Would You Like Fries With That?
Fast food employees don’t make a lot of money. They don’t get a lot of respect either. Despite what the commercials would have you believe, most locations only have bored teens trying their best to make it through a shift. We understand the plight of customer service, but some employees make us feel bad just for ordering! Luckily, not every restaurant is made equally, and we’re here to break down which spots have the best and worst customer experience.
1. McDonald’s
We can hardly blame Rotten Ronnie’s staff—they’re underpaid and overworked, which often results in messed-up orders and a…surly attitude. However, the explanation doesn’t make it any easier to walk up to the counter and ask for a burger without cheese (assuming you even get a human being to help you).
2. Burger King
You know, for a creepy mascot who brands himself as “the king,” we don’t feel very regal at the counter. BK locations don’t necessarily suffer from the rudest staff, at least, not in every area. However, they do take forever to get your order out. Maybe the brisk attitude is what chilled our fries.
3. Wendy’s
“Where’s the beef?” took on a whole new meaning with Wendy’s employees. Instead of an old-fashioned burger, the beef often takes place behind the counter, where you can bet on a lack of customer service and even arguments among employees.
4. Tim Hortons
Alright, we’ll be honest: it’s hard to smile your way through a coffee order. People need their morning caffeine, and when they don’t get it, those poor employees are the first people to catch the heat. Unfortunately, they’re more than a little defensive, and it leaks into every order taken.
Sharon Hahn Darlin on Wikimedia
5. Sonic
It really depends on where you go for Sonic’s cheeseburgers. Some places have the nicest employees, while others give you the cold shoulder, ignore your order, or take forever to get the food out. Don’t even think about asking them to fix mistakes, either.
6. Dunkin’ Donuts
Dunkin’ Donuts staff suffer from the same fate as Tim Hortons’: busy bees just trying to get the number of sugars right. That said, a lot of them act as burned out as they are, which doesn’t make for the best experience. Some employees audibly sigh—we’re sorry, but we need coffee!
7. Subway
Subway already has pretty lackluster food, but the staff only adds to the disappointment. It doesn’t really matter how nice you are; the name of the game is just to get out your order, pay, and leave before you feel small!
8. Little Caesars
Would you like a pizza that’s been sitting under a heat lamp for several hours? Well, you’re in the right place...though maybe not for customer service. We can’t exactly blame them; like all fast food employees, they hardly make enough money for their work. But you bet our hands sweat before we place an order.
9. Popeyes
Oh, Popeyes, we wish we could quit you. Try as we may, those salty biscuits and juicy chicken sandwiches call us time and again, good enough that we brave the curt staff just to order our spicy fries.
10. Dairy Queen
Dairy Queen employees have been pretty vocal about their mistreatment—not from customers, but from management. As you can imagine, the injustice affects their bedside manner, and you rarely get a Blizzard without a side of ‘tude.
Fast food isn’t good for us. You know it. We know it. But that won’t stop any of us from going. Luckily, some places still serve greasy goodness with a smile.
1. Chick-fil-A
The company’s been in hot water before, but that’s hardly affected the staff’s kindness. Not only are you scoring delicious chicken for fair prices, but you’re getting stellar service along with it. Call it training or decent management, but we’ve never complained about anything here!
2. Raising Cane’s
You just can’t beat the personality hires at Raising Cane’s. We don’t know about you, but we’ve often chatted with employees at the window, admittedly forgetting the line behind us. We can’t help it—everyone is so friendly!
3. Shake Shack
Cheeseburger, fries, and a milkshake, please. Sure, it isn’t the healthiest dinner, but Shake Shack staff won’t judge you. It’s always a breeze walking into these locations, regardless of your area.
Nielsoncaetanosalmeron on Wikimedia
4. Arby’s
The only thing that makes their classic roast beef sandwiches any better is a kind staff! Though you might want to steer clear of their chicken sandwiches, Arby’s staff is pretty devoted to bringing you a solid experience. They rarely mess up your order, too.
5. Harvey’s
Harvey’s makes your hamburger a beautiful thing—and the employees have a lot to do with that. Not only are their burgers the best in fast food, but their staff members also work with efficiency and kindness.
Raysonho @ Open Grid Scheduler / Grid Engine on Wikimedia
6. Papa John’s
We’re all trying to move past John Schnatter’s deplorable behavior, and the current-day staff at Papa John’s is a good place to start. With so many orders placed online, you’ll likely walk into an empty place with friendly staff that isn’t shy about making conversation.
7. Carl’s Jr.
There’s no more welcoming environment than a Carl’s Jr.—not in the land of fast food anyway. Staff are always ready to take your order, they don’t make you wait, and you might even get to chit-chatting.
8. KFC
The colonel’s been mocking us on every bucket for decades. He just won’t give up those secret herbs and spices—neither will the staff, but they will greet you with a smile. They know their stuff, don’t mess up your orders, and know how to satisfy hungry customers.
9. Taco Bell
For such a massive chain, you don’t always know what to expect when you walk in. But Taco Bell employees are all about the crunchy shells and soft demeanour! There’s really nothing better than grabbing your nachos from someone who remembers your face.
10. Pizza Pizza
Pizza Pizza is best reserved for the hungover or currently hammered—and the staff knows it. That’s exactly why they’re so friendly when you walk in there; they don’t make conversation, but they get your order out nice and quickly, and with a smile on their faces.
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