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Fast Food Maniac: From Arby's to White Castle, One Man's Supersized Obsession with America's Favorite Food
The beloved personality from The Howard Stern Show celebrates American fast food, exploring the history and secret menu items of both national and regional chains, ranking everything from burgers and fries to ice and mascots, and offering his own expert tips on where to go and what to order.
Jon Hein is the ultimate fast food maniac, and in this book he draws on his extensive knowledge of, and love for, both nationwide chains and regional gems, from McDonald’s and KFC to In-N-Out Burger and Carvel. He digs into their origin stories; reveals secret menu items; includes best lists for everything from fried chicken and shakes to connoisseur concerns such as straws and biscuits; takes a nostalgic look back at the best giveaways, slogans, and uniforms; and even provides a battle-tested drive-thru strategy. With behind-the-counter looks at places like the Dunkin' Donuts headquarters and Nathan's original hot dog stand, Fast Food Maniac is the definitive, cross-country guide to some of America's best-loved guilty pleasures.
Jon Hein is the ultimate fast food maniac, and in this book he draws on his extensive knowledge of, and love for, both nationwide chains and regional gems, from McDonald’s and KFC to In-N-Out Burger and Carvel. He digs into their origin stories; reveals secret menu items; includes best lists for everything from fried chicken and shakes to connoisseur concerns such as straws and biscuits; takes a nostalgic look back at the best giveaways, slogans, and uniforms; and even provides a battle-tested drive-thru strategy. With behind-the-counter looks at places like the Dunkin' Donuts headquarters and Nathan's original hot dog stand, Fast Food Maniac is the definitive, cross-country guide to some of America's best-loved guilty pleasures.
278 pages, Paperback
First published May 5, 2015
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485 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
January 26, 2016
Okay, so this book totally sucked. I MEAN SUCKED!
At the beginning of it the author does admit that he is a rabid fan of all fast food. What he doesn't tell the reader is that he is boring as heck.
I love some fast food. I have to maintain this girlish figure somehow. But what this book does is just push a book out hoping to cash in on some dough. Pun really not intended.
It's separated into sections with the big chains, regional ones and Jon Hein's holy grail of favorites. Guess what gets the top spot? Frigging McDonald's. Now I know McDonald's is probably the most well known chain ever but dang.
The little bits of each restaurant gives a little chart of when the restaurant was established, the founder, locations, yada-yada. Then he goes on to just give you a few chapters of just basic information. If you are over the age of 2 you are going to learn nothing new here folks.
I wanted more. I wanted to know details of food. It's a damn food book isn't it? I want to know what to expect when I eat at Hardee's.
I would have given this book a one star except he does mention a chain that I know I'm going to pay later for eating at...but I just can't resist.
BUT, he suggests that you get a naked dog. YOU DO NOT get a naked dog at the Varsity. You get that chili dog. I have no idea what is in that chili, but you get it. You lick ever last drop of it off that plate too. Stock up on toilet paper on the way home. But it's worth it. Even the president knows what to do!
When that lady taking your order yells "whata you have? whata you have?" You hurry up and order it and get the hell outta the way. There is chili dogs to be had here.
About all this book did was make me call my husband and have him stop for supplies on the way home.
Booksource: Blogging for books in exchange for review.
At the beginning of it the author does admit that he is a rabid fan of all fast food. What he doesn't tell the reader is that he is boring as heck.
I love some fast food. I have to maintain this girlish figure somehow. But what this book does is just push a book out hoping to cash in on some dough. Pun really not intended.
It's separated into sections with the big chains, regional ones and Jon Hein's holy grail of favorites. Guess what gets the top spot? Frigging McDonald's. Now I know McDonald's is probably the most well known chain ever but dang.
The little bits of each restaurant gives a little chart of when the restaurant was established, the founder, locations, yada-yada. Then he goes on to just give you a few chapters of just basic information. If you are over the age of 2 you are going to learn nothing new here folks.
I wanted more. I wanted to know details of food. It's a damn food book isn't it? I want to know what to expect when I eat at Hardee's.
I would have given this book a one star except he does mention a chain that I know I'm going to pay later for eating at...but I just can't resist.
BUT, he suggests that you get a naked dog. YOU DO NOT get a naked dog at the Varsity. You get that chili dog. I have no idea what is in that chili, but you get it. You lick ever last drop of it off that plate too. Stock up on toilet paper on the way home. But it's worth it. Even the president knows what to do!
When that lady taking your order yells "whata you have? whata you have?" You hurry up and order it and get the hell outta the way. There is chili dogs to be had here.
About all this book did was make me call my husband and have him stop for supplies on the way home.
Booksource: Blogging for books in exchange for review.
February 16, 2018
I had no idea who Jon Hein was before I read this book, but then again, I don't watch Howard Stern. I was drawn to the book simply by the cover - who isn't obsessed with fast food these days?
In this book, fast food expert Hein covers a large number of chain restaurants, many of which I had never heard of. Some of the restaurants covered are only locally known.
I found the inclusion of secret menu items quite interesting.
It's also a plus that he covers more than just the food. If you're interested in fast food history, a look back at uniforms, and simply learning what fast food is all about, this is the book for you. It's not a book you'll read cover to cover in one sitting, but I don't think the author meant it to be. I found myself only reading about the restaurants I was familiar with as there were many I knew I'd never visit.
In this book, fast food expert Hein covers a large number of chain restaurants, many of which I had never heard of. Some of the restaurants covered are only locally known.
I found the inclusion of secret menu items quite interesting.
It's also a plus that he covers more than just the food. If you're interested in fast food history, a look back at uniforms, and simply learning what fast food is all about, this is the book for you. It's not a book you'll read cover to cover in one sitting, but I don't think the author meant it to be. I found myself only reading about the restaurants I was familiar with as there were many I knew I'd never visit.
October 16, 2018
Clearly, this was a labor of love dedicated to something largely peripheral in relevancy to our everyday lives. It was interesting to learn the history of all these burger joints and greasy spoons, but was mostly a good read to kill time while I was in and out of waiting rooms and on work breaks.
August 2, 2017
I eat more fast food than I should because of my job, so I've become a bit obsessed with it. Apparently Jon Hein is also. In Fast Food Maniac, Jon Hein gives a quick overview of the history and best items available at national and select local fast food chains.
The format is more like a guidebook, as opposed to narrative non-fiction. The numbers by the best items were confusing, as their meaning was unexplained until the last section of the book, which contains "best of" lists. It is weird that he has nothing bad to say about any of the places other than Burger King. I mean, Sneak King is scary, but not scary enough to put me off the Angry Whopper.
The format is more like a guidebook, as opposed to narrative non-fiction. The numbers by the best items were confusing, as their meaning was unexplained until the last section of the book, which contains "best of" lists. It is weird that he has nothing bad to say about any of the places other than Burger King. I mean, Sneak King is scary, but not scary enough to put me off the Angry Whopper.
August 29, 2017
I picked this book up because I love trivia and the history of fast food. Unfortunately, this book did little to add to my knowledge base. A lot of text was devoted to the author's personal fast food memories and why he enjoyed his favorite products at each location. There's no value added to that for me, I must be frank.
It made for some nice semi-distracted reading while the television was on. Otherwise, I'm not sure I would have finished it.
Skip it. Not horrible. But not really worth your time.
It made for some nice semi-distracted reading while the television was on. Otherwise, I'm not sure I would have finished it.
Skip it. Not horrible. But not really worth your time.
July 2, 2016
This book was a fun read. You can tell how much Jon Hein really loves fast food. He rates everything from food and drinks to uniforms and mascots. The book is split into two sections: National Chains and Regional Chains.
For each restaurant, there is a menu board that tells you when the restaurant was started and where, how many locations they have in the US, their slogan, mascot and what food they're famous for. He also includes what he thinks the best items to order are and if they have any "secret" items (which are discussed at the end of the book). After that, Hein gives a brief history of each restaurant, what he orders there and his memories of the place. Towards the end of the book he has Top 5 lists for every kind of food (burgers, chicken, pizza, etc) and restaurant items (drive-thrus, straws, uniform, slogan, etc). The last part is the "secret" menu items for each place that has those.
If you enjoy fast food, this book is for you. I liked comparing my favorites with his and learning some "secret" menu items.
I got this book for free from Blogging For Books in exchange for an honest review.
For each restaurant, there is a menu board that tells you when the restaurant was started and where, how many locations they have in the US, their slogan, mascot and what food they're famous for. He also includes what he thinks the best items to order are and if they have any "secret" items (which are discussed at the end of the book). After that, Hein gives a brief history of each restaurant, what he orders there and his memories of the place. Towards the end of the book he has Top 5 lists for every kind of food (burgers, chicken, pizza, etc) and restaurant items (drive-thrus, straws, uniform, slogan, etc). The last part is the "secret" menu items for each place that has those.
If you enjoy fast food, this book is for you. I liked comparing my favorites with his and learning some "secret" menu items.
I got this book for free from Blogging For Books in exchange for an honest review.
April 5, 2024
It was interesting to read about all of the fast food places. Some of which I knew, others I've only heard other people tell me about.
I disagreed with a lot of Hein's choices, but that's okay because it's his book.
I will say a few of his favorites did not age well. One of his favorite promotions was the Monopoly promotion that was ran by McDonald's, since it's come out in resent years that it was a scam.
I disagreed with a lot of Hein's choices, but that's okay because it's his book.
I will say a few of his favorites did not age well. One of his favorite promotions was the Monopoly promotion that was ran by McDonald's, since it's come out in resent years that it was a scam.
July 23, 2024
Interesting book with a lot of great info. I listened to it as an audiobook; while the book is enjoyable and John Hein is a good author, he is not the best narrator and I feel that something is missed when listening--the book itself contains lots of pictures that really serve the book well.
Three stars--I enjoyed listening to/reading this book, but it's not one I'm likely to pick up again.
Three stars--I enjoyed listening to/reading this book, but it's not one I'm likely to pick up again.
August 3, 2016
Pretty much a simple guide to national and regional fast food restaurants. Wish the book dug a little deeper into the subject besides, 'I ate this in college'. There's a lot of fast food culture which could be added as features or block quotes. Liked Richard Christies heartfelt tribute to Tico Taco the best.
February 26, 2021
It's hard to review this as a nonfiction book, because it's really more of a reference book, chock full of the basic facts about lots of restaurants as well as a nutshell summary of their origin stories. But it was a light, diverting, and informative collection. I admire the unglamorous, niche enthusiasm that would inspire a book like this, and I had fun reading it.
October 30, 2016
I can't believe Mc Donalds ranks so high on his list! Interesting read though. I particularly liked the secret menu items that he mentioned. I also liked learning about places to try when I visit the West Coast.
March 19, 2016
I won this book threw Goodreads giveaways for an honest review. It was interesting. Not my normal read.
November 27, 2017
So long as you understand what you're getting it does its job Don't remember what drew me to the book (not at all familiar with Hein) but I had been under the impression that it was his memoirs of eating fast foods or a more thorough examination of the history of "fast food" in the United States. Nope. It's an encyclopedia with a little bit of what Hein loves about these particular restaurants or their quirks or interesting bits of history about them.
There's really all there is to it. It's an alphabetical listing of the particular restaurant with a basic list of facts (origins, founders, how many locations, recommended items, seasonal menu foods, etc.) plus a few words (a page or two) from Hein about what is unique/what he loves about the food there/commentary about the history/food/etc. Plus he has some lists of what foods he likes best, what he recommends, tips for secret menus or what it's like to order, etc.
There's not much else to it. The criticisms are on target: it's not particular in depth. The entries do read like ads for each eatery. If you're someone who already loves a particular restaurant or fast food in general, I'm not sure how much you'll get out of this.
I'm not sure who the target audience is, either. It's far too basic for most people and unless you have an interest or familiarity with these places it'd probably read like a boring encyclopedia of a topic you don't care for. At best I'd say it might be for a food historian or for someone who really likes Hein (although there are plenty of reviews from people who say they're disappointed that his name is attached to this). He clearly adores fast food and that comes through his writing. He also provides a number of pictures (black and white) but that isn't enough to really carry a book like this (and as other reviews say, this apparently doesn't translate well to audiobook form either).
The only people who might really get "use" out of this is someone who is new to the US and wants to explore the country via fast food (which I'm sure is something that has been done). As a specific travel guidebook this could be something that would be "fun" for someone who has the time and inclination to undertake a trip like this but I think that would probably be a fairly small group of people.
This was fun for what it was but I can see why a lot of people are disappointed and why the reviews are negative.
There's really all there is to it. It's an alphabetical listing of the particular restaurant with a basic list of facts (origins, founders, how many locations, recommended items, seasonal menu foods, etc.) plus a few words (a page or two) from Hein about what is unique/what he loves about the food there/commentary about the history/food/etc. Plus he has some lists of what foods he likes best, what he recommends, tips for secret menus or what it's like to order, etc.
There's not much else to it. The criticisms are on target: it's not particular in depth. The entries do read like ads for each eatery. If you're someone who already loves a particular restaurant or fast food in general, I'm not sure how much you'll get out of this.
I'm not sure who the target audience is, either. It's far too basic for most people and unless you have an interest or familiarity with these places it'd probably read like a boring encyclopedia of a topic you don't care for. At best I'd say it might be for a food historian or for someone who really likes Hein (although there are plenty of reviews from people who say they're disappointed that his name is attached to this). He clearly adores fast food and that comes through his writing. He also provides a number of pictures (black and white) but that isn't enough to really carry a book like this (and as other reviews say, this apparently doesn't translate well to audiobook form either).
The only people who might really get "use" out of this is someone who is new to the US and wants to explore the country via fast food (which I'm sure is something that has been done). As a specific travel guidebook this could be something that would be "fun" for someone who has the time and inclination to undertake a trip like this but I think that would probably be a fairly small group of people.
This was fun for what it was but I can see why a lot of people are disappointed and why the reviews are negative.
January 19, 2019
Hein covers a lot of territory within the span of a short book. Because of the sheer amount of eateries he's trying to pack in, the book feels rushed. Nothing in particular stands out. You get a brief history of the place, maybe a personal story attached to it (but most often not), and then you're on to the next. Part of what initially interested me in the book was the potential attachment factor Hein had to each place. And if it wasn't him, then someone he interviewed. Unfortunately, the book didn't take that route often enough. Towards the end, it just felt like he was trying to fill up space. The personal stories got lazy or not personal at all, just essentially expansions of the establishment's history or a slightly more in-depth look at the establishment's landmark meal. Overall, if you're a fan of fast food, this book is worth a breeze though. As someone who doesn't and can't eat a lot of fast food, there's a part of me that feels like I wasted my time trying to trudge through this book. Probably took me so long because my interested came, went, kinda returned, and then left again.
December 13, 2022
This is a slim book that is less an exploration of Fast Food joints in this country and more of a giant listicle, but it was a fun read. Obviously skewed towards Hein’s preferences, it serves mostly as an introduction to places one may have yet to try. I will say that I had hoped he would have delved a bit more into the reputation and overall quality control at some of these places as he seemed to be on board and super happy with them all. It kind of smacked of a blogger that praises the free stuff they were given “to review” at times because of this, though I believe it’s more of a “just comment on the stuff you enjoyed” philosophy. For instance, as enjoyable as the chicken is at Chick-Fil-A, I think it’s important to bring up the controversy surrounding the chain’s anti-LGBTQ stance and insistence on skirting laws to attempt to hire mainly (if not only) Christian workers. Or bringing up the huge dip in quality at Wendy’s following the passing of founder Dave Thomas.
July 5, 2019
I get suckered into these nostalgia books often and they always wall flat. I mean I've read books on Bazooka Joe, breakfast cereal, and other food books. The truth is they never live up to the nostalgia and there's only so many ways to describe french fries as we see here. Hein gives a brief history and then highlights some items. While the big chains are familiar the last half of the book covers regional chains you've probably only heard of a couple of and then Jon's lists of bests. He puts Dominoes pizza as the best fast food pizza, you know the company who famously ran commercials acknowledging their pizza sucked right around this book was being written. The end result is a guy who really just likes what he likes, and reading about it isn't very interesting.
September 10, 2017
Most of the book is made up of fawning promotions with stilted descriptions of restaurants. He does cover a decent number of chains and regional ones. The regional choices are mostly limited to NY, Michigan and Atlanta. I do love a few favorites including Bojangles, and Chipotle. The book's redeeming quality is the Secret menu reveals. I don't go to a fast food restaurant often but this was a quick read and I enjoyed the rankings. Rankings are in just about every category including best straws.
June 19, 2018
I didn’t quite know what to expect going into this book. I was hoping it would be the history of fast food itself, not restaurant specific. However, what I found was a book that was only restaurant specific and SOME, not all, of the information was accurate.
I work for Chickfila and I can promise you, there is no such thing as a blueberry cheesecake shake. If you order that, you will get a blank stare in response. Also, dog treats aren’t available at all locations. The only way to know is to ask.
I work for Chickfila and I can promise you, there is no such thing as a blueberry cheesecake shake. If you order that, you will get a blank stare in response. Also, dog treats aren’t available at all locations. The only way to know is to ask.
November 19, 2018
What a great book! Very informative, if you’re interested in the fast food business.
September 11, 2022
A hidden gem of a book that allows you to understand and do some of the great fast food restaurants and local chains from this great country
February 7, 2023
The most in-depth dive into fast food I never needed.
Want to read
February 27, 2023647.95 Hei
May 22, 2024
author chronicles a number of fast food chains, their origins and products. initially engaging it eventually begins to repeat itself.
Read
June 26, 2024This is a very informative book on America's favorite fast food franchises. My favorite part is Jon's lists of bests.
February 27, 2017
This book really made me crave some good, old, greasy fast food.
Anybody know where the Wienerschnitzel franchises are located?
Anybody know where the Wienerschnitzel franchises are located?
April 15, 2016
This book was not what I thought it was going to be, but turned out to be a good surprise. I had thought this book was another of the Howard Stern Show staffers' bios. Instead, this book is essentially the Zagat's Guide to fast food.
As any Howard Stern fan knows, Jon Hein is teased (is that the polite way to put it?) about his love of fast food. This book takes his love of fast food and puts it into a guide to the various chains across the US. I did enjoy his having Richard Christie write a review of the one Kansas regional chain. Of course as I read it it naturally was Richard's Dad saying the words. Was disappointed that there was no squirrel or raccoon on the menu.
My only gripes with the book are that Jon reviews coffee places and admits to not being a coffee drinker. It would be like reviewing a TV show without watching it. The other is a small thing but in his acknowledgments he thanks practically anyone who ever worked on the Stern Show at Sirius, except Artie Lange. I hate seeing poor Artie being snubbed because of some prohibition from Howard.
Apparently, Jon Hein also hosted a TV show that was similar to the book. I had never heard of it, but if you have seen it this may be a Cliff Notes version of what was covered on it. But overall, if you are someone who enjoys fast food and is interested in exploring beyond McDonald's and Burger King, read this book.
As any Howard Stern fan knows, Jon Hein is teased (is that the polite way to put it?) about his love of fast food. This book takes his love of fast food and puts it into a guide to the various chains across the US. I did enjoy his having Richard Christie write a review of the one Kansas regional chain. Of course as I read it it naturally was Richard's Dad saying the words. Was disappointed that there was no squirrel or raccoon on the menu.
My only gripes with the book are that Jon reviews coffee places and admits to not being a coffee drinker. It would be like reviewing a TV show without watching it. The other is a small thing but in his acknowledgments he thanks practically anyone who ever worked on the Stern Show at Sirius, except Artie Lange. I hate seeing poor Artie being snubbed because of some prohibition from Howard.
Apparently, Jon Hein also hosted a TV show that was similar to the book. I had never heard of it, but if you have seen it this may be a Cliff Notes version of what was covered on it. But overall, if you are someone who enjoys fast food and is interested in exploring beyond McDonald's and Burger King, read this book.
April 11, 2016
I find books that explore food, even fast food, to be fascinating. I'm not sure what it is that makes it so intriguing to me, but it's always a topic that will capture my interests. Because of that, I was excited to read this book.
The book doesn't go into much detail about any particular restaurant but instead provides a brief bit of knowledge about a wide variety of places. I would say that it's a fun book just to flip through and explore. I also found it interesting to see whether I agreed or disagreed with the rankings within the book, and I was surprised at how many of the restaurants I've never either heard of or been to, even within the national chains.
There were times when the tone of the book got a bit obnoxious to me. I think that had to do with the fact that you're flipping from restaurant to restaurant so quickly (because of how short the entries were) that eventually it just felt like too much. That's why I'd really recommend this book as something to flip through and read bits and pieces at a time. It's not something you want to sit down and read all at once, which is what I did.
I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review.
http://hmweasley-blog.blogspot.com/20...
The book doesn't go into much detail about any particular restaurant but instead provides a brief bit of knowledge about a wide variety of places. I would say that it's a fun book just to flip through and explore. I also found it interesting to see whether I agreed or disagreed with the rankings within the book, and I was surprised at how many of the restaurants I've never either heard of or been to, even within the national chains.
There were times when the tone of the book got a bit obnoxious to me. I think that had to do with the fact that you're flipping from restaurant to restaurant so quickly (because of how short the entries were) that eventually it just felt like too much. That's why I'd really recommend this book as something to flip through and read bits and pieces at a time. It's not something you want to sit down and read all at once, which is what I did.
I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for this review.
http://hmweasley-blog.blogspot.com/20...
February 7, 2016
I think I'm going to use this book as a guide for my life. I'm not sure that was Jon Hein's intention but after reading about all these fast food places, I am determined to visit each and every one. This book gives you a quick low down on national spots like McDonald's and Popeyes but also hits some regional spots that you may or may not have heard (Elevation Burger?). He gives you a brief history, runs down the menu (including secret menu stuff if it applies - I'm looking at you In-n-Out BUrger animal style fries) and then at the end ranks the Top 5 of every category of fast food you can think of, including ice! I travel quite a bit, so I'm hoping to hit all these places before I die from a clogged artery. This is such a fun book, and I dare you not to drool when you're reading it.
For full disclosure, I received this book from Blogging For Books in exchange for my unbiased review.
For full disclosure, I received this book from Blogging For Books in exchange for my unbiased review.
March 20, 2016
There is a good book in here somewhere. A more in-depth look at the history of various chains would be fascinating - there are genuinely interesting facts on display (that many McDonald's products were the invention of franchisees, the JR behind Carl's Jr and the invention of the drive threw are highlights).
What keeps the book from being truly good, and what renders it incredibly boring after sustained reading, is that so much of it reads like advertisement for the chains. While Hein may have good reason to want us to read his book as some sort travel guide, it's only the rare that deserve a special "you should check this out" section. Point out interesting or odd or historically significant McDonald's and maybe a pilgrimage would be justified. Don't tell me just to visit any old McDonald's.
What keeps the book from being truly good, and what renders it incredibly boring after sustained reading, is that so much of it reads like advertisement for the chains. While Hein may have good reason to want us to read his book as some sort travel guide, it's only the rare that deserve a special "you should check this out" section. Point out interesting or odd or historically significant McDonald's and maybe a pilgrimage would be justified. Don't tell me just to visit any old McDonald's.
February 21, 2016
I was excited to win this book as a First Reads Giveaway since I am a big Howard Stern fan and enjoyed listening to Jon Hein as he researched this book the last few years. I thought he did a great job with the book, which was fairly comprehensive and had a usable format.
At this point in my life, I don't eat a lot of fast food, but I have visited a lot of the establishments at some point in my life. It was fun to mentally revisit the chains and learn more about their history (date founded, game changers, secret menu items, etc.) Well done, Jon!
At this point in my life, I don't eat a lot of fast food, but I have visited a lot of the establishments at some point in my life. It was fun to mentally revisit the chains and learn more about their history (date founded, game changers, secret menu items, etc.) Well done, Jon!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews