McDonalds: the science of fast food
Written: Oct 10 '00 (Updated Oct 15 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Fast, cheap, dependable
Cons: gamble on what service or level of cleanliness you get
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| lawgirl's Full Review: McDonald's |
I have to say it- I love McDonald's- even after spending a summer working there 10 years ago. Why do I love this place?
Variety
McDonald's has mastered the fast food game. The Key?: keeping people coming back. And if I know that there is only one type of thing to eat there, if I am not in the mood, I am not coming back. McDonald's is well aware of this and in trying to keep people coming back, as well as being able to attract many people in the mood for many things, they offer a lot of variety. McDonald's was the first to offer chicken nuggets, and since then, their menu has taken off. Some items were a hit- chicken nuggets- and some were a failure- remember the McLean? (aka cardboard on a bun YUCK!!!)
What you can get at each McDonald's also depends on the owner of the franchise, but overall, McDonald's offers burgers, (oh my soul for a Big Mac) chicken, in nugget and sandwich form, fish, salads, pizza and fajitas. (The last two might vary according to where you live.) They also offer a variety of desserts- cookies, pies, low fat frozen yogurt, and shakes. You can go to McDonalds and get a full course (fast food) meal.
Innovation.
Micky D's is always coming up with something new. The Big Xtra, the McRib, the Salad Shakers, and on and on. The place that invented the Big Mac and chicken nuggets is always coming up with new stuff- usually pretty good. I also love when they make holiday shakes, such as the shamrock shake in March. Yum! They were also the first with the Value Meal, which I find indispensible, and don't forget the Happy Meal, which has been pleasing children and their parents for decades.
Price.
McDonald's is consistently the cheapest fast food out there. A number 1 (Big Mac combo) is $3.70 where I live. My other alternatives: Subway: a least $7 for a foot long, Arby's: $5, Burger King, et al: around $4.60. Micky D's is still the cheapest. True, to some extent you get what you pay for----no custom fresh bread sandwiches made in front of you, but the food is still good and fast.
Fast and Fresh.
Talk about having something down to a science!! McDonald's fascinated me in this arena when I worked there. Everything inside MCD's is designed to work like a well-oiled machine, from bin management, to how often you should have fries in the fryers. McDonald's is consistently the fastest I have found.
Also, I have been overall very pleased with McDonald's freshness. The vegetables on my sandwiches have consistently been crisp, the meat hot, and the bun fresh. Occassionally you will get one that is cold, but my experience has been that they will exchange it for you for a hot one. (At least, that is what they are trained to do!) I have also consistently been happy with their french fries (which are my number one temptation on earth and I would eat them everyday if I could).
They have also recently began making your order right away and eliminiating as much of food sitting around as possible. This is great! Also, if you have had problems in the past, be sure to order a grill order if you like your food a different way than the standard. It is not going to take much longer, and your food is guaranteed fresh- made just for you.
Where Ronald needs to focus his efforts.
As much as I love McDonalds, I have noticed in recent years it has not been the consistently-good restaurant it was when I was growing up. Some thoughts on where the Golden Arches need to go.
Cleanliness.
This is going to be dictated by the managerial staff. If the staff is not cracking down and making the workers clean, the workers won't. Also, this too is going to vary from restaurant to restaurant. However, I have noticed a general decline in cleanliness in most McDonald's, and if it is not clean, people are not going to return. Including me!
Overall
I love McDonalds! I love the taste of their food, and when you are in a hurry, you cannot beat their prices, selection, and taste. Their drive thru is a focus of McDonalds, so you can usually get your food fast if you're on the run.
Big Macs forever!!!
Service:
The recent labor shortage is hitting fast food restaraunts hardest, and McDonalds, with the most restaurants, is being hardest hit. The food is takinglonger to be served, people are rude, and the food is sitting longer in the bin. I once waited 20 minutes for a Big Mac- THE McDonald's staple and a sandwich the bin should never be without. A note to fellow Lexington, KY readers: this was at the Tates Creek McDonalds'---Avoid this MCD's at all cost. Because there are so few quality workers out there, service has suffered. I realize there is probably not a lot McDonalds can do about this, and they are constantly recruiting new workers, but I still am dissatisfied in this area.
Decor:
For most McDonalds, the question is "what decor." Most restaraunts do have a theme, however, and there are even a couple of really cool Wildcat momentos.
Special Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations:
As a former McDonald worker, let me tell you: if you are in a real hurry DO NOT order fish or chicken. They take the longest to prepare and they do not sit well in a bin and need to be prepared fresh just for you.
Recommended:
Yes
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lawgirl
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Location: Milwaukee, WI
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