# Fast Food Pet Peeves **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [September 7, 2000, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fast-food-pet-peeves/32380 "2000-09-07T17:23:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![mega\_the\_roo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/3da27b/32.png) [@mega\_the\_roo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mega_the_roo)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2000, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fast-food-pet-peeves/32380/41 "2000-09-09T18:54:59Z")
Or better yet: Can I get a hot dog? It’s _ **Burger** _ King, people! ---
**Author:** ![Why\_A\_Duck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/13edae/32.png) [@Why\_A\_Duck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Why_A_Duck)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2000, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fast-food-pet-peeves/32380/42 "2000-09-09T19:01:13Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by mega the roo \* > \*\*Or better yet: Can I get a hot dog? > > It’s _ **Burger** _ King, people! \*\* When I worked at BK, you could get hot dogs. They were off menu, but we had them for the picky kids. Other BK peeves: - Bus-loads of senior citizens ordering danishes and free coffees. - Cleaning the broiler at night, this has it’s own circle of hell. - Drive-thru at 2:00 AM on a Friday night. Thank Jebus I’m out of there. ---
**Author:** ![TN\_hippie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/858c86/32.png) [@TN\_hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TN_hippie)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2000, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fast-food-pet-peeves/32380/43 "2000-09-09T19:22:24Z")
There are 3 places that will **NEVER** get another cent from me: 1. McDonald’s 2. McDonald’s 3. McDonald’s Why? (a) The burgers are always dry and tasteless. (b) The buns are often stale. © The prices are outrageous, even by “fast food” standards © I have an intense urge to kill Ronald McDonald and all his fuzzy friends. (d) They shamelessly cater to kids. The kids, in turn, shamelessly (often employing hysterics) pressure the parental units to give in and agree to eat there. \*(d) the payoff is a filthy plastic slide and swingset, a plastic _Star Wars_ {or some such nonsense} cup that is worth about 5 cents but costs $1.79. (e) Horrid decor. (f) They treat their employees like shit. (g) They sued that couple in England for carrying placards that were _anti-McDonald’s_. The couple was lower-middle-class and couldn’t afford lawyers. McDonald’s, of course, had a host of million-dollar lawyers. Stupid? Like duh…instead of ignoring the protesters, they made it an inernational issue. (Ha! Ha!) Most people sided with the little folks, so I figure they’ll come out ahead. Still haven’t heard the outcome of the lawsuit. (h) Got a coupon in the mail offering half-price on some kind of special new-and-improved burger. Hadn’t eaten at McD’s in 15 years, so I figured I’d give it a try. _Results?_ It wasn’t even worth the half-price. Yuck. Now, I know I’m gonna incur the wrath of many of you, but I must speak out. As “fast foods” go, I’ll take Taco Hell over any of the rest. Ya gotta know what to order, though. Forget the tacos, salads, and whatever the chiuauha(sp.?) is pushing. I go for the Burrito Supreme every time. Yummy, and I can usually afford two. LOTS of HOT SAUCE! They are generous with the stuff, too. Peace, TN\*hippie ---
**Author:** ![Fyodor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/958977/32.png) [@Fyodor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fyodor)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2000, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fast-food-pet-peeves/32380/44 "2000-09-09T19:34:59Z")
I seem to recall reading something about the lawsuit by MacD’s in England against the two protesters. MacD’s won, of course, but the couple, when interviewed, just shrugged. They really didn’t have any assets or money that could be touched and they were delighted with the bad publicity that resulted. ---
**Author:** ![Palmyra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/57b2e6/32.png) [@Palmyra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Palmyra)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2000, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fast-food-pet-peeves/32380/45 "2000-09-09T19:44:13Z")
> [@](#): > > _Originally posted by TN_hippie \* > \*\* chiuauha(sp.?) \*\* it’s spelled “chihuahua” ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2000, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fast-food-pet-peeves/32380/46 "2000-09-09T20:21:38Z")
I understand he shouldn’t have said cheap bastard, but hey, that guy was probably frustrated. He was also in his own car… Anymore, at Kmart, I’ve stopped caring. I mean, I’m still polite, but people just scream at me and belittle me and curse me…it’s to the point where I dread going to work… I had to call off wednesday because just the thought of facing those rat bastards made me sick to my stomach. Yes, I am looking for another job. Personally, I’ve never really had any probs at fast food restaurants. I’m always nice, polite, and I usually get what I ask for! ---
**Author:** ![screech-owl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/82dd89/32.png) [@screech-owl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/screech-owl)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2000, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fast-food-pet-peeves/32380/47 "2000-09-09T20:29:03Z")
Sorry I’m late, just found this thread… > [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by KneadToKnow \* > **I hate it when they won’t repeat the amount due when you drive up to the window. Sometimes, while I’ve been busy getting my money ready, I’ve confused myself. “Did she say $2.84 or $2.48?” It’s much nicer when I can get to the window and hear "That’ll be $2.48."** How about when they won’t tell you the price when you order? “I’ll have your total at the window.” “No, tell me now BEFORE I drive there!” Does it take THAT long to add everything up? I have never received a satisfactory answer from any manager at the few places that do this. Is it so that I am away from the board and cannot compare the prices? Any fastfood workers got any answers? It’s not like I am being served faster this way; on the contrary, it takes longer to get the money out (and on rare occasions, I will be deliberately slow about it). I am normally a calm, polite person, but this is quite annoying to me. On the upside, I keep plastic containers in the car for extras - wrapped utensils, catsup packets, flavor sauces, etc. Went to Taco Bell once time and before I said “I don’t need any sauce”, the girl at the window apologized: they were out of sauces. I handed her the Taco Bell box and told her to take the whole thing. 37 mediums and 45 milds. She was a bit startled to say the least. The TBs around here are unusually generous with their sauces at the drive-thru - ask for one and they’ll give you 5. [I usually take 'em home and put the sauce in my mac&cheese, when I do cook at home.] ---
**Author:** ![mega\_the\_roo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/3da27b/32.png) [@mega\_the\_roo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mega_the_roo)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2000, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fast-food-pet-peeves/32380/48 "2000-09-09T21:03:29Z")
> [@](#): > > When I worked at BK, you could get hot dogs. They were off menu, but we had them for the picky kids. Hm. Maybe it’s just in Canada that we don’t have them… ---
**Author:** ![Anti\_Pro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Anti\_Pro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anti_Pro)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2000, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fast-food-pet-peeves/32380/49 "2000-09-09T22:12:05Z")
Here in Atlanta, there seems to be a going thing with some drive thrus that they have a pre-recorded message pushing some special deal they have. Then you’re asked if you want the deal. I say, ‘no’, then pause, and start my own order only to hear, ‘Ma’am, I haven’t said \* I was ready \* yet!’ \*\* Well! exxxxxcuuuuuusssee ME! \*\* ---
**Author:** ![Geobabe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/geobabe/32/3908_2.png) [@Geobabe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Geobabe)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2000, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fast-food-pet-peeves/32380/50 "2000-09-09T22:29:47Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by lolagranola \* > \*\*\ > Anyway, I have to admit I don’t usually tip the delivery people a lot. Of course, there’s usually a delivery charge, so I figure that covers part of it. \*\* Actually, no. The delivery charge goes to the owner of the restaurant, not the delivery driver. I used to drive for Domino’s and we did get mileage, but that’s not enough to make the job worth it. It’s not necessary to tip a percentage on deliveries, but at least give the driver a couple of bucks. They are using their own vehicles, paying for gas/maintenance/etc., so that you don’t have to leave the house to get some food. Think of the driver as your waiter/waitress on wheels. ---
**Author:** ![Angkins](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/fbc32d/32.png) [@Angkins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Angkins)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2000, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fast-food-pet-peeves/32380/51 "2000-09-09T22:42:00Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by poohpah chalupa \* > \*\*some of my favorite fast food stories: > > **McDonald’s:** (in drive thru): “can I get a receipt please?” > ::handed a straw:: > “I’m sorry, I need a _receipt_ please…” > ::handed a napkin:: > "A receipt. receipt. > ::handed a fork:: > “May I speak to your manager, please?” > ::handed ketchup packs:: > _sigh_ > > \*\* I guess what this kid was trying to tell you is **NO!** I can only imagine how frustrating that would have been. My fast food peeve is when I order extra pickles and I get 2 pickles. It makes me wonder if the kid who slaps burgers together has to pay for the extra out of their pocket! ---
**Author:** ![chique](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4491bb/32.png) [@chique](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chique)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2000, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fast-food-pet-peeves/32380/52 "2000-09-09T23:03:33Z")
I think it depends on **which** fast food place you go to. E.g., there are three BK drive throughs in my town, and I only go to one of them - the other 2 pretty much stink. When I was living in Nothern Virginia I would drive out of my way to avoid the one closest to me, since it truly sucked. They were incapable of understanding that I meant it when I said “no pickles”. The last time I stopped there I was handed a bag that weighed approximately ten pounds. I asked the chick at the window if she was sure she had given me the right order. “:rolleyes: Yes, it’s the right order.” I looked in my rear view mirror at the club cab pickup truck behind me with 4 guys in it, said ok, and was on my merry way. I sure hope those guys like that chicken salad 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Joe\_Cool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ecb155/32.png) [@Joe\_Cool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joe_Cool)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2000, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fast-food-pet-peeves/32380/53 "2000-09-09T23:14:33Z")
I can deal with getting my order wrong. I can deal with slow service as long as they’re polite. I can deal with wrong prices, mistakes, dropping my food and having to wait while they remake it. What I CANNOT deal with is being interrupted while I’m trying to order. I understand being in a hurry, but by the time I was seven years old, I had learned how to listen for the pitch of somebody’s voice and for a pause in what they say to indicate that they were finished speaking. I F\*#&@(!@%!#\*&G HATE this: ```auto Me: I'd like a #1 with cheese and a spri... Them: ...What kind of drink? Me: *sigh* Sprite. And I would also lik... Them: ...Is that all? Me: No, I also need a #4 with a peps... Them: ...What to drink? Me: Peps... Them: ...That will be $xx.xx. Please dr... Me: ...I was not finished yet! Them: Fine, what else? Me: That's all, thanks. How much is it? ``` I usually am not a mean person, but I really really hate being interrupted. ---
**Author:** ![brad\_d](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@brad\_d](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brad_d)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2000, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fast-food-pet-peeves/32380/54 "2000-09-09T23:38:14Z")
I can handle most of the weird messed-up order things. That’s bound to happen when you have more than one person involved in the process or taking the order and making the food. I can understand them wanting to clarify whether I wanted a combo or just the sandwich. I’m sure that, several times a week, a customer orders one, meaning the other, and gets pissed when they get what they asked for. Heading this sort of thing off seems totally reasonable to me. What does bug me is when the person in front of you finishes their transaction, and the employee looks you in the eye and says “May I help the next customer in line?” while you’re 3 feet away. One of these days I’m going to reply to that by referring to myself in the third person throughout the order. “Could the customer have a #4 combo for here, please?” ---
**Author:** ![AETBOND417](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/47e85d/32.png) [@AETBOND417](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AETBOND417)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2000, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fast-food-pet-peeves/32380/55 "2000-09-10T02:13:37Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by sandyr \* > **I think it depends on _which_ fast food place you go to. E.g., there are three BK drive throughs in my town, and I only go to one of them - the other 2 pretty much stink.** Yeah, that’s the situation here. The McDonald’s that is very close to my house was at the top of my Must Kill List until three weeks ago. This specific institution decided they would make their main deal the Chicken McNuggets (6 for 99 cents? I forget). Well, I really have never considered 6 McNuggets a meal, nor a snack… more of a side item. I was actually hoping they’d make their deal 2 Big Macs or Quarter Pounders w/ Cheese for $2, like some other McD’s in the city. They didn’t. For 14 months. Over a year of having to drive 15 minutes to get a good deal on food, while the close McDonald’s (1 minute drive) would sell Chicken McTurds. Everyone I know asked the manager to change to 2 for $2 meals for a year. Three weeks ago it changed. I celebrated with two hot quarter pounders and only spent $2 + tax. How sweet it is. ---
**Author:** ![psychobunny](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/54ee81/32.png) [@psychobunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychobunny)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2000, 5:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fast-food-pet-peeves/32380/56 "2000-09-10T05:24:25Z")
1)I hate when they hand you your change and then the drink on top of it. Give me a sec to put the money away please! 2)That stupid automated drive through machine. The one here says “May I take your order?” but when you start talking the real person says “Hold on”. ---
**Author:** ![Sunspace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunspace/32/1250_2.png) [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2000, 5:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fast-food-pet-peeves/32380/57 "2000-09-10T05:45:57Z")
That McDonald’s trial in England? > [@](#): > > The verdict was devastating for McDonald’s. The judge ruled that they ‘exploit children’ with their advertising, produce ‘misleading’ advertising, are ‘culpably responsible’ for cruelty to animals, are ‘antipathetic’ to unionisation and pay their workers low wages. But Helen and Dave failed to prove all the points and so the Judge ruled that they HAD libelled McDonald’s and should pay 60,000 Pounds damages. They refused and McDonald’s knew better than to pursue it. -from [McSpotlight.org](http://www.mcspotlight.org/) ---
**Author:** ![BiblioCat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ed8c4c/32.png) [@BiblioCat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BiblioCat)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2000, 12:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fast-food-pet-peeves/32380/58 "2000-09-10T12:27:15Z")
I understand Joe Cool’s gripe about interrupting. The person just isn’t listening, and is expected (required, I guess) to ask certain questions. My experience: Me: "I would like 2 Hamburger Happy Meals, 1 Nugget Happy Meal, all 3 with root beer, and _that’s all I want."_ Disembodied Voice: "What drinks would you like? Me: “Root beer for all three. And I don’t want anything else.” Disembodied Voice: “Ok, root beer, will there be anything else?” Arrgghhhhhhh! ---
**Author:** ![poppyp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/87869e/32.png) [@poppyp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/poppyp)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2000, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fast-food-pet-peeves/32380/59 "2000-09-10T13:31:01Z")
Might as well be eatin’ newspaper for all the taste! bb ---
**Author:** ![Homer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/df788c/32.png) [@Homer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Homer)\ **Post date:** [September 10, 2000, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fast-food-pet-peeves/32380/60 "2000-09-10T17:47:43Z")
One time, I really really wanted some Taco Bell, but there wasn’t one near me, so I drove 15 minutes to near my brother’s house to that Taco Bell. I placed my order, paid, took the food, and drove to Jake’s house. He wasn’t home, so I drove 15 minutes BACK to the Frat house. I had ordered 3 tacos, no lettuce, and one frito burrito, no onions or cheese. I opened the first taco. No lettuce, but no meat, either. I sighed, and opened the second taco. No lettuce, no meat. Getting pissed, I opened the third taco. Same. Giving up, I opened the frito burrito to see if they made _that_ right. No cheese, no meat, just lots of fritos, and lots of onions. Goddamn it. So I called the Taco Bell up and bitched out the manager, and drove BACK over there to pick up a lousy $3 something. They kept the food, and didn’t offer to make me a new order, free of charge. She didn’t care how far I had driven. Fuckers. Luckily, I’ve since found TWO Taco Bells not two minutes from the Frat house, and their workers seem to LIKE working there, so they get my business, now. –Tim [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fast-food-pet-peeves/32380.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fast-food-pet-peeves/32380.md?page=4)