The LuLac Edition #5, 471, October 18th, 2025

FOOD-TASTIC NEWS

I-HOP REIGNS!

Nostalgic and comforting, there’s a lot to love about a classic diner meal. But which chain is America’s favorite spot for pancakes, coffee, and comfort food?

According to a new report by financial platform Coventry Direct, the answer is IHOP. The international chain — famous for its endless stacks of pancakes, crepes, omelets, and even burgers — tops the list as the most searched diner chain in the United States over the past year. Trailing behind are a mix of national staples and beloved regional names, offering a snapshot of what Americans crave when they pull off the highway for breakfast or brunch.

What unites them all? As Coventry Direct puts it, this lineup is as American as diner-style apple pie. Whether you’re walking into a 24-hour chain or a local favorite, there’s comfort in the familiar: eggs sizzling on the griddle, a warm plate of hash browns, and that unmistakable aroma of freshly brewed drip coffee. It might not be as artisanal as the latest oat milk latte, but for many, it’s the taste of home.

IHOP: Most-searched in 17 states (Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Washington, DC, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington.) Had to reopen under new owners.

First Watch: 7 states (Delaware, Florida, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.)  Not here.

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery: 5 states (Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming) 

Location in Wilkes-Barre always a good bet.

Denny’s: 5 states (Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Wisconsin)  3 in LulAc land, the heritage Wilkes-Barre, Pittston and Dickson City.

Waffle House: 4 states (Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina)  One in Scranton

Friendly’s: 4 states (Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont) WE had tewo, Dallas and Wilkes Barre, now closed.

Black Bear Diner: 3 states (Idaho, Oregon, and Utah)  None.

Cracker Barrel: 3 states (Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee)  One in Wilkes Barre.

Bob Evans Restaurants: 2 states (Ohio and West Virginia)  Used go be ne in Wilkes-Barre, closed.

Huddle House: one state (Alabama)   None.

 

TOP 5 PASTA SAUCES

While I prefer the Clemenza sauce from The Godfather, when I can make I from scratch I’ll buy a bottled sauce. My two go tos are the number 1 sauce rated here, Rao’s followed closely by Boticelli. 

But here’s my to

Rao’s: Smooth, silky and tasty.

Carbone: A little light on the olive oil but good.

Barilla: Chunky tomatoes, great taste.

Bartoli: A little more sugar in it than I wanted but still good in a pinch.

Hunt’s canned spaghetti sauce: Safe, tasty and you can doctor it up with mor garlic.

 

MAKING A STEAK IN ARBY’S

 

Yes indeed Arby’s Steak Nuggets are now available in either a 5- or 9-count container, each served with a fork and Hickory BBQ sauce (the perfect accompaniment, if you ask me). Additionally, you can order even bigger in two different ways:

$5.49   for 5  

$9. 29   for 9

The Steak Nugget Sandwich, which comes with steak nuggets, Havarti cheese, crispy onions, pickles, and mayo on a toasted bun   $8.239

The Steak Nugget Bowl, which features steak nuggets atop white cheddar mac 'n cheese with crispy onions (drooling). has the meats. And now they are adding menu items that you won’t have a beef with. $9.29.

This meal is good for people in search of protein without the carbs as well as those who love those Arby’s sandwiches. You can’t go wrong. Check out the Arby’s on Pierce Street in Kingston  or Scranton 502 North 7 ^th and Pittston, 309 Highway 315.