Even in the 1990s my parents noticed this at fast food chains in the Sacramento area where I grew up. Locations with more engaged staff served better food, whi

Even in the 1990s my parents noticed this at fast food chains in the Sacramento area where I grew up. Locations with more engaged staff served better food, while locations with less engaged staff served worse food that was often sloppily prepared. I also notice a big difference whenever I travel to Japan and visit McDonald's locations there. The food tastes better and the presentation is excellent. It also helps that McDonald's is cheaper in Japan than in California.