Weird History Food Season 5, Episode 14: The Rise And Fall Of California Pizza Kitchen

1

The Cheesy Rise Of Stuffed Crust Pizza

In the high-stakes world of pizza, fast delivery times and better ingredients are always important, but the real way to grow your business is through new idea. And the biggest innovation in pizza since pre-sliced pepperoni is definitely the stuffed crust. But who really is responsible for the creation of this delectable delicacy?

11 min

2

Why Food Dye HAD To Die

Food dye: once just a tool for cute elementary-school experiments, is now a surprising fixture in your everyday food. Though its recently been thrown into the spotlight, societies have been dying food and drink since the ancient Egyptian times (of not longer!). Today we look deep into dyes, why all the concern, and what is on the horizon for these ubiquitous dyes we all ingest! What do you think about food dyes?

11 min

3

Milano Cookies Were Invented By Accident

If you’ve ever eaten a Milano cookie and thought, “This seems too elegant to have been invented on purpose…” Congratulations. You’re right. The Pepperidge Farm Milano is one of history’s greatest culinary whoopsies, right up there with the chocolate chip cookie!have you ever had Milano Cookies? Which is your favorite?

11 min

4

The Strangest Canned Foods Ever Made

As a people, we have made some pretty great technological strides. The wheel, the printing press, the camera – all of them a great benefit to the entire human race. One that maybe doesn’t get spoken about enough though, is canned food. And much like the aforementioned advances, we’ve done some pretty strange stuff with it. What's the strangest thing you have ever seen canned? What is your favorite?

10 min

5

Cheez-Its Aren't What You Think

They look like cheese. They smell like cheese. They kind of look like little slices of cheese. But if you’ve ever stared at a Cheez-It mid-snack and wondered what’s actually inside that tiny orange square — you’re not alone.What do you think about these little orange squares? Do you like a particular type of Cheez-It?

12 min

6

Every Crazy Oreo Flavor We Could Find

Oreo cookies might just be the most consistently snackable treat in the junk food aisle. But after years of crumbling the competition with that fluffy, teeth-numbingly tasty cream, Oreo decided to get weird with it. Have you ever tried any of the wackiest flavors? If so, which was it?

10 min

7

Why Wendy's Is Slowly Dying

In the world of fast food redheads, there’s Ronald McDonald, sometimes The Burger King – depending on which version you’re looking at – and there’s Wendy. And for decades, Wendy’s held their own as the number three burger chain in the United States. But the times, they may be a-changing. What do you think about Wendy's?

10 min

8

How Bacon Became The King Of Breakfast

There’s something strangely comforting about the sound of bacon sizzling in a pan. It’s not just cooking; it’s a little morning performance, a tiny ritual that tells your stomach the day has begun. But as familiar as that moment feels, the truth is bacon isn’t just for the first meal of the day anymore. When d o YOU eat your bacon? What's your favorite way to consume bacon?

15 min

9

Anthony Bourdain's Most Controversial Food Opinions

Anthony Bourdain didn’t just eat food — he used it to tell stories about power, culture, class, identity, and who really gets a seat at the table. Along the way, he developed some strong — and sometimes wildly unpopular — opinions about what people eat, how they eat, and why most of them are doing it wrong.

14 min

10

Why Does Everyone Hate Arby's?

There are some things in life people have strong opinions about, including: religion, politics, and – apparently – Arby’s. For whatever reason, the world has drawn battle lines over whether the franchise is under-appreciated or if it should be shot into space, never to return. So, what do YOU think of Arby's? Have you ever eaten at one?

11 min

11

A.1. Sauce Was Never intended For Steak. . .

Have you ever looked at a bottle of A-1 sauce and thought, “What…are you?” Steak’s sidekick? Ketchup’s fancy cousin? A Victorian condiment that somehow survived the Industrial Revolution? Well, if so… you’re far from alone. But even though most people don’t know exactly what A-1 is, every steak lover has an opinion on it.

12 min

12

Did Taco Bell Steal The Best Idea They Ever Had?

There are plenty of wild fast-food mashups — but only one that feels like it was dreamed up at 2 a.m. in a dorm room and then somehow made a billion dollars. Yes, the Doritos Locos Taco was a pretty inspiring success story. At least, it was if the idea wasn’t stolen. But… was it?

11 min

13

The Disgusting Truth About What Pirates Actually Ate

Once upon a time, the Caribbean was ruled by pirates cool enough to earn themselves a ride at Disneyland and a billion dollar movie franchise. But those movies don’t go into a lot of detail about what those pirates ate, or what they did when the food ran out.

15 min

14

The Rise And Fall Of California Pizza Kitchen

You’d think taking a food known for being cheap and casual and trying to convince people it was haute cuisine would be a losing business strategy. But it was a winner for California Pizza Kitchen. Until it wasn’t.

16 min

15

Are Frozen Fish Sticks Actually Fish?

When it comes to fish sticks, few brands have weathered more storms than Gorton’s. But even those who brave the waves of the supermarket for them might be wondering: “What the fish are actually in these things?” So tell us, do you like fish sticks? Was it a staple growing up? Which was your favorite brand?

14 min

16

Whatever Happened To Shake 'N Bake?

Most foods are things you eat. Shake ’N Bake was something you did. It wasn’t just dinner, it was a ritual involving a plastic bag, raw chicken, and the kind of aggressive shaking that felt oddly therapeutic. Until… it wasn’t. So did you have Shake 'N Bake growing up? DId you help in that dinner prep?

15 min

17

How A Publicity Stunt Nearly Destroyed IHOP

For decades, IHOP was the place you went when you wanted pancakes, coffee, and maybe to make a few questionable life choices at 2 a.m. But behind the blue roofs and bottomless coffee is a story that starts with nuclear panic… and peaks with one of the internet’s most infamous marketing stunts. What do you think of this stunt? Did you ever eat at IHOB? How was the burger?

15 min

18

What Actually Is I Can't Believe It's Not Butter?

Once upon a time, someone tasted butter… and said, “what if this, but cheaper?”. That question birthed margarine, sparked lawsuits, fueled dairy conspiracies, and eventually led to one of the most iconic food names of the twentieth century — a product that’s almost butter, almost margarine, and absolutely confusing.

16 min

19

The Rise And Fall Of The "Set It And Forget it" Empire

Other than a certain cartoon detective, there’s nowhere we love gadgets more than in our kitchens… and perhaps no one is more responsible for those tools than Ron Popeil. He’s the ever-smilling pitchman whose specialized doohickeys turned the television infomercial from a programming afterthought into a cultural institution.

15 min

20

The Coffee Chain That Came Out Of Nowhere To Challenge Starbucks

7 Brew enters the chat as the newest player trying to muscle its way into the crowded American caffeine coliseum. In just a few short years, the brand has positioned itself as a fast-rising, hyper-energetic alternative to Starbucks. Despite being relatively young, 7 Brew has already built a reputation for speed, personality, and a menu that essentially says, “We do what we do well, and then THAT’S IT.”

15 min

21

The Fake Brand That Made Costco Billions

Costco is a magical place. You walk in for paper towels, and walk out with a kayak, a ten-pound bag of quinoa, and a heaping plate of panic over where you’re going to store it all. But no matter what you buy, chances are it has one familiar name on it: Kirkland Signature. People trust it. Like… deeply. Religiously even. Possibly more than they trust some relatives! Do You buy Kirkland products? If so, what do you think about em?

16 min

22

Why Ginger Ale Tastes Better On Airplanes

Ever notice how airplane food tastes… weird? You board the plane starving, open that tiny tray table meal, take one bite, and suddenly wonder if your taste buds stayed back at the airport gate. Believe it or not, it’s not just the airline food quality… and it’s not just you. There’s actually a scientific reason airplane food tastes different at 35,000 feet. From cabin pressure, to dry air, flying can seriously mess with how your brain tastes food. So what’s the deal with airline meals, and why do they taste so bland in the sky? Have you ever had airplane food that was actually good? What airline was it, and what did you eat?

17 min

23

How Skyline Chili Worked When It Absolutely Should Have Failed

For most of the world, chili is thick, spicy, and eaten with a spoon. But in Cincinnati, they looked at that tradition and thought: What if we poured it over spaghetti, added cinnamon, and built an entire food culture around it? Welcome to the strange and legendary world of Cincinnati chili—a uniquely Midwestern dish made famous by restaurants like Skyline Chili. Instead of a bowl, it’s served on a plate of spaghetti and topped with towering piles of shredded cheese, onions, and beans in carefully ordered combinations known as “3-ways,” “4-ways,” and “5-ways.”

14 min

24

Why McDonald's Killed The Snack Wrap (Then Brought It Back)

The McDonald’s Snack Wrap was the perfect middle ground between a “lighter” fast food option and the kind of late-night creation you’d expect after a Jay and Silent Bob movie marathon. Small, cheap, and ridiculously addictive, it quickly became one of the most beloved items on the McDonald’s menu. The original McDonald’s Snack Wrap packed big flavor into a soft flour tortilla: crisp lettuce, shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, your choice of sauces, and most importantly a juicy strip of chicken. That chicken came straight from the same legendary supply used for the fan-favorite McDonald’s Chicken Selects, which were hugely popular at the time. So how did one of the most popular McDonald’s menu items end up disappearing from restaurants?

13 min

25

The Oldest Cola In The World is Not Coke

Before the Coca-Cola vs. Pepsi cola wars took over the world, another soda was already making history. On Colombia’s Caribbean coast, a mysterious bright pink drink was bubbling into existence decades before the big soda brands battled for dominance — and it’s still popular today. Today on Weird History Food, we dive into the forgotten origins of Colombia’s iconic pink soda Kola Roman, including the surprising story behind its invention, and how it survived the global takeover of the cola giants. From regional tradition to cult favorite, this unusual soft drink proves that the history of soda is stranger — and sweeter — than you might think! So tell us in the comments - have you ever had Kola Roman? What do you think of it? If you love food history, unusual drinks, and forgotten food stories, hit subscribe for more episodes of Weird History Food.

14 min

26

The Disastrous Downfall Of Boston Market

Before meal kits, before DoorDash, and long before cheap grocery store rotisserie chickens, Boston Market was a real presence. It promised comfort food classics—like Thanksgiving dinner any day of the week—without the cooking, cleanup, or family drama! At its peak, this fast-casual chain was booming, redefining how Americans ate homestyle meals on the go. But almost as quickly as it rose, Boston Market began to collapse. So what went wrong? From rapid expansion and massive debt to changing food trends and fierce competition, this is the strange rise and fall of one of America’s most iconic comfort food chains.

15 min

27

How An Ice Cream Topping Became A Kids' Drink

Hawaiian Punch has been around forever—or at least it feels that way. Bright red, ultra-sweet, and somehow tasting like “fruit” without being tied to any one fruit, it’s a drink that defined childhood for millions. But what is Hawaiian Punch, really? And where did it come from? Today on Weird History, we dive into the surprising origins of Hawaiian Punch: H it became a lunchroom staple, and what’s actually behind that iconic flavor. From its unexpected beginnings, to its rise as a sugary pop culture legend, this is the story you never knew you needed about a drink you probably never questioned. Did you ever drink this magical concoction? Let us know in the comments!

16 min

28

The Lie Behind V8

You think V8 is healthy… but is it really? Picture this: you’re in the grocery store, determined to make better choices. You skip the soda, avoid sugary sports drinks, and reach for something that feels responsible: V8. Packed with vegetables, it has to be good for you… right? Well… not so fast. In this episode of Weird History, we dig into the surprising origins of V8, the truth behind its “healthy” reputation, and the hidden details most people never question. From clever marketing to nutritional gray areas, the story of this iconic drink is a lot more complicated than it seems. Is V8 actually good for you? Or is that just really good branding?

15 min

29

The Slow, Sad Death Of Pizza

Pizza is cheap, comforting, and available everywhere… or at least it used to be. But recently, something strange has been happening. America’s favorite food seems to be slowly fading away, and after you hear the reasons why, you may never look at a slice the same way again. From rising costs to changing tastes, this episode of Weird History Food takes a deep dive into the surprising truth behind pizza’s quiet decline and what it reveals about how America eats today.

15 min

30

The Inevitable Downfall Of Jack In The Box

While McDonald’s, Burger King, and Wendy’s dominate the fast-food burger world, Jack in the Box has long been carving out a surprising legacy of its own. From its creepy clown mascot to the iconic Jumbo Jack, Jack in the Box seemingly has everything it needs to compete at the top... but lately, things haven't been going so well for Jack. In this episode of Weird History, we dive into the strange rise and fall of one of America’s most unique and unforgettable fast food chains.

14 min

31

Is Da' Bomb Actually The Hottest Hot Sauce In The World?

Think you can handle Da’ Bomb? Well, think again! The infamous #8 hot sauce from Hot Ones is so incredibly spicy it’s manufacturer warns people against eating it straight. So why does Hot Ones host Sean Evans have celebrities like Sabrina Carpenter taking it head-on? In this episode of Weird History Food, we give you a glimpse of the shocking truth behind one of the most feared and misunderstood hot sauces on YouTube, discuss how it became a viral challenge, and try to figure out why famous people keep letting it destroy their taste buds.

14 min

32

Why THIS Became The Most Hated Bottled Water

In the late 1990s, Americans started turning away from sugary soda and embracing what seemed like a healthier alternative: bottled water. Sensing the massive shift in consumer habits, Coca-Cola jumped into the booming market in 1999 with Dasani. But what followed wasn’t so much a success story as it was a branding disaster. From its controversial sourcing to its unusual taste, Dasani triggered a public backlash and quickly became one of the most criticized bottled water brands ever. So how did one of the world’s biggest companies get it so wrong? And why do people still talk about Dasani today?

16 min

33

Why Sliced Bread Used To Be Controversial

Ever wondered why amazing new innovations are always referred to as “the greatest thing since sliced bread”? In this Weird History deep dive, we uncover the surprising origin story behind sliced bread, discuss how it revolutionized everyday life and explain why it became the gold standard for innovation. From the disaster that forced its inventor to invent it twice, to the rise of Wonder Bread, to the World War 2 era ban that took sliced bread off supermarket shelves, this is the strange, fascinating story of how a simple loaf changed the world forever.

16 min

34

What Exactly Is Worcestershire Sauce?

Worcestershire sauce: It's salty, tangy, funky, fishy and almost impossible to spell or pronounce. But while you’ve almost certainly tasted it... do you actually know what’s in it? One of the oldest bottled sauces in America, this mysterious condiment turns up everywhere from burgers to Bloody Marys and it has a history that’s far stranger than you’d expect. So on this episode of Weird History Food, we're going to try and answer the questions: What is Worcestershire sauce and how did it become a kitchen staple? And by the time we're done, we guarantee you’ll never look at that bottle the same way again.

15 min

35

How A Random Burger King In Pittsburgh Went Rogue

From the U-K's "Dominic's Pizza" to Iran's "Pizza Hat" to China's "7-12", knock off fast food places are far more common than most Americans realize. But the strange Burger King that briefly existed on the south side of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania wasn't just an imitation with a deceptively similar name, it was an outright counterfeit. The building said Burger King, the uniforms said Burger King, and so did the receipts, but when employees started telling customers they were out of items like Whoppers, and food started being served in plain brown lunch bags and dixie cups, locals began to realize that something was up. So on this episode of Weird History Food, we're going to get to the bottom of what was going on at the infamous rogue Burger King of Pittsburgh.

15 min

36

The Strange Disappearance Of McDonald’s Old Bay Filet-O-Fish

The Old Bay Filet-O-Fish was a simple twist on a classic McDonald’s sandwich. The limited-time menu item, which featured the iconic Filet-O-Fish topped with bold Old Bay-seasoned tartar sauce, exploded in popularity, became an overnight fan obsession, and then vanished just as quickly. So why did McDonald’s pull the Old Bay Filet-O-Fish? Was it a supply issue, a marketing experiment, or something else entirely? And of course, the biggest question of all: will it ever come back? In this episode of Weird History, we break down the meteoric rise and mysterious disappearance of one of McDonald’s most talked-about limited releases, explore the fan reaction, and uncover what really happened to the Old Bay Filet-O-Fish.

15 min

37

The $1 Food Court Battle: Costco vs Sam’s Club

With prices constantly on the rise, everybody's on the lookout for a good, cheap meal, and while Costco’s famous $1.50 hot dog combo has a cult following… Sam’s Club may be quietly undercutting them. So in this episode of Weird History, we're pitting the two warehouse superstore food courts against each other to determine whose meal is the better deal. Check out our breakdown and then jump into the comments and let us know which food court wins the war for your wallet.

14 min

38

The Rise And Fall Of Frozen Orange Juice

Minute Maid frozen orange juice is a grocery store classic with a surprising history. A freezer aisle staple since the late 1940s, frozen orange juice concentrate has long been helping families get their daily dose of vitamin C quickly and affordably. But recently, Minute Maid has chosen to discontinue the product leaving loyal customers wondering... why? In this episode of Weird History, we dive into the fascinating story behind frozen orange juice, from its unexpected origins, to its cultural impact, to the reasons it may not be as popular today.

15 min

39

The Strange Genius Of Wendy’s Chili

Wendy’s sells over 83 MILLION servings of chili every year; enough to fill more than eight Olympic-sized swimming pools. But the real story isn’t how much they sell… it’s what’s in it. On this episode of Weird History Food, we're taking a look at the surprisingly clever fast food secret behind Wendy's chili and how Dave Thomas figured out he could turn his garbage into his secret weapon.

16 min

40

How Grey Poupon Became The Mustard Of Rich People

The idea that someone's personality can be judged solely by what condiments they put on their food sounds ridiculous, but one mustard brand actually convinced an entire nation it was possible… and people bought into it. But how did a simple condiment reshape identity, class, and culture? And why did it work so well? In this episode of Weird History, we dive into the surprisingly effective marketing campaign and strange psychology that turned Grey Poupon Dijon Mustard into an unlikely status symbol.

15 min

41

The Weirdest Foods Ever Put in A Can

As a people, we have made some pretty great technological strides like the wheel, the printing press, and the camera. One that maybe doesn’t get spoken about enough though, is canned food. And much like the aforementioned advances, we’ve done some pretty strange stuff with it.

10 min

42

How Hershey's Ruined Reese's

In February of 2026, the grandson of H.B. Reese, founder of Reese's Candy Company, publicly criticized Hershey’s, accusing the company of replacing core ingredients with cheaper substitutes; a claim Hershey's didn't even bother to deny. In this episode of Weird History, we dig into the growing controversy over alleged ingredient changes in popular chocolate bars. Are beloved sweets being quietly downgraded? From recipe shifts to consumer backlash, here’s what’s really going on behind the wrappers.

17 min

43

The Disastrous Downfall of KFC

For decades, Kentucky Fried Chicken dominated the fast food scene with the top secret fried chicken recipe created by its larger-than-life founder, Colonel Harlan Sanders. But more recently, KFC has struggled to keep people interested in what it's selling. In this episode of Weird History Food, we dig through the corporate battles, declining quality, and broken branding to figure out exactly how one of America’s most beloved restaurant chains lost its way.

14 min

44

Everything That Went Wrong For Tim Hortons

To Canadians, Tim Hortons is more than a coffee shop; it's a symbol of Canada itself. From hockey culture to political campaigns, “Timmies” was seemingly everywhere. But behind the double-doubles and Timbits, the company has found itself facing controversy, consumer complaints about declining quality, angry franchise owners, and a major identity crisis. In this episode of Weird History Food, we head north to take a good hard look at everything that's gone wrong for Tim Hortons.

15 min

45

Everything That Went Wrong For Salt Bae

Thanks to a viral video showing off his unusually stylish meat slicing technique and now legendary salt sprinkle, the Turkish butcher and restauranteur Nusret Gökçe shot to fame as "Salt Bae." But thanks to a series of mistakes, missteps, and plain old bad decisions, the internet's love affair with Gökçe proved short-lived. In this episode of Weird History Food, we're peeling back the hype to take a look at the bizarre rise and fall of the world’s most dramatic chef.

15 min

46

Which Orange Soda Is The Definitive Orange Soda?

Orange soda is bright, bubbly, and more popular than you'd think. But which one is the sweetest? Or the fizziest? And why are they all the exact same orange as a traffic cone? In this episode of Weird History Food we’re ranking the wild world of orange soda, from Fanta to Sunkist to Crush, to find out which one truly reigns supreme. What's your favorite orange soda? Jump into the comments and let us know.

15 min

47

The Strange Cult Of Whataburger

In the state of Texas, Whataburger is more than a regional fast food chain, it's a beloved institution that people defend like a member of the family. But what exactly is it about this seemingly run of the mill burger joint that inspired such cult-like devotion? In this episode of Weird History Food, we peek behind the orange-and-white stripes to figure out how Whataburger survived viral scandals, fierce competition, and backlash over major corporate changes to become one of America’s most beloved regional burger chains.

17 min

48

Why Hi-C Ecto Cooler Never Should Have Worked

Originally launched as a Ghostbusters-themed Hi-C drink in the 1980s, Ecto Cooler became one of the most beloved kids beverages of all time. It even survived for a while after the Ghostbusters franchise faded away. Nonetheless, Hi-C eventually discontinued it and that should’ve been the end... but it wasn't. On this episode of Weird History Food, we're taking a look at how Ecto Cooler became a pop culture legend that fans kept bringing back from the dead.

15 min

49

How Werther’s Accidentally Became For Old People

Werther’s Original candies are known for their rich caramel flavor, their wholesome ingredients and their gold wrappers. But what they're most famous for is being the unofficial candy of senior citizens everywhere. In this episode of Weird History Food, we explain how Werther’s Originals became the ultimate “grandparent candy,” and examine whether that association turned out to be a good thing or a bad thing in the long run.

14 min

50

Army Food Is Better Than You Think...

From prehistoric battles to today's high-tech military conflicts, war has shaped human civilization for thousands of years. But one challenge has never changed: soldiers need food. Long before modern MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat), armies relied on everything from dried meat and hardtack to canned rations designed to survive the harshest battlefields. Some of those meals were barely edible, while others became surprisingly beloved by the troops who relied on them. In this episode of Weird History, we're tracing the fascinating evolution of military rations from the through the ages. What did George Washington's soldiers eat? How did armies feed millions of soldiers during world wars? And are modern military rations actually tastier than their reputation suggests?

14 min

51

How Goldfish Became America’s Favorite Cracker

Pepperidge Farm's Goldfish have been on supermarket shelves since 1963, so you might think people would be tired of them, but that doesn't seem to be the case. On the contrary, Goldfish are now the fastest growing cracker brand in the United States. In this episode of Weird History Food we take a look at how one woman's quest to find snacks her son could safely eat led to one of the most iconic crackers in history, and the simple, yet clever strategy Pepperidge Farm has used to keep Goldfish so popular generation after generation.

14 min

52

The Real Reason People Love Aldi Isn’t What You Think...

A grocery store where you have to pay to use a shopping cart. No familiar brands. No background music. And products with names that seem impossible to pronounce. It sounds like a grocery store designed by aliens, but it's actually Aldi, the discount supermarket that grew from a small German family business into one -- or actually two -- of the most successful and beloved grocery chains in the world. On this episode of Weird History Food we're taking a look at how a store that breaks almost every rule of modern grocery shopping became a global retail phenomenon. From its unusual shopping carts and private-label products to its ruthless cost-cutting strategies and billion-dollar success story, this is the weird history of Aldi.

15 min

53

Why One Fast Food Chain Has Two Names

The merger of Checkers and Rally’s was supposed to create a fast-food powerhouse. But instead... it nearly destroyed both brands. On this episode of Weird History Food From we're looking at the bizarre story of Checkers and Rally’s and how the combined franchises went from bankruptcy scares to a drive-thru success.

15 min

54

What Happened To SoBe?

Back in the nineties, you could find SoBe teas, fruit-juice blends and enhanced water beverages in almost every convenience store cooler in America. Then, one day... SoBe just vanished. In this episode of Weird History, we're taking a look at the strange rise and sudden fall of SoBe, along with other drinks that once ruled store shelves before disappearing from public memory. Did you like SoBe? Let us know in the comments.

16 min

55

Why Did Everyone Think Pop Rocks Could Kill You?

From mouth-scorching hot sauces to tongue-twisting sour candies, people have always been drawn to foods that push the limits. But few treats have sparked fear, controversy, or urban legends like Pop Rocks. For decades, rumors claimed the explosive candy could literally make your stomach burst. Parents panicked, kids spread the word, and the tale became one of the most famous food myths of all-time. In this episode of Weird History, we're diving into the surprising origins of Pop Rocks, the stomach-explosion rumor that wouldn't die, and the surprising truth behind one of the most misunderstood candies ever created.

14 min

56

What Exactly Is HP Sauce?

For generations, HP Sauce has been a staple on English breakfast tables, slathered on bacon sandwiches, sausages, and meat pies. Yet despite its popularity, most people have no idea what the "HP" in the name actually stands for.

15 min

57

What Happened To Long John Silver’s?

Long John Silver's built its reputation on crispy fried seafood, but after years of struggling, it made a surprising move: adding chicken to the menu. Why would a seafood restaurant bet big on chicken? And could it save one of America's most recognizable fast-food chains from drowning? In this episode of Weird History Food, we dive into the history of Long John Silver's to try and make sense out of its rise, decline, and the unexpected menu changes that may just turn the tide.

16 min

58

How Many Licks Does It ACTUALLY Take To Get To The Center of A Tootsie Pop?

In the history of the world, few questions have puzzled humanity as deeply as "How many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop?" First posed by a cartoon boy to a series of cartoon animals in a 1969 commercial, the now-iconic question became an instant part of pop culture, and eventually, an object of inquiry for scientists and universities all over the world. In this episode of Weird History Food, we unwrap the fascinating history and surprising science behind one of America's most iconic candies, and in the process, try to discover exactly how many licks it takes to get to the tootsie roll center.

14 min

59

Why People Pay a Fortune to Eat Fish Eggs

Caviar is the luxury food that made generations of kids say, "You eat fish eggs?!" Despite that reaction, it's been one of the world's most expensive and sought-after delicacies for centuries, served to royalty, billionaires, and fine-dining enthusiasts. On this episode of Weird History Food, we dig into this history to figure out how fish eggs became a global symbol of wealth and luxury... and the story is even stranger than you might expect.

14 min

60

The History of Wendy's Frosty

When most people hear the word "Frosty," they think of either a magical snowman... or the famous Wendy's Frosty. It was one of the original five menu items when Dave Thomas opened the very first Wendy's restaurant in 1969, and over fifty years later, it's still a fast-food icon. But what's the real story behind this legendary frozen dessert? In this episode of Weird History, we're diving into the surprising history of the Wendy's Frosty, from its original recipe and creation to the secrets behind its signature texture, its biggest flavor changes, and how it became one of the most recognizable fast-food desserts ever made.

15 min

61

8 Fast Food Places You Thought Were Dead (But Aren’t)

If you watch Weird History Food, you know that plenty of fast food places have crashed, burned, and vanished. But some of the most famous chains you probably assumed were gone... never actually disappeared. On this episode of Weird History Food, we take a look at the iconic burger joints and nostalgic restaurant brands that are still in business... even if they're hiding in plain sight.

14 min

62

The Well Deserved Death Of Heart Attack Grill

After more than 20 years of shocking tourists on the Las Vegas Strip, the infamous Heart Attack Grill, known for its massive burgers, hospital theme, and "eat yourself to death" marketing, suddenly closed its doors in May of 2026. For decades, the restaurant proudly embraced controversy with its famous Quadruple Bypass Burger, nurses, wheelchairs, and over-the-top gimmicks, but when the iconic Las Vegas institution unexpectedly shut down, the real reason had nothing to do with its notorious menu. On this episode of Weird History Food, we explore the rise, scandals, health controversies, and surprising downfall of one of Las Vegas's most unforgettable dining experiences as we try to discover what exactly happened to the Heart Attack Grill.

15 min

63

The Evolution of Astronaut Food

Everyone knows that traveling into space raises a lot of difficult issues, for example: How do you feed a human in zero gravity? Crumbs can damage equipment, liquids float away, and every meal has to survive launch while providing enough nutrition to keep astronauts alive millions of miles from Earth. In this episode of Weird History Food, we explore the strange, surprising history of space food, from freeze-dried meals to the science behind eating in orbit. Discover how NASA solved one of the most unexpected problems of human spaceflight, and why feeding astronauts remains a challenge more than 75 years after the dawn of the Space Age.

16 min

64

Weird Fast Food Items From Around The World

Think you know your favorite fast food chains? Think again. Around the world, restaurants like Domino's, McDonald's, Burger King, and others serve some of the strangest menu items you could possibly imagine. From a snake pizza to burgers topped with chocolate sauce, these international fast food creations prove that every country truly has its own unique take on comfort food. In this episode of Weird History Food, we explore the weirdest fast food menu items from around the world, uncovering bizarre international specialties, limited-time offerings, and regional favorites that will leave you wondering, "Who actually ordered this?"

15 min