Bachelor on the Cheap

Dairy Queen and Shawn Johnson East Team Up for Miracle Treat Day to Support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

On July 25, DQ Fans Can Support Their Local Children’s Hospitals Simply by Purchasing a Blizzard Treat

MINNEAPOLIS -- American Dairy Queen Corporation (ADQ), an iconic leader in treats and food, today announced the return of Miracle Treat Day®, where fans can make their trip to a local DQ® restaurant more meaningful. On July 25, the one-day initiative will help raise essential funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® and joining DQ to spread the word about how to support children nationwide is entrepreneur, gymnast and mom Shawn Johnson East. Together, Shawn and DQ will rally fans to share hope and support for local children’s hospitals.

Shawn Johnson East teams up with DQ and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals to support the annual Miracle Treat Day campaign. Shawn joins Jesse, a Children’s Miracle Network Champion, at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt to spread the word about Miracle Treat Day. On July 25, DQ fans can purchase their favorite Blizzard Treat at participating U.S. DQ locations and $1 or more will be donated to local children’s hospitals through Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. (Photo Credit: Michael Simon)

On Miracle Treat Day, when fans purchase their favorite BLIZZARD® Treat at participating U.S. DQ locations, $1 or more will be donated to local children’s hospitals through Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals – a longtime charitable DQ partnership.* Working together over the past 40 years, the DQ system has raised more than $180 million for local children’s hospitals through Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

“I’m excited to team up with DQ again this year to show my support for Miracle Treat Day and rally fans to join me in doing good by enjoying a BlizzardTreat,” said Shawn Johnson East. “The simple act of buying a delicious Blizzard Treat on Miracle Treat Day helps raise funds and offers support as well as hope to children nationwide.”

For more details on this event and to find a participating U.S. restaurant in your area visit DQ.com.

Fans can download the DQ App to learn more and get reminders so they don’t miss out on this fan-favorite event.

#MiracleTreatDay On Social

To help spread awareness of the campaign, DQ is encouraging fans to share their own posts on social media through July 25 (Miracle Treat Day) using the hashtag #MiracleTreatDay. Additionally, individuals can share Miracle Treat Day (#MiracleTreatDay) social posts found on the DQ Instagram, Facebook, X and TikTok channels.

*For every BLIZZARD® Treat sold on Miracle Treat Day (July 25, 2024) at participating U.S. locations, $1 or more will be donated to local children’s hospitals through Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org).

For more information, visit Miracle Treat Day website at www.miracletreatday.com.

About International Dairy Queen

International Dairy Queen, Inc., headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation and Dairy Queen Canada, Inc. Through its subsidiaries, IDQ develops, licenses and services a system of more than 7,500 DQ restaurants in 20 countries. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. (Berkshire), which is led by Warren Buffett, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire. For more information, visit DairyQueen.com.

About Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals was founded more than 40 years ago with the vision to Change Kids’ Health, Change the Future. We’ve raised over $9 billion for 170 children’s hospitals by empowering and engaging with local communities and businesses – and we’re not done yet. All donations benefit local member hospitals to fund what’s needed most, like critical life-saving treatments and healthcare services, innovative research, vital pediatric medical equipment, child life services that put kids’ and families’ minds at ease during difficult hospital stays, and financial assistance for families who could not otherwise afford these health services.

Together, we can change kids’ health. Together, we can change the future. To learn about Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and your local member children’s hospital, visit cmnhospitals.org.

For additional information on DQ, please visit DQ.com.

Follow us on social media:
Instagram – @dairyqueen
Facebook – @dairyqueen
X – @dairyqueen
TikTok – @dairyqueen

IDQUS for Food, Treats & Beverages - US

[email protected]

Source: International Dairy Queen

Chill Out at DQ® This National Ice Cream Day with the Coolest DQ Rewards Offer: A Free Dilly® Bar​

DQ® is the perfect place to get a cool, sweet treat this National Ice Cream Day. For one day only on July 21, DQ® Rewards members can get a free Dilly® Bar, made with world-famous DQ® vanilla soft serve encased in a delicious coating, with a DQ® App order of $1 or more. Fans can exclusively access the deal through the DQ® App* available for download on iOS and Android devices. Download and sign up to be a DQ® Rewards member today to start enjoying app-exclusive perks and more! 

*Valid in the DQ® App for DQ® Rewards members; deals may take 24 hours to appear. At participating U.S. locations. Other terms apply.

National Fried Chicken Day is Saturday, July 6, 2024

BachelorontheCheap.com

Who doesn't like fried chicken?  It's an iconic American food and ranks right up there in popularity with the cheeseburger.

If you want to celebrate National Fried Chicken Day in Wichita, here's a list of restaurants offering deals, along with a general list of places to satisfy your fried chicken craving.  Lists are in alphabetical order.  

Fried Chicken Deals

Burger King:  This is NOT my first choice (or a 2nd, or a 3rd... I digress), but they are offering a perk to members of Burger King's Royal Perks loyalty program.  Members can get a free Royal Crispy Chicken sandwich with a purchase of $5 or more.

KFC: If you're a member of the KFC Rewards Loyalty Program or a user of the KFC app, there are a number of deals being offered, to include 50% off chicken sandwiches.  Deals are only available on kfc.com and the KFC app, and of course it's, "at participating locations."

Popeyes:  Making boneless wings a permanent menu item in June, members of Popeyes Rewards loyalty program can get a free 6-piece order of boneless wings with a $10 purchase through July 14.  Flavors include Classic, Honey Lemon Pepper, Honey BBQ, Roasted Garlic Parmesan, Signature Hot, and Sweet 'N Spicy.  

Where to get fried chicken in Wichita

Chick N Max:  Multiple locations in Wichita.  Known for a good chicken sandwich.

Chicken N Pickle:  Located at 1240 N Greenwich Rd, Wichita, KS 67206.  It's a great place to play pickleball meet up with friends, and gather for an event. I've eaten here twice.  The service is good, and bartenders sling some good drinks, but the food is average at best.  In my humble opinion, you'll find better chicken elsewhere.  You would think that a restaurant with chicken in the name would care more to crank out better food.

Church's Texas Chicken:  Multiple locations in Wichita.  I prefer Church's over KFC and are second only to Popeye's when it comes to a fried chicken sandwich.

Doo-Dah Diner:  Located at 206 E Kellogg St, Wichita, KS 67202. This is a Wichita icon, serving up breakfast and brunch.  Go for the chicken and waffles, topped with sausage gravy and a slice of chocolate-dipped bacon!

Fat Ernie's Family Dining:  2806 S Hydraulic Ave, Wichita, KS 67216.  The parking lot is always full, the best indicator there is on how good the food is.  They have a number of fried chicken options.

Krispy's Fried Chicken & Seafood: 3009 S Hillside Ave, Wichita, KS 67216.  Locally owned and operated, this place rivals if not exceeds anything the national fast food chains crank out.

Louisiana Famous Fried Chicken: 4206 E Harry St, Wichita, KS 67218.  I'd much rather go to Krispy's.

Poplar Restaurant:  Located at 127 US-54, Andover, KS 67002.  Everything on the menu is good!  This is another locally owned and operated establishment that deserves some love, cranking out better food than a national chain.

Slim Chickens:  Located at 2313 N Greenwich Rd, Wichita, KS 67226.  Slim Chickens did not score well in my Best Chicken Sandwich in Wichita Challenge of 2021 and I haven't been back since.  I need to give them another try.

Stroud's Restaurant & Bar: Located at 3661 N Hillside St, Wichita, KS 67219.  Some say this place makes the best-fried chicken in Wichita.  Go to their website, and a plate of golden, brown and delicious looking fried chicken is staring at you in the face.

Wingstop:  Multiple locations in Wichita.  Their menu has all kinds of options, wings, sandwiches, crispy tenders, and more.

$pend Wisely My Friends...

~ Mike

KRISPY KREME® Celebrates World Chocolate Day this Weekend by Returning Popular Chocolate Glazed Doughnut

Original Glazed® Doughnuts smothered in rich chocolate glaze to be offered Saturday and Sunday, July 6-7

Half-price Chocolate Glazed dozen available with purchase of any dozen at regular price

CHARLOTTE, N.C.-- Chocolate lovers rejoice and get ready! Krispy Kreme® is bringing back its beloved Chocolate Glazed Doughnuts this Saturday and Sunday only, July 6 and 7, in celebration of Sunday’s World Chocolate Day.

Original Glazed Doughnuts smothered in rich chocolate glaze to be offered at Krispy Kreme on Saturday and Sunday, July 6-7; Half-price Chocolate Glazed dozen available with purchase of any dozen at regular price. (Photo: Business Wire)

It will be the only time in 2024 that Krispy Kreme offers Chocolate Glazed – Krispy Kreme’s iconic Original Glazed® Doughnut smothered in rich, mouth-watering chocolate glaze.

To make the weekend even more chocolatey, Krispy Kreme is offering 50 percent off a dozen Chocolate Glazed doughnuts with the purchase of any dozen at regular price.

Krispy Kreme first introduced Chocolate Glazed in 2017 to celebrate that year’s total solar eclipse. The brand then offered Chocolate Glazed doughnuts on six continents in 2018 for World Chocolate Day. Since then, sightings of Chocolate Glazed have been rare.

“There’s nothing like our Chocolate Glazed doughnut, it’s a rare and special treat,” said Dave Skena, Global Chief Brand Officer for Krispy Kreme. “From watching the chocolate glaze waterfall to the aroma of chocolate taking over shops to the taste of our fresh doughnuts bathed in chocolate glaze – there’s no better way to celebrate World Chocolate Day.”

Doughnut and chocolate lovers can enjoy Chocolate Glazed doughnuts Saturday and Sunday at participating Krispy Kreme shops throughout the U.S., available in-shop and for pickup or delivery via Krispy Kreme’s app and website while supplies last.

Show us how you’re enjoying the return of Chocolate Glazed by using #KrispyKreme, #WorldChocolateDay and tagging @krispykreme on social. Learn more about Krispy Kreme’s Chocolate Glazed today by visiting www.krispykreme.com/promos/worldchocolateday.

About Krispy Kreme

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Krispy Kreme is one of the most beloved and well-known sweet treat brands in the world. Our iconic Original Glazed® doughnut is universally recognized for its hot-off-the-line, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Krispy Kreme operates in more than 35 countries through its unique network of fresh doughnut shops, partnerships with leading retailers, and a rapidly growing Ecommerce and delivery business with more than 14,000 fresh points of access. Our purpose of touching and enhancing lives through the joy that is Krispy Kreme guides how we operate every day and is reflected in the love we have for our people, our communities and the planet. Connect with Krispy Kreme Doughnuts at www.KrispyKreme.com, or on one of its many social media channels, including www.Facebook.com/KrispyKreme and www.Twitter.com/KrispyKreme

Fazoli’s Lights the Fireworks Early with the Ultimate Value Deal, $4 Pastas

LOS ANGELES -- Fazoli’s, America’s favorite fast and fresh Italian chain owned by FAT Brands Inc., is celebrating America’s birthday with a fiery deal! Starting July 3 and running through July 10 at participating locations, guests can indulge in fan-favorite pasta dishes for only $4, including Regular Spaghetti with Marinara or Meat Sauce and Fettuccine Alfredo.

Available for dine-in, drive-thru and online guests who mention “4SUMMER,” this hot deal is a steal for fans to enjoy some of Fazolis’ most classic dishes. All three pasta offerings are loaded with flavor and, as always, served with free freshly baked, signature breadsticks.

“Providing great value for our beloved fans continues to be a key brand pillar,” said Tisha Bartlett, Vice President of Marketing at Fazoli’s. “For the Fourth of July, we wanted to deliver on this further, starting the celebration early and continuing it all week long. The launch of this celebratory offer is sure to make some noise from a value perspective—a filling pasta meal with breadsticks for only $4—a firecracker of a deal!”

Since 1988, Fazoli’s has been committed to serving quality Italian food, fast, fresh and friendly. From unlimited signature breadsticks to freshly prepared pasta entrees, the chain prides itself on serving high-quality menu offerings, all at an affordable price.

About FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands

FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) is a leading global franchising company that strategically acquires, markets and develops fast casual, casual and polished casual dining restaurant concepts around the world. The Company currently owns 18 restaurant brands: Round Table Pizza^®, Fatburger, Marble Slab Creamery, Johnny Rockets, Fazoli’s, Twin Peaks, Great American Cookies, Smokey Bones, Hot Dog on a Stick, Buffalo’s Cafe & Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Native Grill & Wings, Pretzelmaker, Elevation Burger, Yalla Mediterranean and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses, and franchises and owns over 2,300 units worldwide. For more information on FAT Brands, please visit http://www.fatbrands.com.

About Fazoli's

Fast. Fresh. Italian. Founded in 1988 in Lexington, Ky., Fazoli's owns and operates over 200 restaurants in 26 states, making it the largest QSR Italian chain in America. Fazoli’s prides itself on serving quality Italian food, fast, fresh, and friendly. Menu offerings include freshly prepared pasta entrees, sub sandwiches, salads, pizza, and desserts – along with its unlimited signature breadsticks. For more information, visit www.Fazolis.com.

Try to plan your road trip fuel stops ahead of time

BachelorontheCheap.com

Road Trip!

The definition of "Road Trip" is almost (key word, almost) inherently about free-wheeling it,  winging it to use an airplane term, pretty much improvising as you go.

"I'll start looking for a place to refuel when I get down to 100 miles worth of gas left in the tank (or about a quarter-tank for older, 'technology-light' models)."

Don't do that.

The price of Mojave desert gas along "Historic Route 66"

I did just that, however, during a recent trip to California.  With 108 miles worth of gas left in the rental vehicle tank and seeing one of those blue Interstate informational signs that read "No gas or services for the next 55 miles" I decided to pull off the Interstate for a fuel stop and break rather than push it.  I was in the Mojave desert mind you and I anticipated the price of gas would be higher than what I paid at the last stop, but OMG did my jaw drop when I saw the prices on the pump!  My immediate thought after seeing those prices was, "I should have pushed it."  As it was, at a Chevron in the Mojave desert on historic Route 66, I overpaid for gas and had to pee in a porta-potty because there was no Men's room in the store.  It thankfully was a nice Porta Potty and had running water and soap to wash your hands with, rather than one of those hand sanitizer setups or nothing at all. 

It can be tough to plan stops for refueling or simply to take a break from driving, especially when you aren't traveling alone.   But if you can take the time to pre-plan and reserve your hotel stays, you can also plan your fuel stops.  At the very least, before taking your trip, you can look online and research where your preferred gas/convenience/truck/travel stops are along the route you plan to take.  Some chain outfits even have trip planners on their respective websites to help you out with that very task.  Shame on me for not doing so for my recent trip out west.  I prefer travel stops, a.k.a. truck stops when I travel.  Travel stops have large gas pump areas where there's usually no waiting to refuel, large restrooms where there's no waiting to pee, and multiple restaurant/snack options.  Below is my list of preferred stops, plus some highlights of places I stopped at during my California trip that were, well, less than impressive.  Call it a 'Hit and Miss' list if you will.

Truck Stop/Travel Center Stop Hits

• Love's Travel Stops:  With more than 500 locations in 41 states, Love's has become my preferred place to stop when on the road.  Their facilities are always clean, a pump is always open if you need to refuel, the convenience area for snacks and drinks is always well stocked, and Love's always partners with a variety of fast food dining options from Arby's to Taco Bell.  That means there's an alphabetical list of joints from A-T for those of you who live in Valley Center.  Fast food joints vary at each Love's location.
• Travel Centers of America:  More commonly known as 'TA", this full-service truck stop chain has 285 locations in 44 states.  They feature sit-down restaurants in case you're not feeling like fast food.  In the mood for a country-fried steak with mashed potatoes and gravy?  Put a TA on your refueling stop list.
• Pilot Flying J:  This is the largest truck stop chain in the country with over 750 locations in 44 states.  They feature both fast food and sit-down restaurant options depending on the location, partnering with joints like McDonald's, Subway, Denny's, and Huddle House.  Flying J used to be my preferred truck stop, but some of their facilities need some updating, and overall prices are a bit higher than competitors.  Still, it's a better option than an isolated gas station with a porta-potty in the middle of the desert.

Convenience Store Hits

• Casey's General Store:  If a truck stop isn't your thing or you can't find one that's timely along your travel route, you can't go wrong with a Casey's.   I like to stop at Casey's when on the road because they're consistent.  There's no fear of scary bathrooms, they're usually one of the cheaper options for refueling and their pizza is pretty good, all breakfast and traditional varieties.  They have over 2,200 locations in 16 states, primarily in the Midwest. I frequently travel to my home state of Iowa, and Casey's in Bethany, Missouri is my go-to stop for that trip.  With a large gas pump area, clean facilities, convenience food options, and even a place to walk your dog if you have one, this place is always busy no matter the time of day but they handle it all with little to no wait.  
• QuikTrip:  With over 1,000 locations spread out throughout the Midwest and South, QT is my #2 Convenience Store pick.  They do everything Casey's does, but the overall prices are a bit higher.  Their in-store kitchen offers more variety than Casey's, but it's hit-and-miss.  Their pizza is decent, and the soft pretzels are good, but the burritos and breakfast sandwiches are "eh"...  I'd rather buy a bag of chips.

Traditional Gas Station Misses

• Chevron - 31251 Goffs Rd Essex, CA 92332:  This place takes full advantage of gouging customers in my humble opinion, with no other options for fuel or water for miles.  Thank goodness my cooler didn't need replenishing!  They charge absurd prices for everything including $8 for a bottle of water, and the Men's bathroom is a row of porta potties outside.  The parking lot has several potholes.  Avoid this place, refuel elsewhere. Chevron has over 1,800 gas station locations in California, and this without question is the highest-priced one.
• Phillips 66:  This chain is SO hit and miss!   One location is decent, the next is a dive, with four gas pumps and a one-hole, dirty restroom that's out of paper towels to dry your hands with.  You have a 50/50 shot of stopping at a decent location, as in acceptable, not to be confused with good or excellent. In my traveling experience, when I see a Phillips 66 refueling option, I look for another.  Phillips 66 has over 2,500 locations in 32 states, it's a last resort in every state for me.

A gas station option that's better than the above is Shell.  They've done a nice job of updating their facilities in recent years, and have more than 12,000 locations throughout the U.S.  They're far superior to Chevron and Phillips in every way.

Truck stops can make for a comfortable stop, providing everything you may need to take a break from the road.  They're not always timely on the road, however, and are greatly outnumbered by convenience stores, which are great Plan B stops, if not priority ones.  As far as gas station locations go, Shell would be my choice over any others, but we're talking Plan C.

Happy travels and $pend Wisely My Friends...

~ Mike

Celebrate the Red, White, and Blue with the SCOOOT! Energy® Sparkler at Scooter’s Coffee®

OMAHA, Neb. -- Scooter’s Coffee is launching into the Independence Day holiday with the return of the red, white, and blue SCOOOT! Energy Sparkler!

This visually stunning drink will spark more “oohs” and “aahs” than a firework spectacular. Your taste buds will celebrate with a blend of tropical, pomegranate, and peach flavors on the bottom, a sweet layer of whipped cream in the middle, and a bold and beautiful topping of blue raspberry cold foam. Featuring three colorful layers of flavor, this red, white, and blue infusion drink is the perfect sidekick for a day at the pool or a night under the stars and fireworks.

The SCOOOT! Energy Sparkler is now available for a limited time at all Scooter’s Coffee locations nationwide. Find the nearest Scooter’s Coffee location on your way to the celebration at scooterscoffee.com or by downloading the Scooter’s Coffee mobile app.

About Scooter’s Coffee

Founded in 1998 by Don and Linda Eckles in Bellevue, Nebraska, Scooter’s Coffee uses only the finest coffee beans in the world, which are roasted by its affiliated company, Harvest Roasting, in Omaha, Nebraska. In over 25 years of business, the key to Scooter’s Coffee’s success is simple: stay committed to the original business principles and company’s four core values, which are Integrity, Love, Humility and Courage. The Scooter’s Coffee Brand Promise, often recited to franchisees, customers and employees, is: “Amazing People, Amazing Drinks… Amazingly Fast!®” It represents the company’s business origins and reflects a steady commitment to providing an unforgettable experience to loyal and new customers.

Scooter’s Coffee‘s network includes 800 stores in 30 states and is striving to become the #1 drive-thru specialty coffee franchise system in the nation. Scooter’s Coffee ranked #13 on Yelp’s 2023 list of 50 Most Loved Brands in the U.S. and ranked #2 on Franchise Times Fast & Serious 40 Smartest-Growing Franchises in 2024. 

For more information, visit scooterscoffee.com or call 877-494-7004. To connect with Scooter’s Coffee, visit Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or X (formerly Twitter) and share your favorite moments by tagging @scooterscoffee using the hashtag #ScootOnAround.

New OREO® Cookie Blender, Caramelicous® Cold Brew and Fruit Flavors Highlight New Summertime Favorites at Scooter’s Coffee

 

OMAHA, Neb., – Scooter’s Coffee^® is bringing new levels of fun to your summer with our exciting new options featuring OREO^® cookies, supercharged fruit flavors, and a new cold brew version of our signature Caramelicious® drink.

Cookies and cream collide in the new OREO® Blender available for a limited time at Scooter’s Coffee! We’re taking our amazing ice cream base and blending it together with our classic white mocha sauce and OREO® cookie pieces for a cool and creamy treat. The drink is finished with fluffy whipped cream and more OREO® cookie pieces sprinkled on top. Try adding espresso for an extra kick-start to your day!

The OREO® cookie goodness doesn’t stop there. Our new OREO® Cake Bite packs your favorite cookies and cream flavors into a delicious new snack. We’re mixing OREO® cookie pieces straight into our cake bite batter and baking it to perfection. Each cake bite is filled with vanilla crème frosting in the center, glazed with a white candy coating, and topped off with more OREO® cookie pieces. Grab these bite size delights before they’re gone!

Looking to supercharge your summer? Try our new Electric Peach SCOOOT! Energy® Infusion! This sweet and tangy new drink is like an electric slide for your tastebuds. Tart cherry and tangy pomegranate boost the flavors of peach and our tropical SCOOOT! Energy in every sip, resulting in a zing of summer flavor and fun. Sweet and chewy peach ring candies give this summer drink a fun finishing touch.

A Scooter’s Coffee classic is getting a new twist. Introducing the Caramelicious® Crème Cold Brew, a new favorite that combines our signature creamy and buttery caramel with our slow-steeped smooth cold brew. This addition to our menu features our cold brew infused with caramel goodness, enriched with a splash of heavy cream, and topped off with our new Caramelicious® cold foam.

Our new Strawberry Lime Quencher and Pineapple Mint Quencher are already making big waves this summer! Splash into these refreshing fruit flavors that come mixed with lemonade and green coffee extract for a caffeine boost. Hit the refresh button by swapping lemonade for iced green tea or creamy coconut milk in either drink. What will be your favorite Quencher combo?

These cool and delicious favorites are the perfect pairing for summertime fun. Visit scooterscoffee.com for more information or Scoot on Around™ to your nearest Scooter’s Coffee location.

OREO is a trademark of Mondelēz International group, used under license.

About Scooter’s Coffee

Founded in 1998 by Don and Linda Eckles in Bellevue, Nebraska, Scooter’s Coffee uses only the finest coffee beans in the world, which are roasted by its affiliated company, Harvest Roasting, in Omaha, Nebraska. In over 25 years of business, the key to Scooter’s Coffee’s success is simple: stay committed to the original business principles and company’s four core values, which are Integrity, Love, Humility and Courage. The Scooter’s Coffee Brand Promise, often recited to franchisees, customers and employees, is: “Amazing People, Amazing Drinks… Amazingly Fast!®” It represents the company’s business origins and reflects a steady commitment to providing an unforgettable experience to loyal and new customers.

Scooter’s Coffee‘s network includes 800 stores in 30 states and is striving to become the #1 drive-thru specialty coffee franchise system in the nation. Scooter’s Coffee ranked #13 on Yelp’s 2023 list of 50 Most Loved Brands in the U.S. and ranked #2 on Franchise Times Fast & Serious 40 Smartest-Growing Franchises in 2024. 

For more information, visit scooterscoffee.com or call 877-494-7004. To connect with Scooter’s Coffee, visit Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or X (formerly Twitter) and share your favorite moments by tagging @scooterscoffee using the hashtag #ScootOnAround.

First visit to In-N-Out Burger

In-N-Out Burger, Barstow, CA.

BachelorontheCheap.com

A regional fast food burger joint located primarily in California, I've heard about how great In-N-Out Burger is over the years, from military buddies hailing from the Golden State back in the day to my oldest son touting the place, experiencing In-N-Out as a graduate student at the University of California Santa Barbara.  I recently traveled to California to visit my son, and sampling an In-N-Out Burger was on my list of "Things to do."

The hype for In-N-Out is how it's so much better than national chains like McDonald's, Burger King, and Wendy's. 

It must be a California thing...

I wasn't all that impressed, based on what I ordered, In-N-Out is over-hyped.

Double-Double Combo Meal

Stopping in Barstow, California on the road trip back home, I ordered a Double-Double, which features two all-beef patties, two slices of American cheese, onion (option of fresh or grilled), lettuce, In-N-Out 'Spread' which is basically their version of Thousand Island Dressing, a slice of tomato and it's served up on a good old-school sponge dough burger bun.  To go with my burger, I of course ordered fries and a drink making it a combo meal.  

I went with the Double-Double because when I first try a place, especially a burger joint, I like to sample a basic offering.  If a burger joint can't do a basic burger right, then the rest of the menu becomes suspect.  My thinking is, a restaurant has to be able to elevate the standard burger experience in order for me to consider a repeat visit. 

I found the Double-Double to be, well, rather McDonald's-ish.  Two all-beef patties, 'special' sauce, lettuce, cheese, tomato instead of pickle, and I could care less about the sesame seeds on a bun.  Don't get me wrong, it was a good burger, it was executed well, but it didn't have a 'wow' factor.  Swap out the tomato with pickles and I might as well have been eating a freshly prepared Big Mac.  To be fair, and my son recommended it, I could have ordered my Double Double 'Animal Style', which features mustard-cooked beef patties, grilled onions instead of fresh, the addition of pickles, and extra spread.  

This is a decent burger straight off the menu, but I can see how ordering it 'Animal Style' would elevate the burger experience.

The fries were less-than-stellar.  They were OK starting out, but as I chomped on the burger and the fries got colder, the worse they got.  I've never had a fries getting cold and nasty experience like this when eating in.  McDonald's and Wendy's have better fries.

Costing me $11.58 for the Double-Double Combo Meal, my overall In-N-Out Burger experience was "eh"...  The burger was decent, the fries were below average.  The price was reasonable (don't know how long those prices will remain reasonable considering CA's new $20 minimum wage law), and despite their assembly line process in the full-view kitchen, the wait for a dine-in order was a bit long.  The Double-Double as I ordered it, is good enough for a repeat buy in a Plan B kind of way, but next time I visit, I'll honor my son's recommendation and order it 'Animal Style' for an elevated burger experience.

$pend Wisely My Friends...

~ Mike

The In-N-Out Burger visited on this occasion is located at 2821 Lenwood Rd, Barstow, CA 92311. The place was already busy when I entered at 11am and the service was very polite, but slow.  Not sure if it was a too-many-cooks-and-not-enough-servers kind of thing, but the fast food meal came with a tablecloth meal wait.

Dairy Queen and Musician Ashlee Simpson-Ross Celebrate the Start of Summer like It’s 2004 in Honor of the DQ FREEZER, an Extraordinary Freezer Holding All Blizzard Treat Flavors of the Past

The Millennial Icon Teams Up with DQ to Relive the Magic of 2004, when the Brownie Batter BLIZZARD Treat Originated

MINNEAPOLIS -- Summer is officially here, and American Dairy Queen Corporation (ADQ) is celebrating the start of the season by throwing it back to 2004 and the “greatest hits” of the era, including the Brownie Batter BLIZZARD® Treat. In honor of the inaugural opening of the DQ® FREEZER, keeper of all the iconic Blizzard Treats ever created, the brand is partnering with musician Ashlee Simpson-Ross to commemorate the year the Brownie Batter Blizzard Treat was first released.

Millennial icon Ashlee Simpson is celebrating the inaugural opening of the DQ® FREEZER by commemorating 2004, the year the Brownie Batter Blizzard Treat was first released. The Summer BLIZZARD® Treat Menu is available now at participating locations for a limited time only. (Photo: Dairy Queen)

“Over the past 20 years, many things have changed, but some things have stood the test of time, like the Brownie Batter Blizzard Treat,” said Simpson-Ross. “As someone with fond memories of that era, it’s always fun to witness people celebrate or discover the best of 2004, and I’m excited to partner with DQ to help people do that by enjoying a Brownie Batter Blizzard Treat this summer.”

DQ launched the DQ FREEZER this past spring, marking the first-ever glimpse behind its doors and the chance for re-releases of fan favorite flavors. Alongside the Brownie Batter Blizzard Treat, fans can enjoy the Frosted Animal Cookie Blizzard Treat, which also returned from the DQ FREEZER for the summer. To learn more, fans can visit https://www.dairyqueen.com/en-us/dq-freezer/ to find out when they can get their favorite flavors before they go back into the DQ FREEZER.

“2004 delivered amazing music and style that have remained relevant within pop culture – just as our Brownie Batter Blizzard Treat has remained a top favorite among our fans. Along with the Frosted Animal Cookie Blizzard Treat, we’re excited to give our fans a taste of two highly requested flavors from the DQ FREEZER,” said Maria Hokanson, executive vice president, marketing at ADQ. “We know how to celebrate summer right and what better way to kick off the most beloved season of the year than celebrating with some of our greatest hits!”

In addition to the beloved DQ FREEZER flavors, fans can cool down with the full Summer Blizzard Treat Menu throughout the season. The menu, which features returning favorites and all-new summer flavors, includes:

• IT’S BACK! Brownie Batter Blizzard Treat: Brownie batter and brownie dough pieces blended with world-famous DQ soft serve to Blizzard Treat perfection.
• IT’S BACK! Frosted Animal Cookie Blizzard Treat: Frosted Animal Cookie pieces and Pink Confetti Icing blended with world-famous DQ soft serve to Blizzard Treat perfection
• IT’S BACK! Cotton Candy Blizzard Treat: Cotton candy sprinkles blended with world-famous DQ soft serve to Blizzard Treat perfection.
• NEW! Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Party Blizzard Treat: Chocolate chip cookie dough, peanut butter topping, and rainbow confetti peanut crunch blended with world-famous DQ soft serve to Blizzard Treat perfection.
• NEW! Picnic Peach Cobbler Blizzard Treat: Peach and cobbler pieces blended with world-famous DQ soft serve to Blizzard Treat perfection.
• NEW! Ultimate Cookie Blizzard Treat: OREO®, CHIPS AHOY!® and NUTTER BUTTER® blended with world-famous DQ soft serve to Blizzard Treat perfection.

Fans can download the DQ Mobile App and create a DQ Rewards account to stay tuned for upcoming product announcements and available deals.

About International Dairy Queen

International Dairy Queen Inc. (IDQ), based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is the parent company of American Dairy Queen Corporation (ADQ) and Dairy Queen Canada, Inc. Through its subsidiaries, IDQ develops, licenses and services a system of more than 7,000 restaurants in the United States, Canada and more than 20 other countries. IDQ is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. (Berkshire), which is led by Warren Buffet, the legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire. For more information, visit DairyQueen.com.