It’s going to be a great week! Two new FFC reviewers are joining immediately, with another one to follow very soon. The fast food scene is too big for one person to cover, and I needed some help. The people coming on board will give readers more opinions and different perspectives on these speedy meals we consume. They will help take the site to the next level, and I’m proud to have them join me. Please welcome them.

Al Hunter lives with his family, three cats, and Sasha the Siberian Husky, in north suburban Toronto, Ontario, Canada. His combined interests in food and information led to early development of a recipe database for diskette based desktop computers that encouraged sharing of food ideas among a group of like minded friends. A need to understand what it meant to take responsibility for eating meat led into a decades long relationship with a rural Ontario hunting community. As life raced by he found himself working on the technological cutting edge of the packaged goods business and then supermarket retail online sales and marketing. He now specializes in search engine optimization support for small business websites but spends as much time as possible cooking, eating, photographing, and writing about his many food adventures. You can find his ’slow food’ stories at: Torontovore.ca

Wendi-Jane is a vegetarian (woah, suddenly the FFC crowd goes silent) but she’s not against killing for food. She just doesn’t want to put meat in her mouth. She loves cats. She still enjoys wearing leather (insert cracking whip sound) and is not a vigilante about animal rights issues. She insists her diet is just as normal as anyone else, and she stops at many of the same restaurants we do. She simply chooses to substitute the processed meat products with plant-based options. During a recent conversation she told me — “I’m here to cast a critical eye on the vegetarian options available at fast food chains, and trust me, there will be blood”. — As you can see, Wendi is not shy about sharing her thoughts. I can also tell you she’s one of the nicest, most sincere, positive-energy people I’ve met since starting this site. She’s currently working in the music industry, in a position that would make rock ‘n roll fans jealous. The details shall remain private for the moment, but expect an update in the future. Like Al, Wendi is also from Canada. Finally, let me say, if we were all condiments, I would be Mustard or Ketchup, and Wendi would be Hot Sauce! Can you dig it?

In case you missed it, John came on board two weeks ago, and now with Al and Wendi joining, that makes FFC a Team. I’m picky about who joins the site. I’m not just interested in good writers, but in good people. These folks have impressed me with their character, as much as their food reviewing skills. They’re the type of individuals I’m proud to call friends, in addition to being contributors to the site.

Fast Food Critic’s focus has been the USA until this point, but now Canada will have a presence too. I also hope to find volunteers in other countries like Japan, China, India, anywhere the major ‘brands’ are located. The site’s ‘main’ focus will stay on the USA, but I feel it’s important to also include other cultures, and I want to give FFC readers ‘variety’. And, I personally want to see what’s going on around the world myself.

Up to this point, FFC has been a one-man show, however it’s time I bring in some help. Not only because I’ve gained 20 pounds over the last 5 months from eating and reviewing so much food, but also because I want to give readers more content, and a different perspective on things. I’m happy and proud to announce John Cauley is coming on board to participate in this fast food adventure. Please join me in welcoming him.

John works nights as a radio personality at WZZO-FM in Allentown, PA. He also works behind the scenes at the station, writing and producing commercials, and is involved with various creative services. He’s been a fast food eater since college, and is always eager to try the latest products, and not shy about giving his opinion on them. Since graduating a few years ago, he’s cut back on the amount of fast food he consumes, but still hits a drive-thru at least once a week. He first review is coming soon.

This Friday, 7/11/08, 7-Eleven stores celebrate the company’s 81st birthday by giving customers a Free Slurpee. Pick you favorite flavor and help yourself to the frozen treat in a special 7.11 ounce cup. They are also introducing the first Slurpee Energy Drink called Black Ice. The new black-colored drink will include a full dose of the popular Monster Energy. This is the first frozen Monster beverage, and the first variety not sold in a can. Now you can experience brain freeze and a rush of energy at the same time. Thanks to my pal John Cauley of WZZO-FM 95.1 radio in Whitehall, Pennsylvania, for alerting FFC of this frozen freebie.