When I think about the history of Runza, I am taken back to 1966, seventeen years after Donald Everett (the son of Sally, as it happens) purchased the trade name and sowed the seeds of what would be a culinary legacy. Things really kicked off in 1979 when Runza began franchising, and today they operate more than 80 restaurants across the U.S. What an expansive story of success!
I suppose it wouldn't exactly be a casual hangout if the menu left you with a scant handful of options. Well, that's far from the case with Runza. Here, you can appease your hunger pangs at any time of the day be it breakfast, lunch or dinner. Their offerings range from robust salads, juicy burgers, golden French fries, tasty desserts, refreshing beverages and oh, the combos!
I must say though, the crown jewel dish here is the "Runza Sandwich." Imagine sinking your teeth into a mouth-watering blend of ground beef, delicately seasoned and served with cabbage and onions – all swaddled in a comforting slice of bread. Top it off with lip-smacking sauces and toppings and oh my goodness, you are in for a treat.
To embark on your own digital food trail, you can {visit Runza’s website here}.
Wondering where you can find a Runza restaurant? They have a steady foothold in three cities within the Midwest zone of the U.S. – with 80 buzzing eateries in Nebraska, a pair each in Iowa, Colorado, and Kansas. Their expansion may have been slow, but it has been deliberate – always delivering custard sandwiches that keep the customers coming back for more.
The quintessence of Runza's charm lies in its unique character. What sets it apart are a handful of factors:
- The warmth exuded by the Eatery, creating a homely ambiance.
- The distinctive 'Runza sandwich' that's packed with delectable flavors.
- A spread of scrumptious sandwiches and burgers that are always fresh and creamy.
- The friendly staff who offer excellent service, ensuring you have a memorable experience.
To say I savored my time feasting at Runza would be an understatement.
Talking about Runza's tantalizing lineup, one cannot overlook their sandwiches. Of course, amongst the pile, the standout ones include the Original Runza sandwich, the Cheese Runza, the BBQ Bacon Runza, and the Swiss Mushroom Runza – just to name a few.
They've also got heavenly sides – piping-hot Crinkle-cut French fries, hand-sliced onion rings, a daily changing soup, Frings: A seamless blend of fries paired with onion rings, and a lovely side salad. And here's the kicker: you can pair these with your chosen sandwich or burger and polish it off with a drink – voila! – a perfect combo meal.
Additionally, Runza offers a remarkable variety of chicken sandwiches that make you drool. And to cater to your sweet cravings, they serve mini shakes, ice cream, Cinnamon Rolls, Big shakes (I dare you to try the vanilla or strawberry), and Chocolate chip cookies.
If you enjoy your food spicy – fret not, folks at Runza have you covered. Their offerings include the Spicy Jack Runza sandwich, the Spicy Jack grilled chicken sandwich, the Spicy Jack Burger, and a Homemade Chili that's packed with ground beef, beans, onions, peppers, and some tantalizing secret spicy sauces.
For customers on the go, they can access Runza via the drive-thru (subject to availability and opening hours of individual outlets) or place their order on the website. Simply choose your preferred location, pick your favorite meal, add to cart, pay and voila – your order's ready for pick-up!
Runza has a thoughtful selection for your kiddos too! Three sheer delicious meals like the Jr. Burger Kids meal, Original Runza sandwich kids meal, and Chicken strips kids meal. All these topped with your choice of side and a drink, making it an adorable mini-meal.
Most Runza outlets open their doors from 10:00 a.m. and bid goodbye around 8:00 or 9:30 p.m. But it's always best to confirm the timings of your preferred location just to be safe!
For foodies who prefer to enjoy the deliciousness of Runza from the comfort of their homes, the good news is, they offer delivery services through UberEats and DoorDash. And, yes, vegetarians, Runza has something for you too! Their Side Salad, with its fresh lettuce, purple cabbage, and tempting tomatoes, couldn't be more inviting!
But hey, food lover that I am, I can't leave you without sharing the best part – you can also cook some Runza right at your home! They offer a package of twelve Runza sandwiches (or two or four dozen of Miller and Paine Cinnamon Rolls) that can be delivered to your doorsteps. Prep them as you please and savor away.
Now, having given you a taste of my Runza experience, let's dive into some highlights and minor snags I came across during my visit.
## Pros:
* Broad range of delicious offerings.
* Kids-friendly menu.
* Vegetarian options available.
* Home cooking option.
## Cons:
* Not a wide variety of vegetarian options.
* Slightly slow service.
* Lunch rush can be overwhelming.
But those minor hiccups didn't hinder my overall divine Runza experience. I'd call it a must-go for food fanatics, families, and anyone in between. I hope this gives you a savory insight into what awaits you at Runza!