Eating like a cheesehead

Thanks to the situation in Illinois, one of my company's distribution centers moved to Kenosha, Wisconsin where the taxes are significantly lower. There were many who decided to not work in Wisconsin and with thousands of skids to move there, my help was needed there for much of August and September.

Granted, I was more than fairly compensated for the time and travel to work there and with working 12+ hour days and at one time 14 days in a row, I earned 2-3 times what I would normally make in my regular location.

Since I really did not want to wait until at least 7:30 PM to eat dinner at home, I would usually eat in the area and since I was really hungry, tired, and worn out after the long days of work, I would eat more than usual. Here is a summary of the places in the Kenosha/Pleasant Prairie area where I ate after work the 31 days I worked there from Aug 4- Sep 23:

Trolley Dogs 2x: This downtown Kenosha place is about 15 minutes from where I worked and owned by a former classmate whom I met for the first time in almost 4 decades. I would have gone there more often because their food is worth the trip but after working 12+ hr days, I was not up to adding extra time on my commute and I would have gotten there most days as they were getting ready to close.

HuHot Mongolian Grill: It reminds me of Kahn's in Bloomington as far as setup but the food was not as good but to be fair, Kahn's is a very high standard.

Golden Corral 2x: Both times I went there was after playing disc golf post work and was what I call "buffet hungry". Generally, I load up on vegetables at those places as well as meat products. It was a nice surprise to see that they changed to Coke products.

Milwaukee Burger Company: This is a burger bar. Was considering getting the $15 dollar burger and winning a t shirt by finishing it in 30 minutes but realized that included toppings I would not eat.

Five guys 2x: My favorite upscale burger place.

Mod pizza: 21st century pizza. Meh.

Potbelly: Went there because the first time I tried to go to Mod Pizza, the line had a dozen people in it. Had to wait 10+ minutes to use bathroom as employee was using it.

Panda Express: Went there on Sunday after work and it was understaffed. Had I not been so hungry or tired, would have gone elsewhere.

Perkin's: Nice family restaurant; good food.

Wendy's 2x: I ate there the day I did not play in a tournament and was real happy that their food was correct. (Every meal I ate in the area was accurate)

Arby's: Would eat there more often but they serve Pepsi.

White Castle 2x: Person there gave me a senior discount.

Noodles and Company 2x: Every time I go there, I consider getting something other than buttered noodles and then get them realizing the other items could cause issues. Had an enjoyable dinner conversation with someone who just moved to the area and was alone since her husband had not yet joined her from CA.

Dickey's BBQ pit: It reminds me of the Sweet Baby Rays Wood Dale location as patrons order, pay for food, and pick it up when ready.

Brat Stop 2x: First time got meatloaf. Second time got fried cheese curds and a brat.

Pizza Hut buffet: When one is hungry and tired, poor choices are made.

Subway 2x: Felt bad after since both times was after disc golf and I was sweaty.

Texas Roadhouse: Between the rolls and baked potato ate way too much regular butter that they kindly substituted since I can't stand cinnamon.

The second time there, it was busy and the person there looked at a tired man who was in pain due to aggravating an injury during his third 12+ hour shift in a row on the fifth anniversary of the day his father died and said, "smile". Without saying a word, I turned around and walked out.

Buffalo Wild Wings: I limped over from Texas Roadhouse and found a seat at the bar. The host there looked at me said I could use a couple of beers. Not wanting to get up again, I mentioned that I take medicine used in chemotherapy and can't drink.

When I was done, I apologized to those there for overstating my situation as I just wanted to eat without being bothered.

Sammie's (Round Lake, IL) This place is about 1/2 mile north of Fairfield Park which is home to the Squaw Creek Gold disc gold course, one of the top rated courses in the state and my club's home course. They support the club and events there so I usually eat there after playing the course like I did one Saturday after work.