So, I never visit McDonald’s. Oddly, I have managed to visit them twice this year. Once a month ago while traveling and it just worked out that it made the most sense when we stopped for fuel while traveling.

And second last night. We were at the lake late and coming home just before 9pm. Most non chain places were closing, and the only local spot open was McDonald’s. Had the whole family including my visiting parents.

The experience was pretty awful. First, they had 3 employees in the building, and the expectation was that you use the Kiosk. I didn’t have ‘strong’ opinions of having to use it vs. speaking to a human. However after ordering 4 meals on it, it is quite the nightmare for the casual visitor. Probably took 4x as long to order our food.

My parents took their order on a second Kiosk and were not even able to complete their order (Parents are in their mid 70s). Not sure what happened, I wasn’t watching them. My dad was quite irritated at this point.

After asking one of the humans multiple times for help, he took their order at the register.

<insert 30 minute wait for food>

Our food was placed in their pickup area in bags with napkins (store napkin holder empty). Nearly every burger was overcooked and quite dry. Both my buns were hard. The fry’s were luke warm and not very fresh. The meal for 2 adults and 2 14yos was $40 bux.

I saw a story on Lemmy last week about how McDonald’s profits were down and the general consensus was that it was the over priced food. While I’m sure that has an impact I believe the Kiosk, slow ‘fast food’ and overall experience has to be a huge negative.

My parents were PISSED, and they are historically huge McD Patrons. At least in their case, the price will not be why they do not return. Its the awful experience.

  • @[email protected]
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    135 months ago

    I haven’t been to McDonald’s in like 10 years barring once or twice for a mcflurry or any fast food place other than dominoes.

    Street food fills the fast food hole much better. Fuck McDonald’s

    • @[email protected]
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      85 months ago

      I haven’t eaten McDonalds food since I grew out of the play-place’s. That’s right around the time I realized the food itself is garbage (compared to pretty much every other fast food chain); and the ‘quality’ has only gotten worse and worse over time, while the prices just keep rising.

      Combine that with every location near me having better options on the same block and there’s no reason to ever visit a McDs.

    • @[email protected]OP
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      75 months ago

      Ya, same. I think I may have gotten a burger one time when I took my kid (now 14) in there for some ice cream 7-8 years ago. Then unfortunately twice this year. But I’m going to go back to normal of actively avoiding the place

    • Altima NEO
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      5 months ago

      Same. I’ve avoided going to McDonald’s since they discontinued the Arch Deluxe. I don’t care what the Internet says, that shit was good.

      Anyway, I’m more of a char broiled burger guy, so burger king and Carl’s Jr were my thing.

    • FlashMobOfOne
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      45 months ago

      Yeah, I have to have a very specific craving to go to McD’s. It’s always just so disappointing on so many levels.