Viral TikTok Sparks Debate About Restaurant In Buffalo [PHOTOS]

A now-deleted viral TikTok video has caused some controversy about a popular chain with several locations right here in Buffalo. 

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TikTok user @heavyprophet13, who has since turned his account private after going viral, filmed himself preparing a pasta dish at his job as a line cook at Applebee’s grill + bar. Since the user’s profile says they live in Buffalo, New York, one can presume that it was filmed at one of its seven Western New York locations.

We first see this behind-the-scenes chef dumping uncooked penne into a pot and bringing it to a boil. Then, when the pasta is done, he dumps it into a plastic container of some sort.

After that, he dumps a few ladles worth of what is presumed to be some sort of cheese sauce, transfers the sauced pasta onto a plate, and tops it off with three pieces of saucy-looking meat, crumbly bits of bacon, and some sort of green garnish (parsley, maybe?).

After a thorough investigation (aka looking at the Applebee’s website), it can be concluded that the dish he is preparing is the four-cheese mac and cheese with honey pepper chicken tenders. The pasta dish, described on the menu as “ four-cheese penne mac and cheese topped with applewood smoked bacon and crispy chicken tenders,” clocks in at a whopping 1,400 calories. 

Needless to say, after getting an inside look at the process to whip up this entree, most of the video’s comments weren’t kind - with many users saying that they’ll “never eat there again.” The chef did his best to defend the food, but after amassing over 6.5 million views before the video was taken down, it looks like he gave up (that or he received a serious scolding from his boss after going viral).

You know that saying, “you don’t wanna see how the sausage gets made?” That’s exactly how many people feel when they find out how their food is being prepared at a fast-casual restaurant. More often than not, for cost purposes, convenience, and food safety, national chains use pre-prepared food that just needs to be heated up or mixed together. That’s just how it is.

If you’ve never worked in a restaurant before and you’re looking for Michelin star-caliber food, we hate to break it to you - you’re not going to find it at your local Applebee’s. But if you’re looking for a big, cheap plate of comfort food that still tastes good and comes out quick, your local Applebee’s could be the way to go.