Summary of "Stephen A's Take: French Fries and the Quest for Number #1"
The Stephen A. Smith Show
Release Date: June 16, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith delves into the sizzling debate surrounding fast-food french fries. Utilizing recent data from Seeding Masters, which analyzed over 40,000 Yelp reviews, Stephen offers his unfiltered opinions on the top contenders in the battle for the best fast-food fries. The discussion not only highlights the rankings but also provides personal anecdotes and candid assessments of various fast-food chains.

Fast-Food French Fry Rankings Overview

Stephen begins by presenting the surprising results of the french fry rankings:

• Top Spot: In-N-Out Burger emerges as the frontrunner, scoring an impressive 3.86 out of 5 average.
• Out of Top 10: McDonald's, a staple in the fast-food industry, fails to secure a spot in the top 10, averaging only 1.86.
• Last Place: KFC takes the unfortunate last position.

Other notable mentions in the top 10 include Shake Shack, Bojangles, Chick-fil-A, and Hardee's, each receiving varying degrees of praise for their fries.

Stephen A.'s Candid Opinions

McDonald's Dilemma

Stephen expresses disbelief and disappointment over McDonald's exclusion from the top 10:

"First of all, McDonald's not being on this list is egregious. Their french fries are delicious. [02:15]"

He clarifies that his high regard for McDonald's fries is contingent on their freshness:

"If you leave them out long enough and they get soggy and stuff, it's different. But I'm talking about the natural, crunchy french fries. [02:25]"

Personal Favorites and Critiques

While acknowledging McDonald's, Stephen shares his personal preferences and experiences with other chains:

• Chick-fil-A:

  "I'm a Chick-fil-A with the fries kind of dude. For me personally, Chick-fil-A works for me. [03:10]"
  He praises their fries but notes a downside: "Only problem I got with Chick-fil-A, that ain't open on Sundays. [03:15]"

• In-N-Out and Others:

  "In-N-Out, their burger, their fries, they're not bad. They deserve to be in the top five. [03:30]"
  However, he admits limited personal experience with some entries: "Most of this stuff, I've never tried. I tried Bojangles once. I ain't feeling it. [03:20]"

• Burger King and White Castle:
  Stephen does not hold back on his critique of Burger King:

  "I do not blame Burger King for not being on this list at all. Their fries are awful, in my opinion. [03:45]"
  Conversely, he defends White Castle's fries amidst skepticism: "White Castle, delicious. [03:55]"

Humorous Anecdotes

Injecting humor into the discussion, Stephen shares a personal quip about White Castle's impact:

"They like, oh, God. Oh, God. Because anytime they bring up White Castle, they know me. I love my cheeseburgers. My double cheeseburgers. It's the greatest laxative ever known to man. [04:05]"

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• On McDonald's Fries:

  "I mean, it don't get much better than McDonald's. [02:10]"

• Chick-fil-A's Sunday Closure:

  "Only problem I got with Chick Fil A, that ain't open on Sundays. [03:15]"

• Burger King's Fries:

  "They are awful, in my opinion. [03:45]"

• White Castle Humor:

  "It's the greatest laxative ever known to man. [04:05]"

Conclusions and Recommendations

Stephen wraps up the segment by reiterating his top choices and offering recommendations based on personal taste and reliability:

• Top Recommendations:

  • Chick-fil-A merits the number one spot in his view.
  • McDonald's deserves a position within the top three due to its consistent quality.
  • In-N-Out remains a solid choice, especially for those who prioritize both burgers and fries.

• Chains to Avoid:

  • Burger King stands out as a low performer, with fries lacking in taste and quality.
  • KFC, despite its reputation, falls short in the fry department.

Final Thoughts

Stephen A. Smith provides a passionate and humorous take on the often-overlooked topic of fast-food french fries. By combining data-driven insights with personal experiences, he offers listeners a comprehensive view of the current landscape in fast-food quality. Whether you agree or disagree with his rankings, Stephen's entertaining delivery ensures that the conversation about french fries remains both informative and enjoyable.

For those who haven't tuned into the episode, this summary encapsulates Stephen A.'s spirited analysis of fast-food french fries, highlighting his top picks, personal preferences, and candid critiques of various chains.