I think any real Tine resident knows JCI jumped the shark some years back when they changed their menu around and eliminated the fabled Houstonian* Combo. They only cemented their role as yet another fast food joint when they rolled out this JCI Grill nonsense.

My question is this... when did we notice the change?

I first noticed a lack of a steamed bun and more general suckness around 2004-2005.

Anyone else have a bead on when it might have happened and what they noticed changed quality wise?

I commented on one JCI's posts on Facebook and the president of JCI decided to chime in. I want to provide the man with real feedback here, while the Tine board has the man's ear!!!

Facebook huh? Well that's not the JCI president that's a Russian hacker.

And the westheimer location was still steaming buns until they took the line out a few years ago

One on Shepard steams buns and still has the walker street

Mayyyyne it's sad to say I gave up on it years ago. Might have to go get the chorros for old time sake (sh*tty or not) one day soon

Jock 07 said:

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phideaux_2003 said:

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I think any real Tine resident knows JCI jumped the shark some years back when they changed their menu around and eliminated the fabled Walker Street Combo.

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WTF, Walker street? Pretty sure real Tine residents know that it was the Houstonian.

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See what they've done? I have been brain washed...

What's the status on cheese hoses? I imagine they went out with the rebranding?

Tried it last month for the first time in years. A patty melt, medium fries and drink were over $13. Ridiculous prices for very average fast food.

This explains so much about the state of JCI...

Jock 07 said:

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why the hell would you get a patty melt at James Coney Island in the first place?

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They rebranded as JCI Grill years ago and changed their focus to gourmet dogs and burgers. A meal with most of the dogs on the menu will cost you more than $10. They don't do combo deals from what I've seen. You're stuck adding $2 for regular fries and $2 for a coke to anything you get.

That'd be my main comment to tell their management. Add combo deals to the menu.

Haven't been in years, not because of any change in the menu or approach, but because I am no longer a 17 year-old nutritional agnostic trying to gain weight. I could eat 4 chili cheese dogs plus fries and not even feel bad afterwards. That's like a quart of semi-liquid stuff that congealed to a solid once it achieved body temperature in my gut.

I liked the old 50's diner theme they used to have in their restaurants. And I want a regular hot dog or chili dog from them. Don't need all the extras and don't want to pay for it. When I get fast food, I want good value and quick service. Stopped going around the time they switched to JCI.

chimpanzee said:

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Haven't been in years, not because of any change in the menu or approach, but because I am no longer a 17 year-old nutritional agnostic trying to gain weight. I could eat 4 chili cheese dogs plus fries and not even feel bad afterwards. That's like a quart of semi-liquid stuff that congealed to a solid once it achieved body temperature in my gut.

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You trying to tell me a Houstonian doesn't encapsulate all the food groups so long as you get a grape soda???

We quit going several years ago. Poor quality, way over priced. Fries had no taste. If you go to the store and buy hot dogs, buns, chili, cheese and fries you could buy enough to feed a family for the price of one meal at JCI. And it would damn sure taste better.

We only have a few restaurants around my work including a JCI. JCI does not even get suggested when everyone is sick of our normal lunch rotation.

Texaggie7nine said:

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chimpanzee said:

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Haven't been in years, not because of any change in the menu or approach, but because I am no longer a 17 year-old nutritional agnostic trying to gain weight. I could eat 4 chili cheese dogs plus fries and not even feel bad afterwards. That's like a quart of semi-liquid stuff that congealed to a solid once it achieved body temperature in my gut.

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You trying to tell me a Houstonian doesn't encapsulate all the food groups so long as you get a grape soda???

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I'm just saying I wasn't really bothered by the consequences of what I consumed back then.

Delaware Punch is a fruit. Pretty sure. I'd go for ketchup, but letting the chili and cheese ooze on to the fries was a far superior experience.

Their site shows a "Legacy Menu" with plain coneys and a Walker St Special. I'm getting hungry.

http://www.jamesconeyisland.com/menus/legacy

Love James Coney Island! Get 2 corn dogs and a Frito pie every time I'm in Houston!

The Delaware Punch is greatness, I'm old enough to remember buying that stuff in a can. I like JCI, the Frito pie is great. However, I'm going to get hammered I know it , Houston needs a Weinerschnizel! Chilli cheese dog with grated cheese not the slice of cheese and chili cheese fries! Greatness!

ccolley, I'll actually not a Yankee, born and raised in South Texas, the username came about because I lived in Maryland for a few years for work. I couldn't get back to TX fast enough. I get it you don't like Weinerschnizel, no harm no foul!

miss the old Walker Street location downtown.

that was JCI at its finest back in the day

The outcry over the name change from the Houstonian to the Walker St is hilarious. It's the same thing! And yeah, it's not as good as it used to be and it costs a lot more. What sucks for them about the bad decisions they've made which have driven away old customers, is that the gourmet dogs are actually really good. Like, on par or better than places like Good Dog Hot Dog or Happy Fatz (rip) IMO.