Alton Brown’s Fast Food Craving

If you've ever cut back on fast food or given it up entirely like renowned food expert Alton Brown, you might find yourself occasionally yearning for that nostalgic taste of fast food. For many, the golden arches of McDonald's might be the answer, but for Brown, it's a surprising choice – Arby's.

Alton's Confession

In an eye-opening interview with Chowhound back in January 2025, Alton Brown admitted that despite his low cravings for fast food over the years, Arby's stands out as the one restaurant he wouldn't hesitate to indulge in if the mood struck. "While I seldom eat fast food, if I did feel that magnetic pull, it would probably be to Arby's," Brown shared candidly.

A Nostalgic Connection

The beloved Food Network star and culinary guru holds a special place in his heart for Arby’s iconic roast beef sandwiches. "Those Arby's roast beef sandwiches are freaking magical," he reminisced, emphasizing how they evoke a sense of nostalgia from his childhood.

Caveats to His Choice

However, Brown’s choice is not without its caveats. While he maintains a generally health-conscious diet and has opted to avoid fast food for the sake of nutrition, he expressed a unique fondness for Arby's. In fact, he highlighted that upon his last visit, the flavors remained true to his memories. “It tasted exactly like I remembered it tasting from childhood,” he remarked, a sentiment not shared for many other fast-food chains. “Every other fast food tastes different to me than from my childhood; McDonald's in particular feels overly sweetened,” he added.

History with Fast Food

Interestingly, Brown's history with fast food doesn't stop at Arby's. He also used to have a soft spot for In-N-Out Burger and its famed burgers and shakes. However, given that In-N-Out is limited to just a handful of states (with only eight locations in the entire U.S.), and considering Brown's residence in Georgia, it's unlikely he will be biting into one of those juicy burgers any time soon.

Nostalgia vs. Modern Fast Food

As many health-conscious consumers move away from fast-food chains, Alton Brown’s opinions highlight an undeniable trend: nostalgia versus modern fast food, and for now, it appears Arby's may just hold a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of those willing to look back to simpler culinary days.

Conclusion

So the next time you crave some fast food, remember that even a culinary expert like Alton Brown sees the magic in Arby’s roast beef – it might surprise your taste buds!