Portillo's, Bucee's, Costco, etc.

[Pairadocs]

Passed the newly built Waffle House yesterday (behind U.S. Bank on OBT). Got me thinking of Portillo's plans for Lady Lake, and the Bucee's slated for Ocala. Seems Portillo's is becoming very complicated between the road construction issue (soon to be finished I understand) and the change in financing partners. Was really looking forward to doing take home from Bucee's when in Ocala, but looks like that project is years away, possibly '27 or so ? ? Guess the further away we are from Bucee's the better off our health will be.....LOL... but it sure is good barbecue ! Now seems to be totally opposite "rumors" about the planned "Harry and the Natives", following these things gives us retired folks a new hobby....LOL !

[VApeople]

Passed the newly built Waffle House yesterday (behind U.S. Bank on OBT).

We have lived here for 9 years and we have no idea what OBT means.

If you want your message to mean anything to all people, you might want to avoid abbreviations like that.

[biggamefish1]

[QUOTE=VApeople;2405244]We have lived here for 9 years and we have no idea what OBT means.

OBT is short for Orange Blossom Trail

[thelegges]

Rarely go to OBT, but was surprised at the WH in progress. No longer holding our breath on Portillos, with financial restarts.

Just up in Ocala couple weeks ago, the song and dance given (a name not to be used) at the Buccee’s local news spot, that the new exit would start immediately to get this great business up and running. Wasn’t that close to 2 years ago? There is a new Buccee’s billboard hung upside down on I75 showed up last month, but zero info.

At least there is WaWa’s structure and tanks are in at Powell. Plus ground work at Costco, Target seems to be moving at a reasonable pace, pulse all three 5th3rd Banks look to open soon.

[Topspinmo]

Can hardly wait for Bucee’s Texas style barbecue and acre of other items sold.. I don’t think broke ground yet or the interchanges at location (by Google address) has even been started?

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I've never been to a Waffle House. Their reputation for late-night violence aside, are they any good? Or is it just popular for the freak-shows?

[thelegges]

I've never been to a Waffle House. Their reputation for late-night violence aside, are they any good? Or is it just popular for the freak-shows?

It’s not a cheap date to eat. Waffles are good if you need to eat. Everything else is tooooo much grease. But hashbrown3way has a following. Most are open 24/7 so crowd can be dicey into the night

[ElDiabloJoe]

I've never been to a Waffle House. Their reputation for late-night violence aside, are they any good? Or is it just popular for the freak-shows?If you like lots and lots of butter and salt and very cheap meals, yes they are good. IMHO you get a MUCH better breakfast for twice as much at Cracker Barrel. However, since you and I agree on little else, we probably disagree on this as well you may very well love-love-love Waffle House.

[Stu from NYC]

Waiting anxiously for Buccees to be built

[thelegges]

If you like lots and lots of butter and salt and very cheap meals, yes they are good. IMHO you get a MUCH better breakfast for twice as much at Cracker Barrel. However, since you and I agree on little else, we probably disagree on this as well you may very well love-love-love Waffle House.

One can eat similar breakfast at flying biscuit, within a dollar of Waffle House. Waffle House is somewhere you stop because nothing else is open.

[Stu from NYC]

One can eat similar breakfast at flying biscuit, within a dollar of Waffle House. Waffle House is somewhere you stop because nothing else is open.

They still make a good waffle. Also fascinating to watch the short order cook go about his business

[Bilyclub]

But we will get Hooters that nobody asked for.

[VApeople]

[QUOTE=VApeople;2405244]We have lived here for 9 years and we have no idea what OBT means.

OBT is short for Orange Blossom Trail

Thanks for explaining that.

Of course, I have no idea where that Trail is, so I guess this thread doesn't pertain to me.

[Stu from NYC]

But we will get Hooters that nobody asked for.

Lets see if the community supports them. Thinking it will.

[BigDawgInLakeDenham]

Anyone waiting for Buc-ee's because you believe it's good BBQ....Bless your hearts.....because their food sucks and you'll get heart burn. Whenever they open make sure you take an extra Prevacid. Seriously....Texas BBQ brisket does not have sauce....let alone a sauce that is absolutely disgusting. I cook a lot, like every day my entire life, and I know good BBQ....I gave Buc-ee 3 strikes and spent good money on a variety of offerings each time...and he struck out. Won't be trying to go Whenever it appears. I'll put my gas money into a nice piece of meat I smoke myself and I won't ruin it like Buc-ee's does

[Signguy]

If you like lots and lots of butter and salt and very cheap meals, yes they are good. IMHO you get a MUCH better breakfast for twice as much at Cracker Barrel. However, since you and I agree on little else, we probably disagree on this as well you may very well love-love-love Waffle House.

Just margarine.

[graciegirl]

I've never been to a Waffle House. Their reputation for late-night violence aside, are they any good? Or is it just popular for the freak-shows?

Never been to a Trader Joe's. Their reputation for exotic food aside, are they any good? Or is it just popular with the Costco leaning folks?

Just an attempt at humor...........now..............Don't get all huffy.

[Mazjaz]

I've never been to a Waffle House. Their reputation for late-night violence aside, are they any good? Or is it just popular for the freak-shows?

Never seen late night violence or freak shows at any Waffle House and we have been going once a week for probably 35 years. Excellent food.

[wayneman]

Never seen late night violence or freak shows at any Waffle House and we have been going once a week for probably 35 years. Excellent food.

Totally disagree. Their prices went sky high and not worth it for the garbage they put on your plate.

[Joe C.]

I've never been to a Waffle House. Their reputation for late-night violence aside, are they any good? Or is it just popular for the freak-shows?
They have a decent breakfast, but I haven't had lunch there. If you like butter and powdered sugar on your waffles, you had better bring your own powdered sugar as they don't have it.

[Joe C.]

But we will get Hooters that nobody asked for.

Just because a business isn't requested, doesn't mean that it can't be built. There are lots of "dirty old men" in and around the Villages who appreciate a good set of headlights.

[MorTech]

But we will get Hooters that nobody asked for.

Who's nobody?

[Berwin]

I've never been to a Waffle House. Their reputation for late-night violence aside, are they any good? Or is it just popular for the freak-shows?

I stopped in for a meal at a Waffle House many years ago. I sat down at the counter and looked at the cook's area. It was so filthy that I got up and walked back out. I've considered giving them a second chance.

[coconutmama]

But we will get Hooters that nobody asked for.

We plan to check it out. Why not? Outside patio, good wings, good price. Something different from FMK.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

I stopped in for a meal at a Waffle House many years ago. I sat down at the counter and looked at the cook's area. It was so filthy that I got up and walked back out. I've considered giving them a second chance.

Waffle house used to be great :rant-rave: Their breakfast burrito and coffee was the best for like $7. However, that was like 20 years ago, when I was travelling and working in the construction / service industry. Now, they don't even offer it.

WH is great for a quick breakfast meal on the road, anytime of day, that's it, when there is no other alternative.

[thelegges]

Never been to a Trader Joe's. Their reputation for exotic food aside, are they any good? Or is it just popular with the Costco leaning folks?

Just an attempt at humor...........now..............Don't get all huffy.

Well GG the “Exotic Food” such as gator, ostrich, rattlesnake, rarely has been on shelves in a grocery isle.

However, yes Trader Joe’s like Any Grocery has “Ethnic Sections” ya know Spanish, Asian, Indian, and so on, that you may be confusing with “Exotic” food.

While Costco clients may shop at Trader Joe’s, one is warehouse shopping, where TJ’s carries more organic, and Kosher than most grocery. None of which is considered “Exotic”

[CybrSage]

But we will get Hooters that nobody asked for.

People obviously want it or it would not be built.

If you do not want to go, then do not go. Pretending no one wants it built because you do not is just silly.

[CybrSage]

Never been to a Trader Joe's. Their reputation for exotic food aside, are they any good? Or is it just popular with the Costco leaning folks?

Just an attempt at humor...........now..............Don't get all huffy.

I do not get the hype, but a lot of people do love it

[gorillarick]

I'd trade five nearby Aldi's for a Trader Joes.

Seems to me the Sumter Landing location was ideal.
I guess it had too much parking to meet their modus operandi.

[Mrfriendly]

[QUOTE=VApeople;2405244]We have lived here for 9 years and we have no idea what OBT means.

OBT is short for Orange Blossom Trail

🤔

[justjim]

I've never been to a Waffle House. Their reputation for late-night violence aside, are they any good? Or is it just popular for the freak-shows?

The Waffle House is an icon Southern restaurant. Their breakfast, especially their waffle’s, are excellent. Their waffle’s are close to grandma’s who make them from scratch for me and my cousins every summer Saturday morning. Never been - you got to go!

[dawabeav]

Anyone waiting for Buc-ee's because you believe it's good BBQ....Bless your hearts.....because their food sucks and you'll get heart burn. Whenever they open make sure you take an extra Prevacid. Seriously....Texas BBQ brisket does not have sauce....let alone a sauce that is absolutely disgusting. I cook a lot, like every day my entire life, and I know good BBQ....I gave Buc-ee 3 strikes and spent good money on a variety of offerings each time...and he struck out. Won't be trying to go Whenever it appears. I'll put my gas money into a nice piece of meat I smoke myself and I won't ruin it like Buc-ee's does
I agree, I'll never stop at another Bucee's. The food is awful and over priced. And very crowded.

[Buckeye Bill]

Wow I agree quit the abbreviations at least for the first poster!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bill14564]

I agree, I'll never stop at another Bucee's. The food is awful and over priced. And very crowded.

People tend to vote with their feet and their wallets. You can tell how terrible Buc-ee's is by how crowded the parking lot always is.

[paulajr]

[QUOTE=VApeople;2405244]We have lived here for 9 years and we have no idea what OBT means.

OBT is short for Orange Blossom Trail

OBT is in Orlando….so what does that have to do with us?

[Emkay56]

There are no US Banks in the Villages, and what is OBT?

Passed the newly built Waffle House yesterday (behind U.S. Bank on OBT). Got me thinking of Portillo's plans for Lady Lake, and the Bucee's slated for Ocala. Seems Portillo's is becoming very complicated between the road construction issue (soon to be finished I understand) and the change in financing partners. Was really looking forward to doing take home from Bucee's when in Ocala, but looks like that project is years away, possibly '27 or so ? ? Guess the further away we are from Bucee's the better off our health will be.....LOL... but it sure is good barbecue ! Now seems to be totally opposite "rumors" about the planned "Harry and the Natives", following these things gives us retired folks a new hobby....LOL !

[NoMo50]

Guess the further away we are from Bucee's the better off our health will be.....LOL... but it sure is good barbecue !

Bucee's and BBQ are two words that should never be used in the same sentence. As a general rule, I will usually give an eatery at least two tries before giving up on them. Not so with Bucee's and the swill they call BBQ. Both their brisket and pulled pork are so laden with fat, and undercooked, as to be inedible. Those who know good Q avoid Bucee's like the plague.

[NoMoSno]

There are no US Banks in the Villages, and what is OBT?
The Waffle House is in front BJ's on 441 Lady lake.

[tjdmlhw]

I've never been to a Waffle House. Their reputation for late-night violence aside, are they any good? Or is it just popular for the freak-shows?

Over the past 50 years, I've eaten at Waffle House hundreds of times and a large number of those visits were late night after being out at a bar partying. As far as I can remember, I only saw one fight during all of those visits and that was broken up by my uncle telling one of the guys that he had kicked the other mans a** enough and should stop before the deputies got there.

The food definitely wasn't gourmet, but it was filling and I don't remember it being that greasy.

As far as Bucee's goes, we stop at the one in Warner Robins every time we travel by it on I-75. It didn't take us long to get tired of the BBQ sandwiches, I agree that they use too much sauce on the meat. The main reasons we stop are the price of gas is usually low (although other stations in the area have started matching it), they have huge clean restrooms, and they have a nice dog walk area for our dog.

[rustyp]

[QUOTE=biggamefish1;2405248]

OBT is in Orlando….so what does that have to do with us?

The Waffle House is in front BJ's on 441 Lady lake.

The street is NE 86th path. This street is the old golf cart dirt track that linked the historic side to Lowes and Walmart. It became a street when BJ's was built behind Wawa on 441.

[midiwiz]

I've never been to a Waffle House. Their reputation for late-night violence aside, are they any good? Or is it just popular for the freak-shows?

reputation for late night violence???? where?

[ElDiabloJoe]

There are no US Banks in the Villages, and what is OBT?
Common abbreviation, kinda like NO ONE on the west coast calls it The Pacific Coast Highway - it is near-universally known as PCH.

reputation for late night violence???? where?

Here's a few, I stopped after the first dozen - could'a kept going. If the links don't work, look at Post #40 on this thread: https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/restaurant-discussions-90/waffle-house-coming-lady-lake-347376/index3.html?highlight=waffle+house

Access to this page has been denied (https://www.kark.com/crime/one-woman...-friday-night/)

Shooting at Nashville Waffle House, gunman subdued by victim

Police beat: Woman is shot at Waffle House | The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette - Arkansas' Best News Source

Access to this page has been denied (https://www.cbs42.com/news/crime/sus...-waffle-house/)

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-sta...-officials-say

Wapt (https://www.wapt.com/article/three-p...y-18/46152588#)

https://www.al.com/news/2023/12/waff...fice-says.html

https://www.wsaz.com/2023/12/05/waff...shooting-work/

https://www.wave3.com/2024/01/01/man...shooting-2024/

https://www.wlbt.com/2023/12/16/3-pe...-waffle-house/

[Stu from NYC]

Bucee's and BBQ are two words that should never be used in the same sentence. As a general rule, I will usually give an eatery at least two tries before giving up on them. Not so with Bucee's and the swill they call BBQ. Both their brisket and pulled pork are so laden with fat, and undercooked, as to be inedible. Those who know good Q avoid Bucee's like the plague.

You are entitled to your opinion but never have seen an empty Buccees. Love their brisket as well as chicken sandwiches and their baked goods are outstanding.

[Gatorfan1]

Love the baked goods. Good place to stop, get gas, walk around, and look at all the things they sell. Clean restrooms, etc. They also pay well and hire a lot of part time seniors.

[Bill14564]

Here's a few, I stopped after the first dozen - could'a kept going. If the links don't work, look at Post #40 on this thread: https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/restaurant-discussions-90/waffle-house-coming-lady-lake-347376/index3.html?highlight=waffle+house



Not a surprise, not a concern. Not a reputation either.

With 2,000 locations open late at night and serving food that goes good after drinking, there's little surprise that there will occasionally be problems and some of those will involve shootings.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

If you like lots and lots of butter and salt and very cheap meals, yes they are good. IMHO you get a MUCH better breakfast for twice as much at Cracker Barrel. However, since you and I agree on little else, we probably disagree on this as well you may very well love-love-love Waffle House.

I'm totally not a fan of Cracker Barrel so if Waffle House is worse than that, I might go when they open just to say I've been there once, and likely never go back.

I've also never been to a Denny's. But I do really like Darrell's near Spanish Springs. Not a fan of grits OR hash browns. Love home fries though.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Not a surprise, not a concern. Not a reputation either.

With 2,000 locations open late at night and serving food that goes good after drinking, there's little surprise that there will occasionally be problems and some of those will involve shootings.

Their reputation is SO well-known (among everyone except I guess three people on this forum?) that there's a SONG called Waffle House Fights.

This incident went viral - Waffle House Wendy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FliJTGOQ0fQ

She got fired a year later for the incident but it was pretty stellar at the time.

[shut the front door]

By reading some of the replies here, it looks like chatbrat is back.

[Pairadocs]

We have lived here for 9 years and we have no idea what OBT means.

If you want your message to mean anything to all people, you might want to avoid abbreviations like that.

We're Florida natives and 441 has always been known as OBT (Orange Blossom Trail for as long as we've known it), had no idea even new residents would not know just from the evening news on TV which will use the terms OBT and Rt 441 interchangeably. Sorry, no intent to offend anyone in any way !

[Pairadocs]

People tend to vote with their feet and their wallets. You can tell how terrible Buc-ee's is by how crowded the parking lot always is.

LOL, so true. The best part is we have so many choices in the USA, there is pizza for every taste, subs for every taste, and barbecue for every taste.... and you are so right about Bucee's, so awful it's hard to get into the place.

[Pairadocs]

Never seen late night violence or freak shows at any Waffle House and we have been going once a week for probably 35 years. Excellent food.

ditto, went nearly every Sunday after church in Pompano for many years, guess late Sunday a.m. is just not the time to catch all the "freak shows" and violence....LOL ! Suppose most 24 hour places have different clientele at 3 a.m. than 3 p.m. !

[Pairadocs]

The Waffle House is an icon Southern restaurant. Their breakfast, especially their waffle’s, are excellent. Their waffle’s are close to grandma’s who make them from scratch for me and my cousins every summer Saturday morning. Never been - you got to go!

Especially the pecan waffles ! My late mother always suspected their secret to such great waffles was a touch of vanilla in the batter, and a mix of cake flour with standard bleached baking flour. She made a perfect home version when we couldn't afford to "eat out" (not as common back then).

[Pairadocs]

[QUOTE=biggamefish1;2405248]

OBT is in Orlando….so what does that have to do with us?

Actually OBT/441 runs nearly the length of the state. At one time, before the interstate highway system was completed, it was the ONLY (rational) route most of us had to travel a long distance in this very long state. At that time it was very obvious why it was named Orange Blossom Trail, miles and miles of seeing nothing on either side of the highway but groves. Seeing the citrus tower was an exiting sight, even though we saw it constantly in those days when other routes were not available or convenient. But all that as before the first of the "big freezes" and the demise of the industry in this area. Which prompted a new industry to provide jobs, the planned retirement community industry.

[westernrider75]

They have a decent breakfast, but I haven't had lunch there. If you like butter and powdered sugar on your waffles, you had better bring your own powdered sugar as they don't have it.

I thought I was the only one who likes waffles that way!

[Indydealmaker]

It’s not a cheap date to eat. Waffles are good if you need to eat. Everything else is tooooo much grease. But hashbrown3way has a following. Most are open 24/7 so crowd can be dicey into the night

Grease is good!

[shaw8700@outlook.com]

Never been to a Trader Joe's. Their reputation for exotic food aside, are they any good? Or is it just popular with the Costco leaning folks?

Just an attempt at humor...........now..............Don't get all huffy.

I used to go to TJ’s for their chocolate cereal. Then all of a sudden they didn’t have it anymore. I don’t know if it’s related or not but Costco cut out their chocolate muffins at about the same time. What gives?

[Aloha]

Recent price increases at Waffle House has been problematic for many. It has become a pricey dive in the view of many of the regulars who no longer indulge the grease.

[defrey12]

I've never been to a Waffle House. Their reputation for late-night violence aside, are they any good? Or is it just popular for the freak-shows?

It’s a southern tradition…

[Rocksnap]

[QUOTE=VApeople;2405244]We have lived here for 9 years and we have no idea what OBT means.

OBT is short for Orange Blossom Trail

Now how come the 99.999% of the rest of us Villigers didn’t know what OBT meant? Thanks much!

[Danube]

Just margarine.

I ate at WH two days ago. They use real butter.

[Danube]

Recent price increases at Waffle House has been problematic for many. It has become a pricey dive in the view of many of the regulars who no longer indulge the grease.

I was just in a WH. Prices are still low compared to other restaurants.

[ElDiabloJoe]

[QUOTE=biggamefish1;2405248]

Now how come the 99.999% of the rest of us Villigers didn’t know what OBT meant? Thanks much!
Probably because you don't get out of the Bubble enough.

Imagine living in the D.C. metroplex and having no idea that Interstate 495 is commonly called The Beltway?

Egads! What next? Calling Pacific Coast Hwy PCH? Or calling the 495 in NY the Long Island Expressway (LIE). Imagine living there and not realizing what happens around you? Crazy, right? I mean, who would do that? I guess if your entire time there was spent in an assisted living facility or hospital or some other kind of bubble, right?

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

Many waffle houses are open 24 hours so your going to expect some trouble but I think no more then any other place just like it and I doubt any villagers will be late night visitors .. When I lived in Orlando I would go a couple of times a week, I would always get poached eggs and the waitresses would kid me about it, The place was always easy to start up a conversation ,
and if you liked the old dinner vibe Waffle House gives you that same feeling , FYI I had the waffles a few times and they were great , but what do I know I still like eating at restaurants In the villages. You know the places with bad food and bad service that are filled with people like me that don’t know we are eating bad food

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

We're Florida natives and 441 has always been known as OBT (Orange Blossom Trail for as long as we've known it), had no idea even new residents would not know just from the evening news on TV which will use the terms OBT and Rt 441 interchangeably. Sorry, no intent to offend anyone in any way ! I lived in Orlando for many years the only time I or my friends used the term OBTwas when we were refering to the strip that went through Orlando proper , I always thought the name was given to it because of all the strip joints and bars that used to be there and the girls who walked the trail. If I was telling someone how to get somewhere north or south of Orlando I would say it’s up on 441, I’ve never used the term on the 441 that runs through the villages , so I guess it’s how you learned about the road and from who

[paulajr]

[QUOTE=ElDiabloJoe;2405445]Common abbreviation, kinda like NO ONE on the west coast calls it The Pacific Coast Highway - it is near-universally known as PCH.


All well and good …except there IS no street called Orange Blossom Trail in The Villages 🙄

[jimkerr]

Totally disagree. Their prices went sky high and not worth it for the garbage they put on your plate.

Waffle House rocks! Their omelettes are amazing!

[thelegges]

WH announced .50 surcharge for each egg in your meal this morning on GMA

[Bilyclub]

More Portillo’s updates, please.

[kkingston57]

Can hardly wait for Bucee’s Texas style barbecue and acre of other items sold.. I don’t think broke ground yet or the interchanges at location (by Google address) has even been started?

Love their $9 brisket sandwich.

[kkingston57]

[QUOTE=biggamefish1;2405248]

Thanks for explaining that.

Of course, I have no idea where that Trail is, so I guess this thread doesn't pertain to me.

Originally(my belief) OBT was the acronym for Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando. Lived in the SS area for 5 years and do not know of any trail either

[kkingston57]

Anyone waiting for Buc-ee's because you believe it's good BBQ....Bless your hearts.....because their food sucks and you'll get heart burn. Whenever they open make sure you take an extra Prevacid. Seriously....Texas BBQ brisket does not have sauce....let alone a sauce that is absolutely disgusting. I cook a lot, like every day my entire life, and I know good BBQ....I gave Buc-ee 3 strikes and spent good money on a variety of offerings each time...and he struck out. Won't be trying to go Whenever it appears. I'll put my gas money into a nice piece of meat I smoke myself and I won't ruin it like Buc-ee's does

Personally like Bucees. How many different styles of BBQ do we have in the US? Seen as many as 6 different sauces in 1 restaurant. Just like peppers all people have their own tolerance level on spiciness. Went to a Nashville Hot restaurant in Canda and their medium sauce felt like it was going to put holes in my stomach. Thought about getting a smoker but takes a LONG time. Like other things different tastes keep a lot of people in biz

[kkingston57]

I agree, I'll never stop at another Bucee's. The food is awful and over priced. And very crowded.

Crowded yes! Bet others will disagree about whether they are awful when they are crowded including the store area.

[Topspinmo]

Bucee's and BBQ are two words that should never be used in the same sentence. As a general rule, I will usually give an eatery at least two tries before giving up on them. Not so with Bucee's and the swill they call BBQ. Both their brisket and pulled pork are so laden with fat, and undercooked, as to be inedible. Those who know good Q avoid Bucee's like the plague.


Funny that’s my opinion of all BBQ joints in and around villages?

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Lots of people stop at Bucee's for the low fuel prices, and the very clean bathrooms. . . and to get a quick bite while on the road, however, i didn't see any tables and chairs as in sit down, so I am going to say its 100% quick on the go take away. . with lots of parking, versus truck stops with very little parking and very little food offerings, or local fast food with minimal parking for travelers as well.

Just a well designed and executed family fuel and food highway stop.

[MarshBendLover]

Buc-ee's - don't care for it, too much jammed into one area, but they have negative news too.
Portillo's - never been, but will try it next time.
Hooter's - I'm married, so never had a reason to go. Name is the turn-off for me.
Waffle House - Started in a little town where I grew up. It has just about anything you can want and quick. They have over 2000 stores currently that all run 24/7. They are located also in downtown areas of major cities across America. So I imagine operating over 17 million hours a year there will be things that happen that may make the news that are not always positive, so violence is possible from time to time given their hours and some locations.

It was a regular stop for me in those long drives, heading home from college. All night cram sessions and those low-cost college dates. In fact, dropped the engagement ring in a cup of coffee one night with a date. Our four children were raised on WH foods, something for everyone in the group, so happy kids when traveling. Never ever seen violence. I'm sure a drunk here or there may drop in or a robbery, but it can happen anywhere. I'm also sure that not every location is A+, but when the cook is rolling, the grill is a mess and he or she is earning the money. The cook is the highest paid in the place and the best trained.

If you live in Florida you should support those that support you.
FEMA: Waffle House is one four corporations, which includes Lowes, Walmart, and Home Depot, for disaster response.

Yep, still married 35 years later.

[FloridaGuy66]

Hooter's - I'm married, so never had a reason to go.

What the heck does a family restaurant/sports bar have to do with your marital status??? Hooters is a family restaurant, NOT a brothel or strip club or whatever you think it is. The women there wear full tops and shorts with leggings. Way more clothing than your average Florida sports bar where the female wait staff often wear MUCH less.

I've been to Hooter's probably 100 times over the past 25 years. With my wife, my parents, my kids. They have some decent food and decent atmosphere. The wait staff is very professional.


Name is the turn-off for me.

It's an owl themed bar. There's literally an owl on the logo. Owls hoot!

I think we found the guy with no sense of humor.

[Sensei]

Artman's never misses...great EVERY time!

[Number 10 GI]

I went into a Buckees to see what it offers that excites so many. Nada, nothing, nix, just a place that sells Chinese made junk, an oversized convenience store. I thought about getting a BBQ sandwich but when I saw nowhere to set and eat, I left. Their gasoline prices weren't any cheaper than the regular gas stations near them.

Just want to add this, after driving for hours the last thing I want to do is stand and eat a meal.

[Bill14564]

I went into a Buckees to see what it offers that excites so many. Nada, nothing, nix, just a place that sells Chinese made junk, an oversized convenience store. I thought about getting a BBQ sandwich but when I saw nowhere to set and eat, I left. Their gasoline prices weren't any cheaper than the regular gas stations near them.

Just want to add this, after driving for hours the last thing I want to do is stand and eat a meal.

Could always sit in your car and eat while you continue on your journey.

[jimkerr]

What the heck does a family restaurant/sports bar have to do with your marital status??? Hooters is a family restaurant, NOT a brothel or strip club or whatever you think it is. The women there wear full tops and shorts with leggings. Way more clothing than your average Florida sports bar where the female wait staff often wear MUCH less.

I've been to Hooter's probably 100 times over the past 25 years. With my wife, my parents, my kids. They have some decent food and decent atmosphere. The wait staff is very professional.




It's an owl themed bar. There's literally an owl on the logo. Owls hoot!

I think we found the guy with no sense of humor.

Right on! It amazes me to see the excuses people use to bash Hooyer’s when they’ve never been to one.

[ElDiabloJoe]

I went into a Buckees to see what it offers that excites so many. Nada, nothing, nix, just a place that sells Chinese made junk, an oversized convenience store. I thought about getting a BBQ sandwich but when I saw nowhere to set and eat, I left. Their gasoline prices weren't any cheaper than the regular gas stations near them.

Just want to add this, after driving for hours the last thing I want to do is stand and eat a meal.
Fortunately, you and I go to different places. I go to Buc-ee's (no "k," has a hyphen). I enjoy the immaculate bathrooms. Then I stretch the legs whilst shopping the fishing and camping gear area. Next I grab a burrito and a beverage before heading out to get gas that is .30/gallon cheaper than anywhere else (and .10/gal cheaper than Costco).

Sorry you had such a bad experience at the Buckees or whatever knockoff to which you went.

[Number 10 GI]

Fortunately, you and I go to different places. I go to Buc-ee's (no "k," has a hyphen). I enjoy the immaculate bathrooms. Then I stretch the legs whilst shopping the fishing and camping gear area. Next I grab a burrito and a beverage before heading out to get gas that is .30/gallon cheaper than anywhere else (and .10/gal cheaper than Costco).

Sorry you had such a bad experience at the Buckees or whatever knockoff to which you went.

Oh my!!! I have committed heresy, defaming the almighty Buckees. Oh, I did again, misspelled Buccee's, I'm such a heretic! Maybe if you went to some of the same places as I go, it might elevate your standards. I did some checking and you are going to have to show me solid proof that Bucees's gas is .30 cheaper. All I found was their prices were less than some and a bit more than some. Maybe it was a "whatever knockoff" that I went to, I did spell it Buckees.

[ElDiabloJoe]

Oh my!!! I have committed heresy, defaming the almighty Buckees. Oh, I did again, misspelled Buccee's, I'm such a heretic! Maybe if you went to some of the same places as I go, it might elevate your standards. I did some checking and you are going to have to show me solid proof that Bucees's gas is .30 cheaper. All I found was their prices were less than some and a bit more than some. Maybe it was a "whatever knockoff" that I went to, I did spell it Buckees.
Nahh, the gas price savings are through my own observations - I feel zero need to show you solid proof of anything. You want to pay more, help yourself. Not my place to force savings on you.

[ROCKETMAN]

I too wish people who have never been to a Hooters wouldn’t make stupid statements like comparing to a strip bar. Employees are very professional and burgers and wings are good comfort food.