John's Burgers and Buildings

Photos are listed by restaurant in alphabetical order.

Alice Cooper'stown Sports Grill located at 141 East Jackson Street in downtown Phoenix, Arizona opened in 1998 and closed in 2018. John was there in 2015 and enjoyed the atmosphere and food. The Hall of Fame rock star, Alice Cooper, was a partner in the restaurant and a Phoenix resident.










Anderson's Frozen Custard started in 1946 by Carl and Greta Anderson in the Bronx, New York. They moved to Buffalo, New York and opened their second location on Kenmore Avenue. John had their famous Beef on Weck while eating at the Delaware Avenue location in Buffalo.








Arby's started in 1964 and expanded to over 3,500 restaurants in nine countries over the years. John eats at an Arby's a few times a year with one location not far from his house. He was happy when they switched to refreshing ice-cold Coca-Cola, and also pleased when they brought back the potato cakes.












Arriba Mexican Grill has a few locations around the greater Phoenix, Arizona area. John has visited the Mesa location a number of times. Their meals are filling. They do use fresh Hatch Green Chiles from Hatch, New Mexico. John might go there more often if only they served refreshing ice cold Coca-Cola products.




A-W located on Main Street in Sheridan, Wyoming in 1971. Back in the days of carhops.




Baci Italian Bistro is located at 8830 East Germann Road in Mesa, Arizona. John tried their pizza in 2015, but has never returned.






Back Yard Bar-be-cue located at 186 Old Hickory Boulevard in Jackson, Tennessee started out in 1991. They feature authentic barbecue with a homestyle atmosphere. The meats are smoked in-house using hickory wood. John visited them in 2015 and had a pulled pork sandwich.










Back Yard Burgers located in the southeast offers flame grilled burgers. In 2015 John ate at the 165 Goodman Road West, Southhaven, Mississippi location in 2015. Apparently the burger was eaten before a photo could be taken.




Baker's Ribs BBQ location in Grapevine, Texas was destroyed by a fire in January 2019. John visited there 4 months earlier and had a huge pulled pork sandwich which was quite good.








Bar-B-Cutie Smokehouse had its roots in downtown Nashville in 1948 at the Tasty-Eat-Shop. They offer great bar-b-cue and a wide choices of sides. John visits Bar-B-Cutie each time he is in Nashville.














Barro's Pizza started out in 1961 with their first restaurant in Chicago. In 1968 the family moved to California and opened locations there. In 1980 the family moved to Mesa, Arizona and opened a location followed by another in Phoenix in 1982. Today Barro's Pizza has over 48 locations acoss Arizona and Texas. The photos are from the Mesa, Arizona location that opened in 2016. John's has tried their various offerings. The pizza is not too bad, but not the best in the world. He hasn't returned too often since they switched from refreshing ice cold Coca-Cola to an inferrior cola product.












Bellacino's Pizza and Grinders Bellacino's Pizza and Grinders is a smaller limited area pizza franchise. John stopped by the location in Barboursville, West Virginia in 2023. The pizza was OK, but not the best.








Bert's Burger Bowl started in 1954. They were located at 235 North Guadalupe Street in Santa Fe, New Mexico for 61 years. In 2015 Fernando and Debra Olea retired closing Bert's Burger Bowl. John learned of Bert's Burger Bowl restaurant when it was featured on the Food Network's 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives' program. Guy Fieri ate there. John had the Hatch's Green Chili Burger which was quite good.










Big John's Texas Barbeque of Page, Arizona was started in 2006 when an old gasoline station was converted into the restaurant. They are located at 153 South Lake Powell Boulevard in Page. John had a pulled pork sandwich in 2014. To this day it remains the best pulled pork sandwich.




Billy Sims Barbecue located at 5300 Fountains Drive NE in Cedar Rapids, Iowa opened in 2017, but closed in 2022. John ate there in 2019 and had the pulled pork sandwich.






Birdcall started out in 2016 in Denver, Colorado. They serve all-natural chicken from Colorado family farms. John visited the Gilbert, Arizona location in 2023. You order from computer screens and watch for your name on a monitor. John found the coating of the chicken strips to be way too spicy and probably won't return. Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers are much better. Birdcall does serve refreshing ice-cold Coca-Cola products.












BJ's started out in 1978 offering their California twist on deep dish pizza. John has visited the Mesa, Arizona location a few times. The pizza is good, but on the expensive side.








Bob Evans Restaurant Over 40 years ago Bob Evans started a diner in Rio Crande, Ohio. Now there are Bob Evans Restaurant locations in 18 states. John ate at the 200 Rudy Circle in Nashville, Tennessee location in 2011 and 2015. Great chicken noodle soup.












Bojangles located at 1021 East Highway 80 in Pooler, Georgia. I didn't enjoy this experience in 2022. Very slow service, and the chicken's spices were not to my liking. An earlier experience at a North Carolina location was much better when I had a chicken sandwich.








Braum's Ice Cream and Dairy Store offers ice cream and hamburgers along with a small store. John visited the Braum's at 1252 North Greenwich in Wichita, Kansas in 2016.










Bubba's 33 was created by Texas Roadhouse founder Kent Taylor. In 2015 John visited the Indianapolis, Indiana location at 7799 S US Highway 31. There are a lot of TV monitors in this sports bar known for their burgers and pizza. John had the pizza. There is a unique seat in the waiting area that is great for making a quick phone call.














Buca di Beppo started out in 1993 in the basement of a Minneapolis apartment building. They offer a family-style dining experiance. Be sure to go hungry as the meals are filling. John has visited the Mesa, Arizona location a few times. Not a regular customer as they do not serve refreshing ice cold Coca-Cola products. The pizza wasn't all that great, but other choices are fine.














BurgerFi offers a good burger and fries, but a little expensive compared to other fast food locations. John went to the Mesa, Arizona location in 2015.






Burgers Shakes located at 219 East New Circle Road in Lexington, Kentucky opened in 1957 by Joe Isaac. The burger prices have increased from 19 cents to $1.69 when John ate there in 2023. It was like going back into the 1950s. The burgers are cooked on a open flame broiler and taste pretty good. The oval sign on the building used to show the price of burgers. John says if you are ever in Lexington to stop by for a burger and fries.






Burgerville has been a greater Portland, Oregon area tradition since 1961. Nearly 40 locations to choose from including inside PDX. John has ate at Burgerville a number of times while visiting the Pacific Northwest.








Bush's Chicken started out in Waco, Texas in 1996. In 2017 they tried to expand into the greater Phoenix, Arizona market. John visited their Gilbert location in 2017 and was quite pleased. Huge pieces of great tasting chicken, very good fluffy mashed potatoes, fresh baked rolls, and Coca-Cola products. He was disappointed when a year later this location was closed due to not enough customers to make it operational.








Cafe Rio Mexican Grill started out in 1997 in Saint George, Utah by Steve and Patricia Stanley. The food is prepared as you walk through the line. Tortillas are cooked as you watch. John visited a new location in Mesa, Arizona as seen in the photos. He recommends the sweet pork barbacoa tacos.










Caney Fork River Valley Grille located at 2400 Music Valley Drive in Nashville, Tennessee is a must stop for any tourists visiting Nashville. They offer a diverse menu of southern food and wild game along with live music and an interesting decor. John has visited there a few times over the years and always enjoys the food.
























Carl's Jr. was founded in 1941. Known for their iconic charbroiled burgers, they were located in California until 1979 when the first out of state location opened in Las Vegas. John visits a Gilbert, Arizona location now and then, but the prices are high for burgers compared to many other fast food location. For many years John was familiar with the Hardee's locations which Carl's Jr bought out in 1997.







Carneys located at 8351 Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles started out in 1975 by John and Pat Wolfe. The restaurant is located in an old Pacific Railroad passenger train car. John ate inside the train car where he tried one of their chili hot dogs in 2013.










Charley's Grilled Subs now Charleys Cheesesteaks, formerly Charley's Steakery and Charley's Grilled Subs was founded in 1986 by Charley Shin, a Korean-American student at Ohio State University. After a 1985 trip to Philadelphia where he discovered the Philly cheesesteak, Shin was inspired to bring the sandwich to Ohio, convincing his mother to invest her life savings of $48,000 into a 450-square-foot restaurant near campus. John has had a few of Charley's philly cheesesteaks, but they aren't as good as the original.






Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen started out in 1979 with their Irving, Texas location. The name was proposed by a 5th grade class when asked what would be a good name. They have increased to well over 150 locations since their start. In 2022 John discovered Cheddar's while in the Savannah, Georgia area. He also visited the location in Chandler, Arizona and can't wait until the Cheddar's builds the location 2 miles from his home in Mesa. More photos will be added once the building is built.








Chick-fil-A began in 1946 when founder S. Truett Cathy opened a small diner in Georgia, which evolved into a fast-food giant known for its chicken sandwich and Christian business principles, including its famous "Closed on Sunday" policy. Today, Chick-fil-A has grown to be the third-largest fast-food chain in the U.S. by sales, known for its strong customer service and unique business model. John goes to Chick-fil-A weekly for great tasting chicken, his favorite is the chicken strips. Yes, they do serve refreshing ice-cold Coca-Cola. Photos are from Ohio, Tennessee, and Arizona.
















Chili's Grill and Bar was founded by Larry Lavine in March 1975 in Dallas, Texas, pioneering the "casual dining" concept with a, no-frills, burger-focused menu. Originally a converted post office, the restaurant aimed for a relaxed "come as you are" atmosphere, quickly gaining popularity for its gourmet burgers. John has visited Chili's a few times. They do serve refreshing ice-cold Coca-Cola products.










Church's Chicken was founded in 1952 by George W. Church Sr. in San Antonio, Texas, opposite the Alamo, Church’s Chicken began as a small to-go stand selling only fried chicken. Originally named "Church's Fried Chicken-To-Go," it gained popularity for its quick service, adding fries and jalapeños in 1955. The chain grew rapidly through franchising and now boasts over 1,700 locations worldwide. John has enjoyed Church's Chicken but hasn't been in years with no locations nearby.




Cisis was founded in 1985 in Plano, Texas, by Joe Croce and Mike Cole, Cicis Pizza was established with a focus on providing an affordable, all-you-can-eat pizza buffet experience. The chain rapidly grew, introducing its franchising model by 1987 and expanding to over 500 locations by 2005, earning recognition as a fast-growing, family-friendly brand. John ate at a location near his home one time, this franchise closed down before he could return.






Coal Tower Restaurant is located in an area that dates back to 1825. Located along the Erie Canal in Pittsford, New York you will find this restaurant. John had the meatloaf sandwich in 2010.








Cookout Cookout was founded by Morris Reaves in 1989. Locations are in southeastern USA. John visited the Harrisonburg, Virginia 1688 East Market Street location in 2023. Low prices, great food. Your food comes in a Cookout foam container. The burger was great and the onion rings were really good.










Cracker Barrel Old Country Store started out in 1969 in Tennessee, now there are locations across the United States. John has ate at many locations, but in 2023 John tried the chicken fried steak dinner at his nearest location.








Crockett's Public House located at 118 East Stewart Avenue in Puyallup, Washington was featured on the Food Network's 'Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives' program. Their menu even features which items Guy Fieri picked for the show. John visited this location in 2019.










Culver's was founded on July 18, 1984, in Sauk City, Wisconsin, by Craig and Lea Culver along with Craig's parents, George and Ruth. Known for their signature ButterBurgers and fresh frozen custard, the family leveraged their experience in the restaurant industry to create a fast-casual, Midwest-rooted chain focused on quality and hospitality. John visits Culver's now and then, he was really happy when they switched to refreshing ice-cold Coca-Cola products.












Del Taco first opened in Yermo, California in 1964 back when tacos were 19 cents and burgers were 24 cents. They expanded to over 100 locations in the late 1970s. John has visited Del Taco locations in Billings, Montana, Rexburg, Idaho, and frequents one in Mesa, Arizona weekly. Outsides and interiors look different depending on location. They offer a wide variation of Mexican food and burgers. John likes the Del Taco (pictured) and has tried their burgers.
















Dixie's Diner started out in 2005 by owners Dixie Murphy and Tom Hersh. It's a 1950's style diner in Idaho Falls, Idaho. John ate there once.














Earl's Family Restaurant located 1400 East Highway 66 in Gallup, New Mexico offers a mix of Mexican and traditional American meals. John was there in 2009 and sampled some of their Mexican food.








El Pollo Loco has it roots in Mexico and was raised in Los Angeles. While this is a southern California institution, there are locations in Arizona. John has visited locations in Mesa, Arizona often. Great choices on food. You can never go wrong with ordering their chicken.












Farmer Boys Burgers was started in 1981 by the Havadjas brothers. By 2022 there were more than a hundred locations including one in Gilbert, Arizona. John went to their grand opening in 2021 and found the burger and fries pretty good, but they don't serve refreshing ice cold Coca-Cola products. A return visit a year later found the quality of food wasn't as good. John returned one more time in 2024 and the quality was poor with a huge price increase. Combine that with the Pepsi products and John decided to never return.












Fatburger started out in 1947. The last great hamburger stand. Fatburger is one of John's favorite hamburger places, however many of the Phoenix, Arizona area locations were closed so he hasn't been at one for a few years now. He first visited a location in Las Vegas, Nevada, but has been to locations in Tacoma, Washington and Aurora, Colorado in addition to his favorite Mesa, Arizona location. That Mesa location was featured on the CBS TV series 'Undercover Boss' and it wasn't a suceess story.
























Filberto's Mexican Food offers Mexican food for the greater Phoenix area with numerous locations. John visited their 1839 S Crismon Road location in Mesa in 2018. While the food was OK, it was a little too spicy for John and the prices are higher than other locations.






Firehouse Subs with over 1,250 locations around the country was indeed founded by fireman. They offer a wide variety of hot and cold sub sandwiches. John visits a Mesa, Arizona location a few times a year.








Five Guys started in 1986 as a family burger joint in Arlington, Virginia, founded by Jerry and Janie Murrell, who used their sons' college funds for the business, leading to the name reflecting their five sons. They perfected a simple concept of fresh, quality burgers and fries, expanding to five local locations before franchising in 2003, which triggered rapid growth into a global chain known for customizable burgers and hand-cut fries cooked in peanut oil. Five Guys burgers are one of John's favorites and he has visited many locations across the United States. While the fries are not to his liking, he does love being able to have refreshing ice-cold Coca-Cola with his burger. Building photos are from locations visited.
























































Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers Named after Freddy Simon, Bill and Randy Simon started Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers in 2002. If you want to have a huge meal, this is the place. John has visited Gilbert and Mesa, Arizona locations a few times. Thick shakes, steakburgers and fries will fill you up for sure. The only problem with Freddy's is their choice to serve over-sweetened Pepsi products instead of refreshing ice cold Coca-Cola products.












Fuddruckers claims to have the world's greatest hamburger since 1980. John visited the Billings, Montana location often starting in the 1980s. Now he goes to the Mesa, Arizona location maybe once a year.












Galaxy Diner located at 931 W Route 66 in Flagstaff, Arizona started in 1952. It closed in 2019 for a short time going through ownership changes.








Gold Star Chili is a restaurant chain with headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio. John tried their interesting chili dish in 2013. Quite good, and dupliced now and then back home. John has also ate at Skyline Chili (see below).








Habit Burger Grill was founded in 1969 in California and was family owned, following expansions the company was eventually purchased by Yum! Brands in 2020. John visited the Gilbert, Arizona location in 2016 and when their Mesa, Arizona location opened in 2023 he ate there a few times. While the burger is just OK, it's expensive and you'll ask "where's the beef" finding it tiny and hidden under way too many salad toppings. John does like their onion rings.
















Hog Wild Pit Bar-B-Q has various locations in Kansas and one in Phoenix, Arizona. John visited the 3550 N Woodlan Boulevard location in Wichita, Kansas in 2016. The pulled pork sandwich was huge.








Iceberg Drive Inn located in Gilbert, Arizona is now closed. Iceberg Drive Inn started out in Salt Lake City, Utah. John had been to one in Salt Lake City a number of times and was happy to find a location in Gilbert, Arizona in 2015 - and was disappointed when they closed. They made the best milk shakes, but the burgers and onion rings were just so-so.












In-N-Out began in 1948 as a small drive-thru hamburger stand in Baldwin Park, California, founded by Harry and Esther Snyder, pioneering the two-way speaker for car-side ordering. The company grew by focusing on fresh, quality ingredients and exceptional service, adhering to "Quality, Cleanliness, and Service". After Harry's death in 1976, his sons Rich and Guy took over, navigating family tragedies and expanding the chain, with current leadership held by granddaughter Lynsi Snyder, who maintains the family's commitment to never franchising and keeping the business private. In-N-Out burgers are a favorite for John who lives a mile from one location. He is not a fan of the french fries, but does enjoy having refreshing ice-cold Coca-Cola while eating a burger. Photos from some of the locations John has visited.






















Jack In The Box started out in 1951 in San Diego, California. There are over 2000 locations today. John has at least 3 locations within 3 miles from his location. During the COVID scare a new Jack In The Box near him was actually open with limited seating. Photos from the summer of 2020.










Jack's Bar-B-Que was founded in 1976 by Jack Cawthon, Jack's Bar-B-Que is a cornerstone of Nashville’s downtown food scene, known for hickory-smoked meats and award-winning sauces. Originally starting in catering, the iconic Broadway location helped revitalize the area, followed by spots on Trinity Lane and Charlotte Avenue. It remains a family-owned, historic staple. This is John's go-to for a pulled pork sandwich when in Nashville.






















Jack's Family Restaurant is a southern legacy that started in 1960. The majority of all locations are in Alabama. John visited one of the Huntsville, Alabama locations in 2012.








Jaggers is a restaurant chain developed by the Texas Roadhouse people. John visited the Indianapolis, Indiana location at 7833 South US Highway 31. John had their burger and fries.










Jason's Deli has some 250 delis in 28 states. John visited this Gilbert, Arizona location in 2016. He must not have been impressed as he has never returned. The free ice creme cone was a nice touch.










Jersey Mike's was founded in 1956 as Mike’s Subs in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, the chain began as a popular seaside sub shop known for quality ingredients and fresh-sliced meats. Peter Cancro, who started working there at age 14, bought the shop in 1975 at age 17 and later rebranded it to Jersey Mike’s in 1987. Under Cancro’s leadership, it grew from a single location into a national franchise with over 2,500 locations and billions in revenue. John has tried their sandwiches, but they are very expensive considering a lot of bread and very thin slices of meat. John did bring his own refreshing ice-cold Coca-Cola as Jersey Mike's serves Pepsi.












Jimmy John's is an American sandwich chain founded in 1983 by 19-year-old Jimmy John Liautaud in a converted garage in Charleston, Illinois. Known for its "freaky fast" service, the company grew from a small local shop near Eastern Illinois University into a national franchise with over 2,800 locations. John has ate at Jimmy John's a few times.




Joe's Real BBQ located at 301 North Gilbert Road in Gilbert, Arizona. The restaurant is located in an old grocery store built in 1929 for a Safeway Pay n'Takit. John visited there in 2015 and had the pulled pork sandwich.










KFC Kentucky Fried Chicken was founded by Colonel Harland Sanders, an entrepreneur who began selling his signature fried chicken from his roadside service station in Corbin, Kentucky, in 1930. Over the next decade, Sanders perfected his "Original Recipe" of 11 herbs and spices and developed a pressure-cooking method to prepare chicken quickly without sacrificing quality. John doesn't visit KFC as often as years past, his favorite era was when they offered the buffet service.








Kneaders Bakery and Cafe is a chain located mainly in Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Wyoming, Idaho, and Texas. They offer quite a variety of baked goods and also serve food. John visited the Mesa, Arizona location in 2016 and had a French Dip sandwich. Be warned, the sandwich was mostly bread and very little meat. Return visits ended when items became overpriced.








Krystal started out in 1932 in Chatanooga, Tennessee by Rody Davenport and Glenn Sherrill. John has visited numerous Krystal locations over the years. Here we see John at a Nashville location in 2011.






Logan's Roadhouse started out in 1991 in Lexington, Kentucky. Known for their famous yeast rolls (not to be confused with the rolls at Texas Roadhouse) locations are mostly in the southeast. John visited a Nashville, Tennessee location in 2012.






Long John Silver's started out in 1969 in Lexington, Kentucky. During the 1970s there were over 1,000 locations. There are a number of locations that are co-located with Taco Bell or KFC. John found a stand alone location in Mesa, Arizona in 2010. A location closer to John's house has been visited a few times, that location has a Taco Bell section. John doesn't visit there often because they do not serve refreshing ice cold Coca-Cola products.















Longhorn Steakhouse was founded on August 10, 1981, in Atlanta, Georgia, by restaurateur George McKerrow Jr. and his father. John visited a location in Erie, Pennsylvania.




Loveless Cafe of Nashville, Tennessee has been around for over 65 years. This is a must visit for anyone. The complex incluces a country store. John had the fired chicken dinner when he was there in 2012. Some of the best fried chicken around. Mashed potatoes and gravy along with a side of grits made for a filling dinner. Other choices include pulled pork.




















Mark's Feed Store of Louisville, Kentucky features some great BBQ. They started out in 1988. John visited the 6501 Bardstown Road location in 2013. He had the BBQ ribs. Be sure to try the dessert.










McDonald's located at 201 Rudy Circle in Nashville, Tennessee is a fun place to eat. The building looks like a radio station, WMAC. There is a huge mural with mention of WSM Radio and there are displays of radio equipment. John has visited this McDonalds a few times over the years.














Mellow Mushroom Pizza started out in 1974 in Atlanta, Georgia. John visited the Savannah, Georgia location in 2022. As you can see from the photos the interior has a super hero theme. The pizza was OK.












Mel's Diner located at 1747 Grand Avenue in Phoenix, Arizona has a sign that looks familiar if you watched the 'Alice' CBS TV comedy series. John has never ate there, but took this photo in 2011.




Memphis Barbecue Company is located at 709 Desoto Cove, Horn Lake, Mississippi. They brought their championship BBQ to the restaurant in 2011. Guy Fieri of the Food Network's 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives' ate there and featured the restaurant on the program. John ate there in 2015. The ribs were great, but for something different try the BBQ Spaghetti Dinner with pulled pork.


















Mesquite Fresh Street Mex cooks the meat over open flames on real mesquite wood for a true street flavor and authentic Mexican experience. John visited their location in Mesa, Arizona to try their tacos. He favors soft corn tortillas and chose the steak. He would have been happier if they offered a salsa bar.








Milios Sandwiches is a beloved Wisconsin-based chain known for its freshly baked bread, has a history rooted in the Madison college scene that spans over three decades. John stopped by for a sandwich while in Madison.



Miller's Roast Beef offers a variety of sandwiches. John ate at their 628 Warren Avenue in East Providence, Rhode Island in 2019 and had a great roast beef sandwich.










Mod Pizza started out in 2008 in Seattle, Washington. John visits a Mesa, Arizona location often and loves being able to select a large number of toppings for no extra charges.














Moochie's started out in the rear of The Circle Pottery Gift Shop in Salt Lake City, Utah. In 2018 Moochie's was featured on Guy Fieri's 'Diners, Drive Ins and Dives' TV program. John had visited their original location at 232 East 800 South in 2010 and had one of the best Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches ever. It was so good a photo wasn't even taken.








Mooyah started out in 2007 in Plano, Texas. John visited store number 141 in Billings, Montana in 2012. The burger reminded him of Five Guys with their use of the same type of wrapper and fries in the paper cup and bottom of the bag. Not the best, but not the worst burger.










Native Grill and Wings started out in Phoenix, Arizona in the late 1970s. Originally named Native New Yorker they once featured such itmes as a Beef-on-Weck sandwich as shown below. Their version of a Philly Cheesesteak is also shown, plus a simple hamburger. John has tried all of these including their pizza. The do serve refreshing ice cold Coca-Cola products.












Newfield Pizza located at 558 Newfield Street in Middletown, Connecticut served a pretty good pizza in 2019 when John stopped by for lunch.




Noodles Company offers a wide choice of noodle dishes, but at an elevated cost. John visited the Gilbert, Arizona location in 2016 and never returned.






NYPD Pizza has locations around the country, quite a few in the greater Phoenix, Arizona area. John has visited NYPD Pizza a number of times, but since they do not serve refreshing ice cold Coca-Cola products it is not often.










Olive Garden started in 1982 in Orlando, Florida and now have over 900 locations. John visits one located in Mesa, Arizona. In addition to the unlimited breadsticks, soup or salad, they serve large portion meals. Yes, they do offer refreshing ice cold Coca-Cola products.
















Oregano's Pizza Bistro started in 1993 with their first location in old town Scottsdale, Arizona by Mark Russell as a dedication to his parents. Family recipes were featured along with new variations. John visited their Mesa, Arizona location near Power Road and is looking forward to their new location a mile from his house to open in 2025. Not the best pizza he has tasted.














Organ Piper Music Palace Pizza Restaurant located at 4343 South 108th Steet in Greenfield, Wisconson features a Wurlitzer console that had been built in 1929 for the Seneca Theater in Buffalo, New York. The organ made its way to Milwaukee and the Avalon Theater until it ended up at the restaurant in 1976. John had pizza there in 2022 but couldn't help comparing everything to the huge Organ Stop Pizza in Mesa, Arizona.








Organ Stop Pizza located at 1149 East Southern Avenue in Mesa, Arizona was started in 1995, however the original Organ Stop Pizza in Phoenix began in 1972. That location was demolished. John has visited the Mesa location a few times attending Society of Broadcast Engineers pizza parties. This mega facility features a mighty Wurlitzer and is known as the biggest and best in the world. Not the best pizza around, and they don't serve refreshing ice cold Coca-Cola products, but it is a great place for large group parties or to celebrate birthdays.










O'Sullivan's Sports Grill was founded by Ray and Peggy O'Sullivan, has been a staple in Mesa, Arizona, since opening their first pub in 1993. Known for blending Irish hospitality with American sports, they moved to their prominent Superstition Springs location in 2004 where John enjoyed a sandwich and onion rings.




Panda Express was founded in 1983 by Andrew and Peggy Cherng, along with Master Chef Ming-Tsai Cherng, with its first location in the Glendale Galleria, California. Emerging from their earlier sit-down restaurant, Panda Inn (1973), the chain pioneered fast-casual Chinese-American dining, notably introducing the iconic Orange Chicken in 1987. John has tried their food a few times. They do serve refreshing ice-cold Coca-Cola.






Parker John's BBQ and Pizza started out in 2008 serving pizza, in 2011 BBQ was added to the menu. There are a few other locations around Wisconsin. John visited the 2851 Oneida Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin location in 2021 and again in 2022. The portions are quite large.








Peter Piper Pizza started out in 1973 in Glendale, Arizona. In 1980 they expanded to Tucson where they added a games area. In 1982 they expanded to El Paso, Texas. 1985 saw their 100th Phoenix location open. In 1991 Peter Piper Pizza expanded into Mexico where there are nearly 50 locations today. More expansion included a location in Oklahoma City. John has visited a Mesa, Arizona location often, but since they switched from refreshing ice cold Coca-Cola products to that other over-sweetened soda the visits have gone down.










Pickle Barrel location in Billings, Montana served some good sandwiches. John visited them in 2014.






Pie Five Pizza Company located at 2035 North Rock Road in Wichita, Kansas is now closed. In 2016 John stopped by for a quick pizza. Pie Five was similar to Mod Pizza, this location is now a Molino's.






Piggly's at the Fair is a family-owned, sit-down restaurant in Mesa, Arizona, that originated from a long-running mobile concession business. Founded by Jerry and Sandy Sawyers, the company began cooking barbecue at Washington state fairs in 1964, growing into one of the West Coast's largest concessionaires before opening a permanent location in 2013.






Pizza Pie Cafe was briefly located in the Superstition Springs Mall in Mesa, Arizona. It operated as an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring various pizzas, pasta, salad, and desserts. John ate there one time and was disappointed.






Pizza Ranch was founded in 1981 in Hull, Iowa, by 19-year-old Adrie Groeneweg and Lawrence Vander Esch, Pizza Ranch began as a small, Western-themed pizza joint. Known for its buffet featuring pizza, ranch chicken, and salads, the chain grew rapidly throughout the Midwest, moving its headquarters to Orange City in 2005. Today, it operates over 200 locations across 15 states. John has visited a few locations, the chicken is good, pizza is so-so. The dessert pizza is tasty. There are no Arizona locations.












Popeyes Chicken was founded in 1972 in Arabi, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans, Popeyes Chicken was created by entrepreneur Al Copeland Sr. with the goal of competing with industry giants through a spicier, New Orleans-style Cajun recipe. John has ate at Popeyes, but is not a fan of the seasoning.










Portillo's Hot Dogs is a fun place. Burgers and chicken sandwiches are cooked in a gas fired broiler (see below). They have a variety of hot dogs, ribs, as well as burgers. John has visited Portillo's in Arizona, Iowa, and Wisconsin. The first photo taken in 2017 is of the Tempe, Arizona location, the next is their Davenport, Iowa location taken in 2019. Then we have the entrance to the Madison, Wisconsin location taken in 2021. The next photo is of the Greenfield, Wisconsin location taken in 2022. The next group of photos are of the Gilbert, Arizona location taken in 2023 showing the interior. Finally a sampling of food. Very good burgers at a price cheaper than Carl's Jr.




































Potbelly Sandwich Shop started out in Chicago, Illinois in 1977. Those that like drink choices will be happy to know Potbelly offers both refreshing ice cold Coca-Cola products as well at that over sweetened other product. John ate at their Gilbert, Arizona location in 2017 and tried one of their flats.








Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers was founded on August 28, 1996, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, by Todd Graves and Craig Silvey. The chain was built on the concept of ONE LOVE serving only high-quality chicken finger meals—a niche idea that was famously given a low grade in a college business plan course and rejected by numerous bankers. John has ate at Raising Cane's across the country and even has a location within two miles of his house. He does prefer Chick-fil-A chicken strips over those from Raising Cane's. They do offer refreshing ice-cold Coca-Cola products.














Rancho de Tia Rosa began in the early 2000s in Mesa, Arizona, as a family-owned Mexican restaurant known for its authentic hacienda-style architecture, inspired by Mexican cities like Cuernavaca and San Miguel de Allende, and family recipes. John has ate at the Mesa and Gilbert locations.


















Rio Sabinas was a popular Mexican family restaurant in Billings, Montana, that operated for 11 years before closing permanently on September 24, 2023. Operated by the Finally Restaurant Group, the eatery was known for its Southwestern grill atmosphere and service to the community, marking its closure with gratitude toward its staff and patrons. John ate there two times, probably the worst burger he ever ate.




Roosters started out in 1988 by Bob and Corrine Frick. In 2015 John visited their location at 5225 Nike Station Way in Hillard, Ohio.








Ruby Tuesday was founded in 1972 by University of Tennessee student Sandy Beall with a $20,000 investment near the Knoxville campus, Ruby Tuesday began as a popular casual dining spot focused on burgers and a signature salad bar. Inspired by The Rolling Stones song, the chain expanded rapidly, was acquired by Morrison Inc. in 1982, and later became a public company in 1996. Despite reaching over 900 locations, the chain faced struggles in the 2010s, leading to a 2017 acquisition by NRD Capital and a 2020 bankruptcy filing. John was disappointed when the Phoenix, Arizona area locations closed. Ruby Tuesday was a favorite. Now John looks for locations while on vacations, one in a mall in West Virginia.














Rudy's Burritos has been around for over 20 years. Serving authentic Mexican food. John tried a taco in 2024, but the taste wasn't something he likes and never returned. They do serve refreshing ice cold Coca-Cola products.






Rudy's Country Store Bar-B-Q started out in Leon Springs, Texas offering Bar B-Q, in 1989 the Country Store was added to locations. John has visited the Gilbert, Arizona location often. His favorite is the smoked turkey sandwich. Yes, they do offer refreshing ice cold Coca-Cola products.














Salerno's Restaurant and Pizzeria originated in Berwyn, Illinois in 1966 serving Chicago style pizza. The Gilbert, Arizona location opened in 2004. Their pizza is quite good and they do offer refreshing ice cold Coca-Cola products.












Sammy's Smokehouse BBQ located at 7110 Pines Road in Shereveport, Louisiana is now closed, but John visited them in 2018 and had a wonderful pulled pork sandwich.








Santa Fe Cattle Company offers southwest regional favorites. They started out in 1995 and now have 13 locations mostly in the southeast and midwest. John visited their Nashville, Tennessee location in 2011 and had the ribs.






Schlotasky's was founded in 1971 in Austin, Texas, by Don and Dolores Dissman, Schlotzsky's began as a small shop on South Congress Avenue serving one item: a muffuletta-style sandwich called "The Original". The chain grew rapidly in the 1980s, eventually expanding its menu to include pizzas, salads, and wraps while becoming known for its fresh-baked sourdough bread. John goes to a Schlotasky's not far from his home. The french-dip is a favorite. He is not a fan of their pizza. They do offer refreshing ice-cold Coca-Cola products.








Shake Shack started in 2001 as a hotdog cart in Madison Square Park in New York City. John first visited the West Hartford, Connecticut location in 2019. Now he goes to the Gilbert, Arizona location a few times a year. The burger tastes great, but a little on the expensive side.














66 Diner located at 1405 Central Avenue NE in Albuquerque, New Mexico was started in 1987 when an old Phillips 66 gasoline station was converted into a diner. John visited this diner in 2009.
















Skyline Chili was started in 1949 by Nicholas Lambindes in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 2023 John visited their 7899 Mall Road location in Florence, Kentucky. John had the 3-way which is served with oyster crackers. The meal shown is their small portion! The only negative is they serve Pepsi instead of refreshing ice cold Coca-Cola products. John has also ate at Gold Star Chili (see above).
















Slim Chickens in Chandler, Arizona is now closed, but in 2017 John enjoyed their chicken strips on waffle meal.









Smashburger offers a variety of burgers. John visited the Smashburger location at 5870 Thunderbird Road in Glendale, Arizona in 2011. John wasn't very happy with the taste of the burger and didn't return to a Smashburger until 2014 and was once again disappointed and has never returned.










Smokebox BBQ located at 10020 North Ambassador Drive in Kansas City, Missouri serves some fine BBQ. John got to eat there in 2016 and forgot to take a photo of the building, but he did manage to take a photo of the food before it was gone.




Smokey Bones Bar and Fire Grill started out in 1999 by the Darden Restaurants group, but over the years the chain has been struggling and a lot of their locations have been closed. In 2007 the chain was sold to Barbeque Integrated, Inc. In 2023 John visited the 7848 Mall Road, Florence, Kentucky location. Nothing outstanding about the meal, other than the price seemed high for what was served which might explain the lack of customers.










Someburros first location was on Mill Avenue and Baseline Road in Tempe, Arizona. That was in 1986, now they have over 10 locations in the greater Phoenix area. They serve authentic Sonoran-style Mexican food. John enjoys their food and goes to the Mesa location near his home often.












Sonny's BBQ started out in 1968 in Gainesville, Florida by Floyd "Sonny" Tillman. In 1991 the chain was purchased Bob Yarmuth and is based in the Gainesville area. Located mostly in the southeastern part of the country, they serve southern-style BBQ. In 2023 John visited the 2341 Buena Vista Road, Lexington, Kentucky location and had a very good pulled pork sandwich with a side of mac-n-cheese. If you are ever in Lexington, you may want to consider Sonny's BBQ. If you are lucky you will be served by a wonderful waitress named Kim.








Starnes Barbecue located at 1008 Joe Clifton Drive in Paducah, Kentucky is one of the most legendary restaurants in the south. They have been around since the 1950s serving barbecue from a tiny cinderblock building. John was there in 2015 and had a pulled pork sandwich.






Sticky Finters Rib House are obsessed with barbecue. They tell you to enjoy the food and let the sauce run down your chin and get sticky fingers. John visited the Chattanooga, Tennessee location in 2012. Not only was the bbq great, management was very friendly and even offered a jar of one of their signature barbecue sauces to take home. The experience was so great, John forgot to take photos of the food and interior.




Straw Hat Pizza first opened in 1960 in San Leandro, California. The Billings, Montana location opened in 2011, but not long after closed, re-opened, and closed again. John was a frequent visitor in their first years, but the quality of the food decreased quickly. One of the unique features was a TV set at each table. (That's KTVQ Channel 2 Billings, Montana on the screen featuring Jeff Womack doing weather). You could order sandwiches or pizza.










Streets of New York was founded in 1976 by German immigrants Bernd and Lorrie Glaeser, who brought authentic East Coast-style pizza to Phoenix, Arizona. Starting at 32nd St and Cactus Road, the family-owned pizzeria grew from a single location into a beloved regional chain, known for handcrafted dough, imported tomatoes, and a menu featuring pasta, subs, and wings. John has had their pizza a few times. They do not serve refreshing ice-cold Coca-Cola products.




Taco Bell was founded by Glen Bell, a former Marine who was inspired to create a fast-food, hard-shell taco after seeing long lines at a nearby Mexican restaurant in San Bernardino, California. After developing his own recipe and refining the assembly line process at his earlier stands, Taco Tia and El Taco, Bell opened the first official Taco Bell in Downey, California, on March 21, 1962. John is not a regular as they do not serve refreshing ice-cold Coca-Cola products.








Taco Johns began in 1968 as a small, successful taco stand in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and grew into one of the largest Mexican quick-service restaurant chains in the USA. John has visited many Taco John's locations throughout the years, but has to travel now due to none located in Arizona. They do not serve refreshing ice-cold Coca-Cola products.








Teddy's Bigger Burgers first location opened in 1998 near Diamond Head, but John didn't have to go to Hawai'i to enjoy one of their burgers as he found a location in Iowa City, Iowa in 2019.










Ted's Hot Dogs began in Buffalo, New York, in 1927 with Greek immigrant Theodore "Ted" Spiro Liaros, starting from a hot dog cart and growing into a local institution known for charcoal-grilled dogs. The brand expanded to Tempe, Arizona, in 1983 when Ted's son, Spiro Liaros (the founder's son and current President), retired to the area and opened the first Arizona location, bringing Buffalo's classic flavors to the Southwest. John's wife Nancy grew up in Buffalo, New York and ate at Ted's Hot Dogs often. John has enjoyed hot dogs at the Buffalo, New York locations himself, but mostly eating at the Tempe, Arizona location. Both enjoy eating the hot dogs, imported from New York, cooked on the charcoal grill, charcoal imported from New York. Over the years prices have more than doubled and in 2025 there are less customers. The line used to run to the door. Before you would yell out what you wanted to the cook, now you pay and receive a buzzer giving the experience of ordering and watching your hot dog being cooked a thing of the past. The hot dogs are good and John highly recommends the onion rings. Sadly, they no longer serve refreshing ice cold Coca-Cola products. The photos from 2010 were taken in Buffalo, New York.




































Texas Roadhouse was started by Kent Taylor in 1993 with the first location in Clarksville, Indiana despite the Texas in the name. Legendary food, legendary service is their mission. John has been going to the Texas Roadhouse for over 20 years as it is favorite place to eat. From the fresh-baked bread with honey cinnamon butter to the huge salads, to great steaks, ribs, and burgers. Plus refreshing ice-cold Coca Cola. John is pictured.
























TGI Fridays closed all of the greater Phoenix, Arizona locations over 10 years ago. John visited the Manchester, New Hampshire location in 2019.






Thatcher's Barbecue and Grille located in Trenton, Georgia just might have the best BBQ in Georgia. They opened in 2010, John was there in 2012. The food was so good no pictures were taken. We ate on the porch and over heard a local customer with an accent say "let's eat on the poach".








Toby Keith's I Love This Bar and Grill started in Oklahoma in 2005, inspired by Keith's hit song, rapidly expanding nationwide under a franchise model, offering a country-themed eatery with live music, mechanical bulls, and Southern food, but the chain faced significant financial troubles, lawsuits, and numerous abrupt closures by the mid-2010s, leading to its collapse despite its initial popularity. John never visited this restaurant.






The Knack in Orleans, Massachusetts is a popular, classic takeout restaurant specializing in elevated Cape Cod summer staples like burgers, hot dogs, and lobster rolls. Founded by brothers Michael and Van Haidas, who grew up on the Cape, the eatery aims to capture the essence of traditional local dining, later expanding to a second location in Hyannis. John stopped there in 2019 and had a burger.






The Marina John had lunch at The Marina, located at 28 Spring Tree Road in Battleboro, Vermont, in 2019. It is very unusual for John to eat seafood.








Tom's Drive In was started in 1960 by Tom Grishaber in Appleton, Wisconsin next to Telulah Park. Burgers sold for 20 cents. More locations were added around Wisconsin. In 2021 and again in 2022 John ate at the 501 North Westhill Boulevard location in Appleton. Great decor with tables inside old Tilt-A-Whirl carnival rides.














Toot's is a Tennessee original. In 2012 John visited the 301 South Ridley Pike location in Smyrna, Tennessee.






Twin Oaks BBQ was started in 1943. Located at 2618 Norwich Street in Brunswick, Georgia offers very good BBQ. I had the pulled pork sandwich. The building hasn't changed much since the 1940s.








Twisters Burgers and Burritos started out in 1998 and have expanded to nearly 20 locations in Colorado and New Mexico. John had visited the Albuquerque, New Mexico location in 2009 (first photo) and liked the food. He was happy to discover the location at 1750 South Burkley Road in Aurora, Colorado in 2011. Great food.













Uno Pizzeria and Grill located at 280 Maine Mall Road in Portland, Maine. John stopped there in 2019 for a quick pizza.






Walk-Ons Bistreaux was founded by Brandon Landry and Jack Warner. Their first location was near LSU's Tiger Stadium. John visited the Gilbert, Arizona location.










Wendy's was founded by Dave Thomas on November 15, 1969, in Columbus, Ohio, Wendy’s revolutionized fast food with its signature fresh, square-shaped beef patties and Frosty desserts. Named after his daughter, the chain quickly grew, pioneering the modern, modern drive-thru window in 1970 and cementing its reputation for quality over cutting corners. For many years Wendy's was John's go-to for burgers, but rarely visits anymore.




Whataburger started out in 1950 in Corpus Christi, Texas. By 1960 there were 17 locations, increasing to 200 in the 1970s. Whataburger just may be John's favorite hamburger. John first discovered Whataburger in 1965 in Pensacola, Florida. Now John has many locations to choose from in the greater Phoenix area, one just 2 miles from his house. John is pictured outside a Tucson, Arizona location. Other locations shown are from Mesa, Gilbert, and Queen Creek.






























White Castle America's first fast-food hamburger chain, White Castle started in Wichita, Kansas, in 1921, founded by Billy Ingram and Walt Anderson to offer clean, affordable, and consistent hamburgers, challenging negative perceptions of ground meat with its white, castle-like buildings and stainless-steel interiors. They pioneered the fast-food model, popularizing hamburgers and introducing concepts like "buy 'em by the sack" takeout, leading to the iconic, small, square "Slider" burgers that remain a cultural staple today. White Castle has only one location in Phoenix. John last visited a White Castle in Bowling Green, Kentucky in 2013.




Wood's Seafood located at 15 Town Pier in Plymouth, Massachusetts overlooks the historic Plymouth Harbor. They have received numerous honors for being the best fish market. John visited there in 2019. He had the crab cakes.







Zaxbys started in 1990 in Statesboro, Georgia, when childhood friends Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley opened a chicken finger restaurant to offer a fun, casual alternative to traditional fast food, using $8,000 each to launch what became a fast-growing chain known for its signature sauces and Southern hospitality, expanding from the Southeast to become a national brand. John has visited various Zaxbys across the southeastern USA, but recently they have moved into Arizona. John likes the chicken fingers from Chick-fil-A better.