T.O.T.s, Interrupted

One of the first casualties of the tough economic times that really hit home with me was when Bennigan's went bankrupt last summer.  How can the creators of the ever-so-decadent Turkey O'Tooles not make a killing in every mall, strip mall, and Quality Inn and Suites parking lot in America?!  I guess there was a reason they were the only restaurant chain still offering unlimited soda refills.

While I was still in mourning that I would never experience the pretzel roll/turkey/honey mustard combo again, the P told me his friend's dad works as a restaurant closer and participated in the beheading of the chain.  I guess when restaurants are going to be closed, their employees aren't told ahead of time - professionals come in and shut it down after hours to prevent looting.   Learning this tacked two weeks onto my mourning period, as I really felt for the employees who lost their dream jobs and employee meals that night.  

Timing wise, that brought me up exactly to last Wednesday, when I found out that independently owned Bennigan's franchises are still open!  And there is one in Ft. Madison!!  A Turkey O'Toole was in my future!!!  Flash to noon today - braving treacherously icy roads, I dragged my unsuspecting companions to the nearby Bennigan's.  Upon ordering, I was told they were out of pretzel rolls and had been for three days.  Big Oy.  Reluctantly, I choked down a makeshift T.O.T. on a whole wheat sesame seed bun.  It felt like a sick joke, but finally, I understood.  Nothing is forever.  Not favorite menu items, not untouchable franchises, and especially not the drive and determination to bring patrons the quality, high fat sandwiches that once made them so loyal.  

Added to my list of possible career paths today:  Restaurant closer

Checked off my list of possible career paths today:  Sandwich artist