I enjoyed a pretty refreshing trip to Eegee's, a fast-food chain deeply rooted in Arizona tradition. Known for their signature frozen fruit drinks and sumptuous subs, this place was exactly what I needed for a chill lunch hangout.
Can you believe Eegees had such humble beginnings? In 1971, Edmund Irvin and Robert Greenberg (whose initials make up the term 'eegees') started a business selling just one item – frozen lemonade- out of vending trucks stationed near high schools and sports events. Believe me when I say, they've come a long way since then!
The founders didn't just stick with lemonade, though. They decided to spice things up and added a variety of flavors to their menu. And if that wasn't audacious enough, they also added food! That's how they came up with the menu we all know and love today, featuring their iconic subs, salads, and the ever-popular Eegee's ranch dressing.
They may have spread their wings to places like Phoenix, Casa Grande, and Green Valley, but honestly, the heart of Eegee's lies in Tucson, Arizona. As of April 2023, they have more than 63 locations with 53% of them right here in their Tucson homeland.
For more information on Eegee's and their wondrous menu, give their official website a check!
What sets Eegees apart?
Despite now operating as a full-fledged restaurant, Eegee's is still that adorable vending truck at heart, charming patrons with their luscious frozen fruit drinks. They keep things exciting by introducing a new flavor every month - just enough to keep you guessing! It's what sets them apart from the rest of Arizona's fast-food scene.
Another charming aspect? Their delightfully simple menu. Grinders and subs, salads, and sides - that's all, folks! It avoids complicated choices and keeps ordering a breeze. Also, their customization option for the sub toppings lets me create my own sandwich to satiate my cravings. This easy-going approach solidifies Eegee's as a straightforward, down-to-earth, and family-friendly restaurant.
Here’s a quick rundown of their delicious menu spread across nine categories:
- Eegees
- Grinders
- Subs
- Chicken
- Salads
- Fries and Sides
- 3-Foot Subs and Parties
- Kid’s Meals
- Beverages
*Pro-tip: Don't miss out on the changing landscapes of their Eegees menu with ever-evolving flavors and the intriguing 'Flavor of the Month.'
I'm going to let you in on some insider info here. When you stroll into Eegee's, here are some top items you just can't miss:
- Ranch Fries
- Original Grinder
- Veggie Grinder
- Hot Meatball Sub
- Hot Spicy Chicken Bacon Sub
- Southwest Chipotle Ranch Chicken Salad
I still can’t forget the burst of flavors in the Hot Meatball Sub, smothered in tangy marinara sauce and melted cheese. And the Southwest Chipotle Ranch Chicken Salad – an absolute delight!
Vegetarian Options at Eegee’s
No worries if you're vegetarian. They've got some goodies for you too. While they don't boast a vegetarian-specific menu, the customization option is a godsend. Their Veggie Grinder, regular fries, and salads (sans the meat) can be tweaked to cater to all those vegetarian taste buds out there.
They’ve got the kiddos covered too! Their kid's menu is straightforward with youths in mind:
- Kid’s Tenders (2 chicken tenders)
- Kid’s Subs (turkey, provolone, ham, salami, Swiss cheese, and provolone)
These come along with a side of fries and a choice of Eegee!
Eegee’s Operating Hours
From lunch break indulgence to cozy dinner dates, they operate between 9:30 am to 8 pm. But just to be on the safe side, check their hours at your nearest location.
Eegee’s Delivery Services
Run out of Eegee's at home? No frets, they deliver. You can order directly from their site or use third-party delivery partners such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, it’s that convenient!
The Eegee's Experience
Pros:
- Their frozen fruit drinks are utterly refreshing
- The customization option is just perfect for picky eaters
- The simple menu avoids any indecisiveness
- They maintain excellent food quality
- Delivery service is prompt and efficient
Cons:
- They could do more exciting additions to the menu
- Vegetarians might feel slightly left out
- They can have slightly inconsistent operating hours