9 ms·

Funny how self serve soda machines have really taken off in the last 5 years or so in most of the newer franchise operations. I can't help but think they (McDs

Funny how self serve soda machines have really taken off in the last 5 years or so in most of the newer franchise operations. I can't help but think they (McDs) are struggling to hire people to keep those stations orderly and frankly the last few times I went into a mcds those stations are all disgusting and disordered. I would add that all the mcds I've been in recently are actively hostile to the dine in experience now. Cold, dirty, and the furniture is awkward.

schlauerfox 3y ago
I'm glad it's unappealing because it's a deathtrap for health, but growing up it was a friendly place for kids with the clown and cartoons, even some animatronics and interactive electronics here in los angeles, later the playplaces, now in their struggle to fight starbucks of all things they look like tombs, mausoleums of their fun past. Good riddance I guess? Can't deny they're consistent and everywhere and addictive.
OfSanguineFire 3y ago
The dirtiness of fast-food restaurants is something that shocks me every time I go to the US. Things like sticky, rubbish-strewn floors even behind the counter that, as a food-preparation area, especially ought to be kept clean. The staff themselves are often slovenly and morbidly obese. McDonalds on other continents are noticeably cleaner, and considering that McDonalds has standardized the entire process and technology of operating their restaurants, what is the reason for this discrepancy? Surely it cannot be blamed on the recent staff shortages, as I have noticed this phenomenon since the late 1990s.
- deleted 3y ago
  [deleted]
- orwin 3y ago
  I think the real divergence in quality between McDonald US and Europe date from Hennequin's tenure. He pushed for higher prices, and this helped tremendously in the long term.
- upon_drumhead 3y ago
  So when a franchise is only a couple of restaurants and the owner is present, you generally end up with a well run and clean place. Over time, franchises turned into a huge investment opportunity and you have folks that have hundreds of places, so there's no owners there and the entire experience suffers.
- cvccvroomvroom 3y ago
  Bar and restaurant tables are generally sticky and disgusting because of a lack of hygienic cleaning. Using the same dirty, wet cloth with only water is not the same as using soap.
- JohnBooty 3y ago
  It's kind of funny. It varies. There are two McDonalds within 3 miles of my home. One is in a lower middle class area and it's an absolute dump. Dirty, food is poorly prepared, employees are stressed and kind of disheveled. The other one is in an upper middle class suburb. Very clean with friendly employees and the food is perfect.... well, "perfect" by McDonalds standards. I try not to eat at McDonalds more than maybe 5-6 times a year. So I'm not an expert. But I have noticed that McDonalds in "nice" areas tend to be "nice."

schlauerfox 3y ago

I'm glad it's unappealing because it's a deathtrap for health, but growing up it was a friendly place for kids with the clown and cartoons, even some animatronics and interactive electronics here in los angeles, later the playplaces, now in their struggle to fight starbucks of all things they look like tombs, mausoleums of their fun past. Good riddance I guess? Can't deny they're consistent and everywhere and addictive.

OfSanguineFire 3y ago

The dirtiness of fast-food restaurants is something that shocks me every time I go to the US. Things like sticky, rubbish-strewn floors even behind the counter that, as a food-preparation area, especially ought to be kept clean. The staff themselves are often slovenly and morbidly obese. McDonalds on other continents are noticeably cleaner, and considering that McDonalds has standardized the entire process and technology of operating their restaurants, what is the reason for this discrepancy? Surely it cannot be blamed on the recent staff shortages, as I have noticed this phenomenon since the late 1990s.

deleted 3y ago
[deleted]
orwin 3y ago
I think the real divergence in quality between McDonald US and Europe date from Hennequin's tenure. He pushed for higher prices, and this helped tremendously in the long term.
upon_drumhead 3y ago
So when a franchise is only a couple of restaurants and the owner is present, you generally end up with a well run and clean place. Over time, franchises turned into a huge investment opportunity and you have folks that have hundreds of places, so there's no owners there and the entire experience suffers.
cvccvroomvroom 3y ago
Bar and restaurant tables are generally sticky and disgusting because of a lack of hygienic cleaning. Using the same dirty, wet cloth with only water is not the same as using soap.
JohnBooty 3y ago
It's kind of funny. It varies. There are two McDonalds within 3 miles of my home. One is in a lower middle class area and it's an absolute dump. Dirty, food is poorly prepared, employees are stressed and kind of disheveled. The other one is in an upper middle class suburb. Very clean with friendly employees and the food is perfect.... well, "perfect" by McDonalds standards. I try not to eat at McDonalds more than maybe 5-6 times a year. So I'm not an expert. But I have noticed that McDonalds in "nice" areas tend to be "nice."