Arby’s

It was kind of a food emergency. My friend Rachel and I were dashing from meeting to meeting. It was around 12:30 PM, and we realized that 1) We hadn’t eaten since last night, and 2) It might be our last chance to eat until dark.
I’m pretty loyal to Taco Bell, fast food-​wise (or Popeyes, when I can get it). But Rachel ate Taco bell last night and there’s no Popeyes in Cullowhee. So we went to Arby’s.
This was my first visit to Arby’s in 20 years, and honestly the food hasn’t changed too much. It’s still the same. Hot sandwiches, sliced meat, fluffy Roman Meal style bread. I hear rumors that they serve America’s finest fast-​food fish sandwich during the 40 days of Lent. Sadly, Lent was over, so I ate a Ruben (no cheese, extra sauerkraut), which honestly wasn’t too bad.
Arby’s, being a typical fast food establishment whose food hasn’t changed much since I was born in the 70’s (and not having a fish sandwich on the menu at the time of my visit) would probably get 3 stars from me, most days.
I’m giving this particular Arby’s a whole extra star for SHEER SPECTACLE. Whoever the guy was running the register, he won that extra star, fair and square.
He took 5 – 7 minutes to describe every item on the menu in exhaustive, poetic, loving detail, with a level of enthusiasm and politeness not generally associated with fast food. He had a certain Ren Faire vibe about him. Dollars to donuts, this guy has a sword collection at home.
Rachel and I got back in the car, looked at each other, and said «whoah, that was REALLY SOMETHING ELSE.» Rachel thinks this guy spends his spare time thinking a lot about «chivalry.» Really, the only thing that was missing was «Would you like curly fries with that, M’Lady?»
Thanks, Cash Register Guy, whoever you were, for giving Rachel and me conversation fodder and great amusement for several hours after our visit. And Yes, Good Sir… We WOULD like curly fries with that!