LAist is part of Southern California Public Radio (SCPR), a member-supported public media network. Hear our news on-air at our partner site:
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
LAist has nothing against fast food and the cholesterol-clogged arteries it produces simply because, well, it tastes damn good. But the recent trend of two fast-food powerhouses (in reality, one taking over another for their lack of success) joining forces and combining under one roof makes us question which food items are safe to eat.
Take the Carl's Jr./Green Burrito merger. All across the country, where Carl's Jr. and/or the Green Burrito once stood gives you, the consumer, the opportunity to savour a Western Bacon Double Cheeseburger AND a quesadilla all at once. Or perhaps you have a craving for a Three-Piece Chicken Meal and a Vanilla Cone? If you do, swinging on down to the hybrid El Pollo Loco/Dairy QueenFoster's Freeze may be the place.
The fast food friendships don't end there. Mom and pop joints are also getting in on the action with Chicken & Doughnuts establishments, Chinese Food & Doughnuts joints and Fruit Smoothie/Thai food combinations. It's like the best of both worlds coming together to cancel out each other.
If we have to be real for just one moment, doesn't the combination of two well known brands cause you to wonder which one is the "main food" of the establishment? Does a place that was known for Chinese food that starts to make doughnuts make you reel back from the doughnut portion since it was never their original foray into food preparation?
Wouldn't things just be easier if they could stick to one thing, do it the best that they could, and leave well enough alone?
LAist isn't sure we know the answer, but we sure do know that we'll never order a vanilla dipped cone at El Pollo Loco. Because, you know, it just doesn't feel right.