Taco Bell’s New Triple Steak Stack Reviewed

After work today I decided to forgo my Tuesday trip to Subway and went to Taco Bell instead.  I must admit, the commercial for the Triple Steak Stack sucked me in. 

The Taco Bell I went to is a combo KFC/Taco Bell.  I walked in the door and noticed there was no help at the counter.  The young woman who was running the register was busy talking with her boyfriend and sitting in a booth.  After a minute or so, she pulled herself away from her conversation to wait on me.  Always makes for a stellar first impression.   Service D.

I knew what I wanted before I walked in the door after seeing the Triple Steak Stack commercial on television.  I realize Madison Avenue always makes things look far better than in real life; however, it’s nice when there is at least a slight resemblance to the advertised product.

After ordering I waited at least five minutes for my food to come out.  When the tray came out I knew I was headed for trouble.  The size didn’t seem adequate.  I got the combo meal for $6.66, including tax.  The sandwich is $5.49 by itself.  It’s worth about $3.99.  C- for value.  For those of you keeping score, the cashier walked away from the register after she was finished with me, sat back down in a booth and continued her conversation which I so rudely interrupted.  The dude who made my food walked it out and apologized for the delay.  I was beginning to think they were running around in a pasture trying to bludgeon a cow.

When I sat down and unwrapped my sandwich, I had a WTF moment.  If I were giving a grade for appearance/presentation it would be an F.  The flatbread was wet on the outside.  I had to take napkins and dry it off.  Who ever assembled my sandwich got gravy on the outside of the flatbread.  I opened up the sandwich and noticed three things:

It looked NOTHING like the picture with nowhere near the amount of “steak”; so where does the “triple” come in?  Underwhelming would be a better adjective.

They call this meat “steak”, yet it’s more like a pot roast.

Calling this a “stack” is nonsensical.   There was no stacking involved.  The meat was in chunks and bits with gravy…like beef stew without the potatoes.

I can’t say it didn’t taste good.  I like pot roast.  I would give it a B for taste.  The cheese helped.  I put one packet of mild sauce on it.  Honestly, I thought it would have some onions, peppers or something else on it beside pot roast and cheese.

I had to eat my sandwich with a knife and fork as it was too sloppy to pick up.  Again, in the commercial it is picked up and eaten.  Not possible as served.  I can guarantee I would not tackle someone for one of these sandwiches nor would I have to slap my mamma because it tasted so good.  I would change the name to Underwhelming Pot Roast Slopper based on what I was served.

Maybe my sandwich was made incorrectly?  I am not buying another one to find out!

The sad part is I was still hungry.  In hindsight, I should have gone to Subway!  I could have gotten a 12” for $3.99 and at least been full!

Former Taco Bell In Pottstown Gets Major Gut And Remodel

I don’t know what is going in here…I did hear rumors but I am not spreading them any further.  However, it does appear that something is going in here with all the work that is being done.

As you can see a big chunk of the roof is missing, all the windows have been removed etc…  There is a huge dumpster being filled up and a lot of digging going on as well.

I am glad to see that something is finally going in here!

Taco Bell Fights Back Against Claims They Serve “Mystery Meat”

Here is Taco Bell‘s official response to the lawsuit that claims their beef does not meet the USDA requirements to be called BEEF.  AKA “beefgate”.

http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2011/taco_bell/beef_grade/downloads/TB_Beef_ad_FINAL_BW.pdf

Sounds like a counter suit is in the works!

Taco Bell “Beefgate” – Where Is Clara Peller When We Need Her?

Image via Wikipedia

Anybody of a certain age must remember Clara Peller in those hysterical “Where’s The Beef” commercials for Wendy’s.  Now it seems Ms. Peller’s services could once again be used.

Taco Bell‘s “beef” was found to contain less than 35% beef!  It does not meet the USDA‘s requirements to be called beef.  An Alabama law firm is suing, not for monetary gain, but to have the word beef removed from Taco Bell’s advertising.  The “mystery meat” is full of binders and fillers.  Taco Bell vigorously defends their advertising.

So I leave you with one of Clara Peller’s iconic Wendy’s commercials:

Two Fast Food Conglomerates Looking To Sell Off Divisions

Image via Wikipedia

Two major US fast food conglomerates are looking for ways to maximize profits.  Selling off several chains that do not fit into their long-range plans are being considered.

Yum Brands is looking for a buyer for their A&W and Long John Silver’s restaurant chains.  Yum Brands is concentrating on overseas development and neither Long John Silver’s or A&W have an international presence.  That would leave Yum Brands with KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut, which all have international locations.  A&W and Long John Silver’s have a combined total of 1, 630 locations nationwide.

Wendy’s is looking to sell Arby’s so they can concentrate on Wendy’s development.  Wendy’s/Arby’s combined have over 10,000 restaurants.  Wendy’s is the larger chain with over 6,500 restaurants.  Arby’s is struggling because they tend to be more expensive than other fast food chains and offer less of a dollar menu.

Wendy’s/Arby’s is also the target for a potential takeover bid after receiving an inquiry to buy the chain in June of last year.