What? You’ve never heard of a Runza Sandwich? My sentiments exactly…until a recent trip to Omaha with our son and his family.
My daughter in law was surprised that a self proclaimed “foodie” like me had never eaten or even heard of the Midwest delicacy, so for lunch we headed to a Runza restaurant for my maiden voyage on the Runza ship of flavors…
On the way to one of the Omaha locations I did some research on the Runza phenomenon. Turns out the sandwich was invented in 1949 in Lincoln, Nebraska by Sally Everett…and the business continues to be a family affair. The 80 restaurant chain is still run by Sally’s grandkids. Now that’s what I call a family business!
When our family walked into the restaurant I quickly discovered I needed to choose between SIX varieties of the Runza sandwich. Original, Cheese, Swiss Mushroom, BBQ Bacon, Cheeseburger and BLT. My son and his wife told me to stick with the Cheese Runza so I could experience the true flavors that have earned the Nebraska sandwich a “cult following” in the four states where they can now be found…in Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas and Iowa. (I was surprised to see Iowa on the list, since I’ve never heard of the chain!)
As I placed my order for a Cheese Runza sandwich and their equally world famous onion rings I was THRILLED to watch “Middle Bro” grandson order his meal. Instead of a sandwich he chose the biggest salad on the menu…a Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad!
It’s makes this old Meemaw so proud when our grandkids make good choices at mealtime. But when I saw the size of his salad I thought of something my mom said to me on many occasions. “I think your eyes are bigger than your stomach”…so I was anxious to see how his meal progressed!
In the meantime, my meal was ready, and I couldn’t wait to taste that sandwich. I opened it up before I took a bite and my first impression was that old TV commerical…”Where’s the BEEF?”
It seemed as if the cooks had forgotten to add the filling to that big bun. It certainly didn’t look like the billboard photo of the sandwich.
The bun was soggy from the juicy filling. I took a bite…and I guess I wasn’t really prepared for the flavors of cooked cabbage and melted cheese on that soggy bun. That cabbage was a tough sell for me…and I usually LOVE cabbage. I think it may have been their choice of seasonings that turned off my taste buds, and I immediately wished I could trade meals with Middle Bro.
But alas…
He had only one bite left so I was out of luck! (Don’t you just love a kid who loves veggies???)
I know this family-run Runza sandwich restaurant chain has scores of loyal customers, and there are very few foods I don’t like. But I must say a Runza sandwich won’t be appearing on my plate again any time soon. And the onion rings were heavy and overly breaded, so my entire meal was not what I had hoped for.
And as for Middle Bro?
That salad was good to the last bite!
I love that you are honest about things!!
Thanks Linda! That’s very important to me when I write reviews…I’m not trying to be unkind…just honest about my personal experiences.
Sally Everett did not invent Runzas. She may have been the first to call them that, but the sandwich is a Russian-German food. They are known as Bierocks in Volga German communities. Secondly, if you would have cut the runza in half, not take the top off like a regular sandwich, you would have seen the filling. They are supposed to be doughy, because raw dough is wrapped around the filling and then baked. Fries and onion rings can be ordered well done, so the are nice and crisp.
Ok, lecture over!! : ) Sorry you did not enjoy your Runza. I love them, but DH always gets a swiss mushroom burger. They are very popular at Husker football games, but they are kind of an acquired taste. I enjoy your blog, and reading about all your food adventures.
Thanks for your comment Carmen! My Runza was served already cut like a hotdog bun and it did not resemble your description at all. Apparently there is more than one way to make a Runza…and I must have picked the wrong version! I’m glad you enjoy my blog…and I certainly enjoy writing it!
Sorry yo hear that dining g experience was a disaster . Thought it might be tasty and looks were deceiving.
Thanks K! Maybe next time would be better…but there are so many places I’m anxious to try before I take a chance on another Runza!
Just get an original Runza, no cheese and French fries! I love their salads also!! What a great review!! Love the honesty!
Thanks Nicole! I appreciate your comment and your menu suggestions. And as for the salads…Our grandson proved your point about those! Keep reading…and I’ll keep eating (and sipping) my way across America. (Heading to Michigan and Indiana soon…and then we’ll head West…to Oregon wine country! Cheers!)