Checkers and Rally's with Neil Punsalan

"Checkers and Rally's with Neil Punsalan" is Episode 140 of *Doughboys*, hosted by Mike Mitchell and Nick Wiger. "Checkers and Rally's with Neil Punsalan" was released on February 8, 2018.

## Synopsis

Writer and producer Neil Punsalan (*No Script with Marshawn Lynch*, @GotEm\_Coach) joins to discuss his fast food centric Ohio upbringing and to review dual branded burger and seasoned fries chain Checkers and Rally's. Plus, after a lengthy hiatus, it's the return of Pie in this Guy.

## Nick's intro

"*Cha-ching!*"

This two-syllable chunk of onomatopoeia symbolizing the sound of an old-school cash register opening, generally a celebratory exclamation to signify an imminent financial windfall, feels as if it has always existed in the collective consciousness.

But the phrase actually has a highly specific source: a 1991 television commercial for a then-regional burger chain in the American heartland which starred a redheaded young actor named Seth Green. In the 30-second spot, Green, a former child star who would go on to long-running success in film and TV, played a greedy fast-food clerk who uttered "cha-ching!" as he rang up a series of upcharges on a distressed father in the drive-thru. The spot ending by specifying the sponsor as a budget-friendly alternative.

Like "*Where's the beef?*" and "*Yo quiero Taco Bell*", "*Cha-ching!*" was a fast-food commercial catchphrase that quickly entered the common tongue; it would in short order appear in recurring *SNL*-sketch-turned-feature-film *Wayne's World*, though it was deployed less frequently than their signature sound "*Schwing!*" used in reference to a physically attractive woman and accompanied by a cartoonishly horny hip thrust.

Incidentally, *Wayne's World* star Mike Myers would later cast Green as Dr. Evil's son, Scott Evil, in the *Austin Powers* franchise.

Aside from shaping the lexicon, the "*Cha-ching!*" ad was beloved in its day, part of a clever campaign that raised the profile of a young burger chain that hung its marketing on its good value. Like Carl's Jr. and Hardee's, this chain has one core menu split across two geographically distinct brands, stemming from its origin as two separate companies.

In 1984 and 1986, a pair of burger restaurants opened in Tennessee and Alabama, respectively, and each centered its concept on an innovation that would become a part of the merged company's core business: a double drive-thru in the Volunteer State and a focus on budget-friendly combo meals in the Heart of Dixie. The chains would expand across North America independently and, in time, merge, after CKE Restaurants (incidentally the parent company of Carl's Jr./Hardee's) purchased the Tennessee chain and sold it to its Alabama counterpart.

Today, the combined corporation with its uniform packaging that shows the logos of both brands has 784 locations across the continent, including some owned by hiphop artist and Wingstop franchisee, Rick Ross.

And it remains focused on value, a restaurant where you can feed your family without the dreaded "*cha-ching!*"

This week on *Doughboys*: Checkers and Rally's.

## Fork rating

* Grilled Hot Dog
* Famous Seasoned Fries
* Banana Split Loaded Milkshake\*
 Mike Mitchell
* Spicy Chicken Sandwich
* Big Buford Burger
* Famous Seasoned Fries
* Monsterella Stix
 Neil Punsalan
* Spicy Chicken Sandwich
* Famous Seasoned Fries
* Classic Wings

* \**Nick says he thinks he got the wrong shake, and looking at the menu, it seems he may have received the Apple Pie Loaded Milkshake (it has the caramel he noted, and chunks of crust).*

## Pie In This Guy 🥧

In this segment, Nick brings in a mystery slice of pie and Mitch and the guest crack a series of clues to guess what it is. They have the help of a lifeline: smell test or phone-a-friend.

The winner of the contest receives the mystery pie. The loser goes home empty-stomached.

Today's pie was a Peach Pie.

## Quotes

**Mitch:** How bunny is it?
**Nick:** It's so bunny that when you get this thing, easter eggs start appearing.

## #hashtags

* #FoodCapitol
* #WigerShirtApproval vs #GetOutOfHere
* #MissingMenuItems
* #SeasOn vs. #SeasOff

## The Feedbag

When we started talking, we realized we had both previously had questions read on the podcast; his on the Burger King episode and mine on the Buca di Beppo episode.
You probably don't remember my question, but it was actually sent in soon after I got broken up with by someone else about if you lose your appetite when you get very sad. I'm clearly feeling a lot better these days.
On the episode, you were both very re-assuring and Mitch actually said 'who knows? you're probably dating me now!' which clearly didn't pan out, so sorry, Mitch.
I thought this might be a nice sentiment for an episode close to Valentine's Day and my question is: what is the best food plan for a Valentine's Day date? Make food at home or go to a nice restaurant?

## Related Episodes

* 312. Checkers and Rally's 2

## Photos (via @doughboyspod)

Big BufordGrilled Hot DogFamous Seasoned FriesMilkshake