Randy Chandler
Whataburger, a Texas-based fast-food chain, has removed the grilled cheese sandwich from its menu, sparking disappointment among customers, especially vegetarians and those seeking meatless options. The grilled cheese, previously available as a kids' meal or à la carte, was a popular choice for its simplicity and affordability. However, some customers resorted to a 'hack' by ordering individual components to create a cheaper version of the Patty Melt sandwich. Following customer feedback, Whataburger reinstated the grilled cheese on the kids' menu, but its availability may vary by location.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Grilled cheese sandwich removed from menu | Yes |
| Date of removal | April 2022 |
| Reason for removal | To help kitchen production time |
| Grilled cheese sandwich available for kids | Yes |
| Grilled cheese sandwich available for adults | No |
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What You'll Learn
The grilled cheese was a popular meatless option
The grilled cheese sandwich was a popular meatless option at Whataburger, a fast-food chain based in Texas. The sandwich was made with Texas toast and a slice or two of cheese, sometimes cut diagonally. It was a favourite among vegetarians and those looking for a lighter option than a burger.
The grilled cheese sandwich was initially removed from the kids' menu, leaving only the Justaburger and two Whatachicken non-sandwich options. This caused some frustration among customers, especially those with children who enjoyed the grilled cheese. Some customers even requested to order the individual pieces of bread and cheese separately, which was more expensive.
Eventually, Whataburger discontinued the grilled cheese sandwich altogether, both from the store menu and the app menu. This decision was met with disappointment from customers, especially those who relied on it as a meatless option. The sandwich was also a key component of a hack for a cheaper "Budget Patty Melt", which involved ordering a grilled cheese with Swiss cheese and adding a burger patty.
Due to the popularity of the grilled cheese and the viral nature of the "Budget Patty Melt" hack, Whataburger announced that they would be bringing back the grilled cheese sandwich. This decision was well-received by customers, who expressed relief and excitement. The grilled cheese sandwich's brief removal highlights the importance of offering diverse menu options, including meatless alternatives, to meet the varying dietary preferences and needs of customers.
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It was removed to improve kitchen production time
Whataburger, a fast-food chain based in Texas, removed the grilled cheese sandwich from its menu, a decision that was met with disappointment from customers. The grilled cheese was a beloved, simple, and meatless option, especially for vegetarians and children. The removal was attributed to improving kitchen production time, as it was a time-consuming item to prepare.
The grilled cheese sandwich was initially removed from the kids' menu, leaving only the Justaburger and two Whatachicken non-sandwich options for children. However, after facing backlash, Whataburger brought back the grilled cheese sandwich to the kids' menu, along with a cookie option for an additional charge.
The removal of the grilled cheese sandwich from the menu highlights an issue with limited meatless options, especially for vegetarians and those looking for a lighter meal. While some customers attempted to create their own grilled cheese by ordering individual pieces of bread and cheese, this was a more expensive option, and employees expressed frustration with these special requests.
The popularity of the grilled cheese sandwich at Whataburger can be attributed to its simplicity, with Texas toast and a slice or two of cheese, sometimes cut diagonally. While it was a straightforward item, it required separate preparation, impacting kitchen efficiency.
To address the removal, Whataburger could consider offering a more sophisticated "adult" grilled cheese with varied cheeses and add-ons, similar to what other restaurants provide. This could be a premium option, satisfying customers looking for a meatless or lighter alternative without hindering kitchen production flow.
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It was removed from the kids' menu first
Whataburger, a Texas-based fast-food chain, has removed the grilled cheese sandwich from its menu. The grilled cheese was a beloved, meatless option for vegetarians and those looking for something lighter than a burger. While it is no longer officially on the menu, some customers have reported that they were still able to order it by requesting the individual pieces of bread and cheese. However, this option appears to be inconsistent across locations and may no longer be available.
Initially, Whataburger removed the grilled cheese from the kids' menu, leaving the Justaburger and two Whatachicken non-sandwich options as the remaining choices. This change disappointed many customers, especially those with children who enjoyed the grilled cheese as a kid-friendly and delicious option. The removal from the kids' menu also affected vegetarians, as it was one of the few meatless choices available.
Following the removal from the kids' menu, Whataburger discontinued the grilled cheese sandwich altogether, both from the store menu and the app menu. This decision sparked a significant reaction from customers, with many expressing their disappointment and frustration. Some even threatened to take their business elsewhere, as they felt that Whataburger was no longer accommodating their dietary preferences or restrictions.
The exact reasons behind the removal of the grilled cheese from the kids' menu first are unclear. However, some have speculated that it could be related to kitchen production time or a decision made by the new owners, BDT Capital Partners. Additionally, a viral TikTok "hack" for a cheaper "Budget Patty Melt" involving ordering a grilled cheese with Swiss cheese and a burger patty may have contributed to the decision.
Despite the initial removal, Whataburger eventually brought back the grilled cheese sandwich due to customer demand. This reversal is a testament to the popularity of the item and the power of customer feedback. While it is unclear whether the grilled cheese will return to the kids' menu, its reinstatement on the regular menu shows that Whataburger is responsive to the needs and preferences of its customers.
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A viral TikTok hack may have contributed to its removal
In April 2022, Whataburger, a Texas-based fast-food chain, removed its grilled cheese sandwich from the menu. While the company did not provide an official reason for the removal, a viral TikTok hack may have contributed to its decision.
The grilled cheese sandwich at Whataburger was a popular item, particularly for those who do not eat meat. It was one of the few meatless options on the menu and was well-liked for its simplicity and taste. However, in April 2022, the sandwich was quietly removed from the menu, sparking surprise and disappointment among customers.
Around the same time, a TikTok hack went viral, promising a cheaper alternative to the Patty Melt sandwich, another popular item on the Whataburger menu. The hack, shared by TikTok user @hellthyjunkfood, suggested ordering a grilled cheese sandwich with Swiss cheese and adding a burger patty on the side. This combination resembled the Patty Melt at a lower cost.
The hack may have contributed to the removal of the grilled cheese sandwich for a few reasons. Firstly, it drew attention to the grilled cheese as a cheaper alternative to the Patty Melt, potentially impacting sales of the more expensive item. Secondly, it highlighted a loophole in the menu, allowing customers to create their own version of the Patty Melt at a discounted price. This could have encouraged customers to game the system, affecting Whataburger's profits. Finally, the hack may have created additional complexity for kitchen staff, who had to accommodate custom orders and ensure consistent quality.
While the exact reasons for the removal remain unknown, the viral TikTok hack likely played a role in Whataburger's decision to discontinue the grilled cheese sandwich. The incident highlights the impact of social media on food trends and consumer behaviour, as well as the challenges faced by restaurants in responding to creative ordering strategies.
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It's still possible to order the ingredients separately
While Whataburger has removed grilled cheese from its menu, it is still possible to order the ingredients separately. The sandwich was a simple combination of Texas toast and a slice or two of cheese. Some customers have reported that they were able to order the ingredients separately and make the sandwich themselves. However, others have encountered resistance from staff, who have refused to ring in the individual pieces.
One workaround that has been suggested is to order a Justaburger, plain and dry, with no meat, and add Texas toast and cheese. This option, however, is more expensive than the original grilled cheese sandwich. Another option is to order a chicken strip melt sandwich and ask for the strips on the side. However, some Whataburger locations have refused to accommodate this request.
The removal of grilled cheese from the menu has been a source of disappointment for many customers, especially those who are vegetarian or looking for a lighter option than a burger. The sandwich was one of the few meatless options on the menu, and its removal has limited the choices available for these customers.
Some customers have expressed their hope that Whataburger will reconsider and bring back the grilled cheese sandwich. In response to customer feedback, Whataburger announced that it would bring back the grilled cheese, at least on the kids' menu. However, it is unclear if this option will be available for adults as well.
In conclusion, while it is technically possible to order the ingredients for a grilled cheese sandwich separately at Whataburger, the process is not always straightforward, and the cost may be higher than expected. For now, customers who enjoyed this simple yet beloved sandwich will have to settle for more expensive workarounds or hope that Whataburger brings it back as a permanent menu item.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Whataburger removed the grilled cheese sandwich from its menu.
Whataburger removed the grilled cheese sandwich to help with kitchen production time.
Yes, you can order the ingredients separately and make the sandwich yourself.
Yes, grilled cheese was a beloved item at Whataburger, especially for vegetarians and those looking for a lighter option.
After facing backlash, Whataburger announced that they would bring back the grilled cheese sandwich, but it is unclear if it is still available.
