Ronald McDonald First Appeared On TV In 1963, And Boy Was It Creepy
Ronald McDonald has changed quite a bit since his first debut in the early 1960s. Let's just say the bright red clown nose was definitely an upgrade.
Read MoreJoe Hoeffner
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The Takeout’s industry-leading editorial coverage is the result of collaboration between writers and editors with a wide array of experience and expertise in the world of food and drink. Every article is fact-checked by our team of editors to ensure accuracy. Outside experts are also consulted to help deliver factual, up-to-date information.
Our mission is to both inform and entertain our readers, telling them everything they want to know (and more) about food. We strive to always provide a well-rounded reading experience, bringing both the biggest food news of the day and a break from the news. Additional information on our editorial process available here.
Stories By Joe Hoeffner
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This Little-Known Donut Chain Caused Jerry Springer-Level Family Drama With Dunkin'
Dunkin' has an almost iron-clad grasp on the global donut consumer market. And yet, it was dragged into a major squabble with a rival with familial connections.
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The Food Network Show That Always Deserves A Rewatch
There are plenty of Food Network shows that are average at best these days, but there's one show that always deserves a rewatch when it airs.
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Do You Remember What Dining At Taco Bell Was Like In The '70s? Here's A Refresh
Taco Bell looks like every other corporate fast food chain these days. If you're pining for the lost years of yesterday, this is what it was like in the 1970s.
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Why Every Bite Of A Tootsie Roll Is Potentially Over A Hundred Years Old
If you've ever dreamed of eating the first Tootsie Roll, there's a chance that you've already done it — according to a popular theory about the candy, that is.
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5 Menu Items You Should Never Order At LongHorn Steakhouse
LongHorn Steakhouse has plenty of menu items that keep customers coming back for more, but we think these five menu items are better left unordered.
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11 Trader Joe's Side Dishes You Should Look Out For
Side dishes are often an overlooked afterthought. But at Trader Joe's, you've got lots of ready-to-go options to complete your meal with a flair.
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Twinkies Almost Turned Out Completely Different From What We Know Today
We all know the score with Twinkies — sponge cake, creamy filling However, the sweet treat as we understand it today is somewhat unlike the original design.
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Customers Say This US State Has The Worst Costco Locations
Many people love Costco, but some locations can get a little crazy which ruins the customer experience. This state is said to have the worst Costcos in the US.
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The Pizza Restaurant Chain That McDonald's Owned In The '90s
McDonald's mostly sticks to its own business these days but back in the 1990s it considered moving into the world of pizza when it bought this popular chain.
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Here's How Long Refrigerators Reliably Last — Is Yours Past Its Prime?
Refrigerators have a lifespan just like everything else, which means yours may be past its prime. Here's how long you can expect a fridge to last.
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Bananas Originally Looked Completely Different From What They Are Today
Consider the banana's design and its the classic yellow half-moon shape. That's a relatively new look for the fruit, which used to appear quite different.
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Think Twice Before Splurging On An Expensive Air Fryer
Expensive doesn't always mean better, especially when it comes to air fryers. Here's what affects the cost of this appliance and how to decide what to spend.
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The Low-Key Fast Food Pizza Chain Customers Say Beats All Others
You have your choice of fast food pizza chains on both the national and regional fronts. But fans of one Michigan-based pizza chain say it's the best by far.
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McDonald's And Burger King Use The Same Kind Of Fish (So Why Do The Sandwiches Taste So Different?)
In this corner: McDonald's iconic Filet-O-Fish. In the other. Burger King's Big Fish. Two near-dentical fast food fish sandwiches — yet there is a difference.
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Do You Really Need A Microwave? Here's How The Alternatives Stack Up
Microwaves are in most American kitchens these days, but they do take up a good amount of space. Here are some microwave alternatives to consider.
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The Bizarre '90s Ringo Starr Pizza Hut Commercial That Feels Like A Fever Dream
Once upon a time, Ringo Starr appeared in a Pizza Hut commercial that suggested he was reuniting with the Beatles. Only he wasn't. Pizza was also involved.
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The Legendary KFC Sandwich Fans Called Peak Fast Food Chaos
Fast food chains have created their share of king-sized, calorie-laden sandwiches in the past. But few could rival a KFC offering for its sheer culinary gonzo.
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Why Some Egg Yolks Are Yellow And Others Are Bright Orange
Egg yolks range in color from pale yellow to deep sunset orange and everything in between, but which factors determine what the hue will be?
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Everyone Had One In The '90s — The Iconic Kitchen Gadget That Still Brings Instant Nostalgia
Not everything from the 1990s has stood the test of time, but this nostalgic kitchen tool actually has. Here's why this niche gadget holds up.
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This Popular Seafood Restaurant Has Been Caught Lying To Its Customers About Where Its Fish Comes From
An upscale seafood market and restaurant in Los Angeles was caught selling fish from improper sources and covering it up, and has had to apologize.
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How Many Samples Is Too Many At A Deli? Here's The Limit, According To Reddit
When sampling is an option at a deli it can be tempting to ask for one of everything, but what's the etiquette around that? Here's what Reddit thinks.
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4 Tricks To Stop Pantry Items From Going Unnoticed And Expiring
Is your pantry overflowing with unused groceries? Use these simple tips to keep your shelves organized and stop your food from going to waste.
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The Olive Garden Sister Restaurant That Actually Makes Food From Scratch
Making food from scratch has mostly gone out the window for modern restaurant chains, but this sister restaurant to Olive Garden does it anyway.
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The US State That Honors Kool-Aid As Its Official Soft Drink
For many, Kool-Aid is a sweet (make that very sweet) childhood memory. But for one US state, it's also widely recognized as an official beverage.
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The Fast Food Secret Menu Rule Of Thumb To Follow So The Staff Doesn't Hate You
Fast food secret menus are a bit like belonging to an exclusive club that honors members with food. Just be sure to abide by this one unspoken rule.
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Coca-Cola's Coolest Machine Never Caught On (And We Think We Know Why)
Coca-Cola has tried out plenty of ways to make its soda more enticing to customers, including this pretty ingenuous machine which never caught on.
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