EP
emmy padilla
Jun 10, 2026
As someone who rarely eats fast food or takeout, I do not make these comments lightly. When I am traveling and pressed for time, I occasionally make the decision to sacrifice my normal dietary habits and purchase a meal on the road. Recently, I had the opportunity to compare similar meals from two different establishments: Arby’s on Malabar Road in Palm Bay, Florida, and Culver’s on Palm Bay Road in Melbourne, Florida.
On both occasions, I ordered chicken tenders and crinkle-cut fries. The difference in quality was remarkable.
The meal I received from Culver’s was fresh, flavorful, and clearly prepared with care. The chicken tenders were tender and well-cooked, the fries tasted fresh, and the overall dining experience reflected a commitment to quality. The staff was courteous, professional, and provided excellent service. While the wait time was somewhat longer, the quality of the food more than justified the delay.
In contrast, my experience at the Arby’s location on Malabar Road was extremely disappointing. The food quality was noticeably inferior, lacking freshness, flavor, and overall appeal. Frankly, there was no meaningful comparison between the two meals. While the young women working the drive-thru window were exceptionally pleasant and professional, and deserve recognition for their customer service, they are clearly not responsible for the quality of the product being served.
After comparing the two experiences, it is not difficult to understand why one establishment has customers willing to wait in line while the other often appears nearly empty. Consumers are willing to pay slightly more and wait slightly longer when they receive a product that is fresh, satisfying, and worth the money.
I believe management at the Arby’s location should take a serious look at the quality and consistency of the food being served. Excellent employees can only do so much when the product itself fails to meet reasonable customer expectations.