It really does depend on the locale. In larger cities in South Texas for example, your opinion mostly holds: McDonalds employees are the lowest rung, they know

It really does depend on the locale. In larger cities in South Texas for example, your opinion mostly holds: McDonalds employees are the lowest rung, they know it, and they don't seem to particularly care. In small towns though? The local McDonalds is often one of the only places to eat that's open late, and because the employees and the locals are essentially supporting each other, the attitude is completely different. Not being constantly rushed with a line around the building probably helps. All that said, I'm amazed that Chick Fil A is able to maintain such a high quality of customer service within cities, even when they seem to be just slammed all day long. I have no idea how they pull that off so consistently, but they do, and they've earned my respect because of it.