Mr. Hero's new "Buds" pale in comparison with Romanburger

Mr. Hero, the local fast-food chain, has once again released a menu item that demonstrates, by comparison, the enduring power of the Romanburger.

Driving the news: "The Buds," which you may have seen advertised on an I-90 billboard, are value-menu-size burgers that come in three varieties — chicken nugget, bacon cheeseburger and grilled pepperoni — and cost a steep $3.50 apiece.

• You can add a "Bunugget Bud" to your order for only $1, however, when you purchase any full-priced non-Bud sandwich.

Verdict: Precisely as disappointing as I'd expected, which is to say: I instantly regretted not simply ordering a Romanburger, Mr. Hero's signature sandwich and one of the greatest Cleveland food items of all time.

• I enjoyed the grilled pepperoni Bud most because of its faint resemblance.

The latest: Cleveland.com's Peter Chakerian recently wrote an ode to the Romanburger and said when out-of-town guests visit, he recommends it alongside gourmet options.