experience of my life. On Valentine’s Day 2023, I discovered what true excellence tastes like, from cozy, candlelit vibes and flawless service to indulgent bites of steak, marrow, and candied apple pie. It was decadent, joyful, and unforgettable… even if our server’s beef & bone marrow pot pie presentation went a little sideways. 🥔 Onion Rings & Mashed Potatoes That Redefine “Sides” 🥩 Beef & Bone Marrow Pot Pie: Messy, Beautiful, Delicious 🥬 Salanova Lettuce Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette = Good for a Salad... 🍖 Bistecca alla Fiorentina: Dry-Aged Steak of the Gods 👩‍🍳 Cozy Vibes and a View of the Chefs at Work 🍎 A Whole Candied Apple Baked Inside a Pie (Yes, Really) 🌹 Valentine’s Day 2023: A Meal I’ll Never Forget ⭐ Reading Only 5-Star Reviews in Yelp from Strangers 🏆 The First-Ever Perfect 10.00 on the Tchotchke of Mediocrity 💬 COMMENT BELOW: What’s the best meal you’ve ever had in your life? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: 🎉 Patreon (Bonus episodes, full Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast 💬 Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 🎥 Watch full episodes: youtube.com/@finediningpodcast 🔗 All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van Patreon Subscribers: David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley Free Patreon Followers: Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, & Aaron Hubbard 👉 NEXT WEEK: We've got to balance the scales, so I'll be going to the worst restaurant I've ever dined at and crowning a 0.00 on the bottom end of the Tchotchke of Mediocrity. /episode/index/show/9369c4b7-1e7b-4d55-9b95-8001ab364097/id/38736675

McDonald's Monopoly: History, Scandal, and Astronomically Bad Odds 10/15/2025

McDonald's Monopoly: History, Scandal, and Astronomically Bad Odds 🎩🍟💰 McDonald’s Monopoly: History, Scandal, and Astronomically Bad Odds💰🍟🎩 This week, we peel back the golden arches on one of the biggest promotions in fast-food history: McDonald’s Monopoly. From the McMillions scandal that rocked the 2000s to the shocking odds that make the Powerball look generous, this episode dives deep into the strange world where fries meet finance. We explore the sweepstakes mechanics, the global variations, and the jaw-dropping aftermath of McDonald’s paying out on a possibly fraudulent million-dollar game piece sent to St. Jude’s. 🎲 The Wild Origins of McDonald’s Monopoly 🕵️‍♂️ The McMillions Scandal That Changed Everything 📉 Why the $10,000 Lowe’s Prize Is 9x Harder to Win Than Powerball 🏦 How McDonald’s and Hasbro Both Profit from the Partnership 🇨🇦 The Game’s Unique Twists in Canada and the UK 📜 Sweepstakes vs. Lottery: What the Law Actually Says 💸 McDonald’s Randomly Paying Diners After the Scandal 🍟 The Most Unrealistic Odds You’ve Ever Heard 💬 COMMENT BELOW: Have you ever won anything more than food from McDonald’s Monopoly? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: 🎉 Patreon (Bonus episodes, full Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast 💬 Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 🎥 Watch full episodes: youtube.com/@finediningpodcast 🔗 All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van Patreon Subscribers: David Ornelas, Kellie Baldwin, Jeremy Horwitz, Herbert Amaya, Simone Davalos, Scott Bennett, Amy Reinhart, Josef Castaneda-Liles, & Travis Langley Free Patreon Followers: Joe Warszalek, Lauren Cummings, Grace Krainak, Keri Estes, Robert Duran, Patrick Elliott, Michelle Elmer, Dave Plummer, Nicholas Volney, Michael Gerard, Tracy Molino, Phuong Duong, Tyler Robinson, Brandon Gully, Mason Cruz, Michael Milito, Mez, & Aaron Hubbard 👉 NEXT WEEK: I cover chi SPACCA, the Italian butcher by Nancy Silverton — and quite possibly the best meal of my life. /episode/index/show/9369c4b7-1e7b-4d55-9b95-8001ab364097/id/38586150

Septemburger Semi-Finals & Finals 10/08/2025

Wendy's: Savage Roasts, French Fry Glow-Up, and Are the Nuggets Perfect? 09/24/2025

Wendy's: Savage Roasts, French Fry Glow-Up, and Are the Nuggets Perfect? 🍟🤖🍔 Wendy's: Savage Roasts, French Fry Glow-Up, and Are the Nuggets Perfect? 🍔🤖🍟 This week, Ali Gordon joins me to put Wendy’s through the Chili’s Test. Between Frostys, spicy nuggets, and a fireplace straight out of HGTV, things get interesting. We try three Wendy's burgers for Septemburger, but will they all get a chance in the tournament or will Jack in the Box knock them out? Also, a one-time brand new segment called Rate That Roast! where Ali judges Wendy’s savage social media burns. 📣 Rate That Roast! Ali Judges Wendy’s Online Burns 🍫 Frosty Bliss & Spicy Nuggets That Actually Deliver 🥓 Burgers Galore: Dave’s Single, Baconator, Double Stack 🧑‍🎤 Ali Becomes Wendy Herself (and Swears a Lot) 🌶️ Ghost Pepper Ranch That Isn’t Ghost, Pepper, or Ranch 🍟 French Fries Glow-Up = Legit Improvement 🔥 Fancy Fireplace (Hogged by a Couple the Whole Time) 🌱 Serengeti Grass in the Banister?? 🧂 Condiments Locked Away Behind the Counter 📖 Ali’s Debut Novel We Have Reached the End of Our Show Drops Sept 30 🏨 Ali Shares the Worst Bed & Breakfast Story Ever ⚔️ Septemburger: Dave’s Single vs. Sourdough Jack You can update it to include the winners below, and continue to do so until 11:59 PM PST on September 24th! 💬 COMMENT BELOW: Do you think Wendy’s roasts are actually funny or just trying too hard? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: 🎉 Patreon (Bonus episodes, full Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast 💬 Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 🎥 Watch full episodes: youtube.com/@finediningpodcast 🔗 All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast 🎤 Guest: Ali Gordon | IG: @msalicenutting 📖 Pre-Order We Have Reached the End of Our Show | Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van 👉 NEXT WEEK: Exclusively on Patreon (but for free!), the Septemburger Semi-Finals & Finals episode drops September 30th. That same episode will be released on the main podcast feed October 8th. I'm off October 1st! /episode/index/show/9369c4b7-1e7b-4d55-9b95-8001ab364097/id/38333675

Jack in the Box: See-Through Tacos, Clown Mascot, and Legendary Curly Fries 09/17/2025

Jack in the Box: See-Through Tacos, Clown Mascot, and Legendary Curly Fries 🌮🤡 Jack in the Box: See-Through Tacos, Clown Mascot, and Legendary Curly Fries 🤡🌮 This week, we went to Jack in the Box to try some burgers, and got so much more than we bargained for. I'm joined by Honey Butter Popcorn from the Ragmop & Goose Puppet Adoption Agency and we went deep on the Jack in the Box menu. From a wild history including a name change and blowing up their old mascot, to Yelp reviews that find one specific employee very funny, you're not going to want to miss this one! 🥤 We Describe the Taste of the Worst Drink I’ve Ever Had ⏱️ "Cheap and Quick" Is the Appeal - Notice "Tasty" Isn’t Necessary 🍉 The Sour Patch Kids Watermelon Lemonade Is Surprisingly Incredible 🥠 The Egg Roll Isn’t Fit for Humans 🐶 Jack in the Box (Fittingly) Used to Be Owned by a Dog Food Company 🧀 Changing Their Name to Monterey Jack?? 🍔 Priming the Sourdough Jack, Buttery Bacon Smashed Jack, and the Jumbo Jack for Septemburger 🥖 Churros More Delicious Than Ones from Schmisneyland 🪆 How Do Puppets Eat? 🚂 Discovering the Worst Restaurant of All-Time in the Calibration Station You can update it to include the winners below, and continue to do so until 11:59 PM PST on September 24th! 💬 COMMENT BELOW: Do you actually like Jack in the Box, or is it more the "open late" and "good value" of it all? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: 🎉 Patreon (Bonus episodes, full Yelp segments & more): patreon.com/finediningpodcast 💬 Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 🎥 Watch full episodes: youtube.com/@finediningpodcast 🔗 All links: linktree.com/finediningpodcast 🎤 Follow Ragmop & Goose: @ragmopandgoose Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van 👉 NEXT WEEK: We're going to Wendy's, the top seed in the tournament, with my guest Ali Gordon! /episode/index/show/9369c4b7-1e7b-4d55-9b95-8001ab364097/id/38245440

SONIC Drive-In: Full History and Honest Review 09/10/2025

Septemburger 2025: The Battle for Hamburger Supremacy 09/03/2025

Septemburger 2025: The Battle for Hamburger Supremacy 🍔 Septemburger 2025: The Burger Tournament Begins! 🏆 GET HYPED!! It’s that time of year again: Septemburger! The annual hamburger tournament is back, and eight chains are entering this greasy gauntlet. In this episode, I reveal all the contenders, break down how the tournament works, and review the first five burgers of round one. From a slew of mediocre burgers to Santa Claus cutting promos for Arctic Circle, this year is already unhinged in the best way. 🥊 Cook Out (featuring my Dad) vs. A&W (with Herbert Amaya) 🎅 Santa Claus Represents Arctic Circle vs. Carl’s Jr. (with podcast composer James McEnelly) 👑 Dairy Queen Wants to Melt the Competition (with Tyler Eaton) 🍔 The Tournament Sees its First Upset 📣 Wrestling-Style Promos from Each Guest 📋 TOURNAMENT RULES: 8 chains enter, each providing 3 burgers. Round 1: each chain’s “#1-on-the-menu burger.” Later rounds = specialty burgers. Seeding is based on the best burger I’ve ever had at each chain. Fill out your bracket . YOU MAY ADJUST your picks until end of day 9/24 as you follow along. Anyone who correctly predicts the champion is entered into a drawing for the grand prize! 🎁 GRAND PRIZE: The winner can name any American chain restaurant I haven’t covered yet, and I’ll review it in Season 4. PLUS, I’ll write and record a rap song about the winner or any food/restaurant topic of their choice. 🔥 SEMIS & FINALS: Coming 9/30 on Patreon for FREE (no subscription needed), or on the regular podcast feed in October. 💬 COMMENT BELOW: Who’s your pick to win Septemburger 2025? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: 🎉 Patreon (Bonus episodes, full Yelp segments & more): 💬 Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): 🎥 Watch full episodes: 🔗 All links: Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van 👉 NEXT WEEK: We cover Sonic Drive-In with special guest Marc Pope from the Geek Off the Street podcast! /episode/index/show/9369c4b7-1e7b-4d55-9b95-8001ab364097/id/38065590

Firehouse Subs: Premature Halloween and Sticky Bottles 08/27/2025

Firehouse Subs: Steamed Meats, Pickle Buckets, & Titanic Talk 08/20/2025

Deep Dish in LA? Reviewing Gino's East of Chicago 08/13/2025

Gino's East of Chicago: Graffiti, Deep Dish, & a Biscuit Crust 08/06/2025

Gino's East of Chicago: Graffiti, Deep Dish, & a Biscuit Crust 🍕 Gino’s East of Chicago: Graffiti, Deep Dish, & Biscuit Crust 🧱 This week, we take a bite out of the legacy of Gino’s East of Chicago — a deep dish pizza joint started by cabbies and made famous by its buttery biscuit crust and graffiti-covered walls. With a flavor profile heavy on cornmeal and sausage (sometimes too much sausage), it’s one of Chicago’s big four pizza spots — but is it the GOAT? Joining me is actor and comedian Jacquis Neal (Dropout, Last Week Tonight) as we dig into this crusty cornerstone of Chicago culture, debate sausage autonomy, and marvel at how many cab drivers it used to take to buy property. Plus, Jacquis pitches his dream soul food/Chicago fusion restaurant, and we read some absolutely wild Yelp reviews — one featuring a “phat boi” pizza and another featuring a man’s descent into customer service madness. 🏙️ Born from Taxi Drivers with a Building They Didn't Know What to Do With 🧀 Biscuit Techniques & the Quest for Sausage Autonomy 🎨 A Deep Discussion on the Urge to Graffiti Bathrooms 📍 From Mag Mile to LA to Singapore 📦 Frozen Pizzas, Flopped Franchises, & a Surprise Comeback 🍕 Deep Dish vs. Tavern Style vs. NY Slice: The Ultimate Pizza Debate 🎶 A Soul Food Spot with Yacht Rock Vibes (Jacquis’s Dream Restaurant) 🌟 Yelp Reviews That Involve Slithering Pizza & An Argument with the "Manager " 💬 COMMENT BELOW: What’s your go-to Chicago pizza joint — and how much cheese is too much? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: 🎉 Patreon (Bonus episodes, full Yelp segments & more): https://www.patreon.com/finediningpodcast 💬 Discord (Food talk, memes, cursed Yelp): https://discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 🎥 Watch full episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@finediningpodcast 🔗 All links: https://www.linktree.com/finediningpodcast 🎤 Jacquis on IG: @jacquisneal | Website: jacquisneal.com Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van 👉 NEXT WEEK: We dig into our actual meal at Gino’s East. Did Michael’s cheese phobia survive? Or did deep dish change his life forever? /episode/index/show/9369c4b7-1e7b-4d55-9b95-8001ab364097/id/37686915

Golden Corral: The Ribs Were Trash, the Chicken Slapped, and There's a Party Room! 07/30/2025

Golden Corral Has Won the Buffet Wars 07/23/2025

Trying Jollibee for the First Time 07/16/2025

Jollibee Is a Filipino Treasure 07/09/2025

Nathan’s Famous: One Glorious Glizzy Soars Above the Rest of the Menu 07/02/2025

Nathan’s Famous: How Joey Chestnut Made a Fake Contest a National Obsession 06/25/2025

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken: The Most Consistent Chain I’ve Tried 06/18/2025

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken: From Humble Shack to National Champ 06/11/2025

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken: From Humble Shack to National Champ 🐔 Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken (Part 1): Gus's Parents, the Superfan, and Chicken Championships 🐔 Before Gus’s was world famous, it was just spicy chicken sold out the back of a bar in the segregated South. But that secret recipe grew into a Southern staple, complete with 40+ locations, a chicken-loving superfan turned CEO, and even a rogue rooster who hangs out outside one of their Memphis spots. In this episode, I’m joined by improvisor, actor, and all-around delight Dave Theune (NBC’s St. Denis Medical) to go deep on the wild rise of Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, the hearse they use for advertising, and why you’ll never know what’s in their spice blend. Plus, Dave pitches a double-restaurant concept where Italian comfort meets a dessert diner, and it's all Rocky-themed. Is Gus’s really chicken to die for? Or just another chain in a hearse-shaped hat? 🔥 Backdoor Fried Chicken in 1950s Tennessee 🐓 The Secret Recipe That Not Even Marrying into the Family Can Teach You 👑 How a Superfan Became the CEO of the Whole Company 👻 Hearses, Roosters & Other Bizarre Gus’s Lore 🏆 Two-Time Winner of the National Fried Chicken Festival 🧻 Yelp Reviewers vs. Chicken Gremlins 🪑 Dave Theune’s Dream Restaurant: Rocky & Apollo’s 💬 COMMENT BELOW: Have you tried Gus’s? Did it make you say “goddamn”? Or just “meh”? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: 🔥 Patreon (Bonus reviews & exclusive content!): 💬 Discord (Share horror stories & chat chains): 📸 Instagram/TikTok: @finediningpodcast and @davetheune 🎧 Full episodes & video: 🔗 All links: ⚡ Like, Subscribe & Share if you believe fried chicken is a spiritual experience! Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van 👉 NEXT WEEK: We actually eat the chicken at Gus's. Is it “chicken to die for”? Or just fried food with a strong brand? Find out in Part 2. /episode/index/show/9369c4b7-1e7b-4d55-9b95-8001ab364097/id/36949165

"Dunkin' & Donuts" feat. Amy Vorpahl 06/04/2025

"Dunkin' & Donuts" feat. Amy Vorpahl 🎲 Dunkin’ & Donuts: The D&D Crossover You Never Knew You Needed 🎲 This week on the "Fine Dining Podcast," we trade the drive-thru for dungeons. After covering a long, bizarre history — from handled donuts and Fred the Baker to the rise of Munchkins and Dunkaccinos — it’s time for part two: an original Dungeons & Dragons one-shot adventure, played in a world where every NPC runs on Dunkin’. Featuring writer, improviser, and TTRPG icon Amy Vorpahl, this special actual-play episode turns our fast-food trip into a fantasy quest. Expect laughs, intrigue, and a surprising amount of edible world-building. Will our hero survive The Glaze? Or will her journey end in deep-fried defeat? ☕ Amy Rolls a 0 and Becomes a Puddle of Coffee Trying to Impress Leonardo DeCaffio ⚔️ A Delicious Battle Against Donuts Come to Life 📚 Leonardo DeCaffio Schools Naz on The Glaze 🎭 Amy Vorpahl as Naz Baudelaire: Peanut Farmer and Chosen One 🥑 The BBEG Toolio (Voiced by Ify Nwadiwe) is Guarded by an Avocado Toast Homunculus 🎲 Real Dice Rolls, Real D&D Rules, Fantastical Dunkin’ Lore 💬 COMMENT BELOW: Would you play a whole campaign in the world of Dunkin’? 💥Real actual custom character artwork by BitterBats: 🎨 @Bitter.Bats – 🗺️ And the Map of Ammereeka by Cameron McCarthy: 🎨 @mythweaverart – VFX: Steven Zurita Original Music: James McEnelly Playtesters: Terral Wells, Jess Parks, Steven Zurita, Luke Doyle, & Nick Adams Opening Theme Song: Gabe Alvarez 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: 🔥 Patreon (Bonus reviews & exclusive content!): 💬 Discord (Chat chains & share horror stories!): 🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube: 🔗 All links: ⚡ Like, Subscribe & Share if you love chaotic chain-restaurant content — now with dice! Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van 👉 NEXT WEEK: We return to our regularly scheduled programming with a look into the history of Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken with special guest Dave Theune! /episode/index/show/9369c4b7-1e7b-4d55-9b95-8001ab364097/id/36837575

Dunkin’: Donuts with Handles, Munchkin Origins, & the Dunkaccino Meme feat. Amy Vorpahl 05/28/2025

Dunkin’: Donuts with Handles, Munchkin Origins, & the Dunkaccino Meme feat. Amy Vorpahl ☕ Dunkin’ Donuts: Handled Donuts, Munchkin Origins & Al Pacino’s Dunkaccino ☕ Dunkin’ may be a coffee giant now, but its journey started with donuts — one in particular with a literal handle. In this week’s episode, I break down the entire rise of the chain formerly known as Dunkin’ Donuts, from its humble beginnings in Quincy, Massachusetts, to becoming the fast-casual coffee behemoth we know today. Plus, I'm joined by writer and performer Amy Vorpahl to unravel some of the weirdest moments in Dunkin’ history — including public domain mascots, airport nostalgia, and the most cursed commercial Al Pacino ever agreed to do. Is Dunkin’ still the heart of New England? Or has it become just another burnt bean in the breakfast wars? 🍩 Why Dunkin’ Used to Serve Donuts with Handles 🥣 The Real Story Behind Munchkins (and Why They're Not Holes Anymore) 🕯️ Chocolate Donut Deodorant – Yes, Really 🎭 Fred the Baker – The Exhausted Mascot We Didn’t Deserve 📉 When Dunkin’ Stopped Making Donuts Fresh In-House ✂️ Dropping “Donuts” – Was the Name Change Worth It? 🎬 Jack & Jill’s Dunkaccino – A Meme, A Curse, A Cultural Landmark 🌍 Pork & Seaweed Donuts? Global Dunkin’ Menus You Won’t Believe 💬 COMMENT BELOW: Do you still call it Dunkin’ Donuts? Or are you ride-or-die for the coffee now? 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: 🔥 Patreon (Bonus reviews & exclusive content!): https://www.patreon.com/finediningpodcast 💬 Discord (Chat chains & share horror stories!): https://discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@finediningpodcast 🔗 All links: www.linktree.com/finediningpodcast ⚡ Like, Subscribe & Share if you love chaotic deep dives into fast-casual dining! Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van Follow Amy on Instagram @vorpahlsword 👉 NEXT WEEK: We’re reviewing Dunkin’ in real time… through a Dungeons & Dragons campaign. See you in “Dunkin & Donuts.” 🎲 /episode/index/show/9369c4b7-1e7b-4d55-9b95-8001ab364097/id/36737330

Papa Johns Doesn't Do Pizza Well 05/21/2025

Papa Johns: Garlic Dip, CEO Scandals, & the First Bitcoin Pizza 05/14/2025

Papa Johns: Garlic Dip, CEO Scandals, & the First Bitcoin Pizza 🍕 Papa Johns: Garlic Dip, CEO Scandals, & the First Bitcoin Pizza 🍕 From a broom closet in Indiana to viral garlic sauce bath bombs, Papa Johns has had one of the weirdest journeys in chain restaurant history. In this episode, I explore the story of America's youngest major pizza chain — the sauce that changed the industry, the man who ate 40 pizzas in 30 days, and how a slice of Papa Johns became the first physical purchase made with Bitcoin. We’re talking about Shaq, lawsuits, racial slurs on conference calls, and a clock made of eagles. Yes, really. Comedian Nick Stargu joins me to talk everything Papa Johns! Does Papa Johns have the most cursed origin story in pizza? Or is it just misunderstood? 🧄 The Garlic Dipping Sauce That Changed the Game 📈 Explosive Growth & a Stock Ticker Called “PZZA” 🚗 Selling a Camaro to Fund the First Oven 👎 CEO John Schnatter’s Downfall: NFL Drama & Racist Rants 🤑 The $800 Million Bitcoin Pizza 🛁 Garlic-Scented Bath Bombs for Superfans 📉 How Papa John’s Nearly Lost Everything 🍕 Shaq Joins the Board (And Gets His Own Pizza?) 👨‍🍳 From “Better Ingredients” to Better PR Moves? 💬 COMMENT BELOW: What’s your go-to pizza chain — and is Papa Johns even in the conversation? Check out Nick's comedy special ! 📢 SUPPORT THE SHOW & JOIN THE COMMUNITY: 🔥 Patreon (Bonus reviews & exclusive content!): https://www.patreon.com/finediningpodcast 💬 Discord (Chat chains & share horror stories!): https://discord.gg/6a2YqrtWV4 🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@finediningpodcast 🔗 All links: https://www.linktree.com/finediningpodcast ⚡ Like, Subscribe & Share if you love chaotic deep dives into fast-casual history! Patreon Producers: Sue Ornelas & Joyce Van 👉 NEXT WEEK: We’re actually going to eat Papa Johns. Is it as bad as I remember? Or has it crawled back into crusty relevancy? /episode/index/show/9369c4b7-1e7b-4d55-9b95-8001ab364097/id/36557070

Chili's IS the Most Mediocre Restaurant in America 05/07/2025

Chili's: The Fajita Effect, NSYNC, and the Jingle That Changed Everything 04/30/2025

Is Joe's Crab Shack the Best Chain Seafood Restaurant? 04/23/2025

Joe's Crab Shack: Drunk Toddlers, Racist Decor, & WHO THE HELL IS JOE 04/16/2025

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