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What McDonald’s Employees Wish You Knew
The Facts
We’ve all been to McDonald’s so many times, it’s easy to think we know everything there is to know about the Golden Arches-the menu, the drive-through, the order hacks, the works. But no matter how many times you visit Mickey D’s, there are probably some facts you don’t know. Enter McDonald’s employees. They’re the ones who get to see behind the curtain, and there are a few things they’d like you to know.
In most cases, McDonald’s employees wish customers knew this information because it makes their jobs easier. And the smoother their job, the sooner you get to bite into your Big Mac and fries. In other cases, the employees are simply offering insights they’ve gained from their time behind the register (like how to get cheaper food). Either way, here are a few things McDonald’s employees wish you knew.
Ask for fresh French fries, not unsalted.
Nothing beats a batch of hot, crispy McDonald’s fries. A carton of cold, soggy fries, on the other hand, is a major disappointment. That’s probably what led to the popular McDonald’s hack of ordering unsalted fries to ensure you get the freshest fries possible. The logic behind the theory is sound. The fries that sit under the heat get a sprinkle of salt. If you want unsalted fries, the worker can’t use any from the batch already made. Instead, they have to make you fresh fries (and you can always add salt afterwards). But it turns out there’s a much easier way to accomplish this, and one that employees would rather you follow: Just ask for fresh fries.
It may not seem like much of a difference, but making a batch of unsalted fries requires significantly more work. According to former employees on Quora and Reddit, every time an unsalted order comes in, the staff has to empty, clean, and sanitize the fry tray. This ensures that salt doesn’t get to customers who don’t want or can’t have it. Ordering fresh fries eliminates this step.
Truth be told, both methods usually just add unnecessary work for the employee. French fries are McDonald’s most popular item, so new batches are constantly being made to keep up with demand. That means you’re likely to get fresh fries whether you order them that way or not.
You should always be ready to order
It may sound obvious that you should know what you want to order by the time you get to the counter or drive-through, but according to some McDonald’s employees, it’s anything but a given.
One of the biggest pet peeves of McDonald’s employees, according to those posting on Reddit, is when customers wait until they get to the front of the line to decide what they want to eat. “I absolutely hate it when the drive-thru has been moving slowly and then people get to the speaker and take two minutes to decide,” one shift manager wrote on Reddit. “You’ve been sitting there for at least three minutes, why didn’t you decide what you wanted then?” Another problem is customers who give particularly vague orders, such as a Happy Meal “for a boy,” a “woman’s drink,” or simply “a sandwich.”
Being ready to order doesn’t just mean knowing what you want to eat; it also means being ready to complete the transaction, also known as being ready to pay. This means both having the money and having it ready in a convenient form. One employee complained about customers ordering at the counter and then saying they had to go to their car to get their money. Others said they often have customers pay for their entire meal with change. It’s easier – and faster – for everyone if you have your money ready to go.
It’s not the employee’s fault the ice machine is broken.
It seems that almost every McDonald’s customer has a love-hate relationship with the ice cream machine. We crave the icy treat it provides, but loathe the fact that it always seems to be broken when we’re most in the mood for a refreshing ice cream. But the people at McDonald’s want you to know that they are just as frustrated with the Zamboni as you are, and if you want to blame the Zamboni for its constant malfunctions, look no further than the manufacturer.
According to a former McDonald’s employee posting on Reddit, the machine is poorly designed. “The ice cream machines just aren’t cleaned properly and show stupid error codes that no one but an authorized guy knows,” they write. “So blame the machine manufacturer for providing poor instructions and no troubleshooting help.”
A second employee confirmed the ice machine’s inherent failures. It turns out that often the machine isn’t actually broken, but is going through a several-hour cleaning process. If something goes wrong during that time, employees have to restart the process from the beginning. This usually involves calling in a technician to fix it, since no one really knows how to operate the machine.
The Importance of Treating Employees Respectfully
McDonald’s employees work hard to ensure customers have a positive dining experience. They perform a variety of tasks, including taking orders, preparing food, and serving customers with a smile. Despite their best efforts, they often encounter rude or disrespectful behavior from customers.
Treating McDonald’s employees with respect is not only the right thing to do, it can make everyone’s experience more enjoyable. Remember that behind the uniform, these employees are individuals who deserve to be treated with kindness and courtesy. Avoid using derogatory language or making offensive jokes. Instead, show appreciation for their hard work and acknowledge their efforts.
Understanding the Challenges of Fast Food Service
Working at a fast food restaurant like McDonald’s can be challenging. Employees often face high-pressure situations, long hours, and the need to maintain fast-paced efficiency. Understanding these challenges can help customers develop empathy and patience when interacting with McDonald’s employees.
Remember that mistakes can happen, especially during busy times. If an error occurs with your order, be calm and courteous. They will appreciate your understanding and will likely make every effort to correct the error promptly.
Recognize the value of teamwork
Behind the scenes at McDonald’s, a dedicated team works together to ensure customers receive their orders accurately and efficiently. From the kitchen staff preparing food to the front-line employees serving customers, teamwork is critical to smooth operations.
Recognize and appreciate the teamwork that goes into providing fast, reliable service. Remember that delays or problems can occur due to factors beyond the control of individual employees. By acknowledging the collective effort, you can foster a more positive and understanding atmosphere.
Express gratitude for outstanding service
When you receive exceptional service at McDonald’s, take a moment to express your gratitude. Whether it’s a friendly smile, a compliment or a word of thanks, these gestures can go a long way in brightening an employee’s day.
In addition to boosting morale, positive feedback reinforces good service practices. It encourages employees to continue providing exceptional service to all customers. So the next time you have a great experience at McDonald’s, don’t hesitate to show your appreciation.
Bottom line
The next time you visit McDonald’s, consider the things employees wish you knew. Asking for fresh fries instead of unsalted, being prepared to order, and understanding the challenges they face are just a few ways to make everyone’s experience smoother and more enjoyable. By treating employees with respect, recognizing the value of teamwork and expressing gratitude for excellent service, you can help create a positive and respectful environment at McDonald’s. Remember, a little empathy and kindness can go a long way in improving the fast food experience for everyone.
FAQS
What is the advantage of asking for fresh French fries instead of unsalted?
Asking for fresh fries ensures that you receive hot and crispy fries as they are prepared specifically for your order. It eliminates the need to rely on the unsalted fries hack, which can create additional work for the staff.
Why should I be ready to order when I get to the counter or drive-through?
Being ready to order helps speed up the process and ensures a smoother experience for you and McDonald’s employees. It saves time and prevents delays for other customers in line.
Why is the ice cream machine at McDonald’s often broken?
The frequent breakdowns of the ice cream machine are primarily due to its design and inadequate cleaning instructions. It often goes through a lengthy cleaning process and any problems during this time can result in the process being restarted or requiring the assistance of a technician.
How should I treat McDonald’s employees?
It is important to treat McDonald’s employees with respect and kindness. They work hard to provide a positive dining experience, and recognizing their efforts can make everyone’s experience more enjoyable.
What are the challenges McDonald’s employees face?
McDonald’s employees face high-pressure situations, long hours, and the need to maintain fast-paced efficiency. Understanding these challenges can help customers develop empathy and patience when interacting with employees.
Why is it important to express gratitude for excellent service?
Expressing gratitude for excellent service not only boosts employee morale, but also reinforces good service practices. It encourages employees to continue to provide exceptional service to all customers and fosters a positive work environment.