I should mention that I have severe social anxiety and I have a hard time trying unfamiliar systems. I used to only go to stores around 3am and use self checkout, if all possible. I’m a lot better with that now, but I still panic when I’m faced with ordering processes that seem weird to me, and feel like I’m being judged when I don’t know exactly how to do something I’ve never done before. So these complaints are probably more MY issue than anything, but they still don’t make sense to me regardless of my experience and anxiety.
Subway- The problem for me isn’t so much that they ask what toppings you want, but that the ordering and building process is just so awkward. I grew up eating subs from local restaurants and “mom and pop” corner stores. You could get a decent sub at pretty much any gas station, sandwich shop, mini market. You usually just said what you wanted very specifically, like you do when you order food at most places, and they made it. So I would say, for example “I want a cheesesteak sub with lettuce, tomato, mayo, and fried onions.” Or a cold cut sub with lettuce, tomato, peppers, and oil. Or whatever. And they made it. I could even order more than 1 thing at a time, because I might have friends or a family with me.
When I went in my first Subway, for one thing they didn’t have the subs I grew up with on the menu. Then it was just really weird breaking down everything item by item. I’ve also never really figured out how to order for multiple people, since they don’t really “take your order” and make things one at a time. My wife has asked me to get subs for her that are advertised a certain way and should have a specific ingredient featured, yet they act like the main components are optional. Or you have to specifically ask for them.
Chipotle- Have never been because it just looks too intimidating. I have one in my town, right next to a Taco Bell. There is another one across the street from my school, and apparently it’s pretty popular. I just wouldn’t know what to do.
Sonic- The first time I tried to order, I pulled into a space but then went through the drive through 3 times without ordering. Finally I did order after I was able to ask them some questions. The problem was that I wanted something I saw advertised but there was no indication they sold it. Since it could have been a limited time thing, and I didn’t know when I saw the commercial, I didn’t want to assume they had it. Yet, I saw no way to order something that wasn’t specifically on the menu or wasn’t sure how that worked.
In general, I have difficulty with places that don’t seem to be on board with their own marketing campaigns or don’t inform/train their employees about their specials or offerings. This seems to be common lately with a lot of fast food places and their more premium specials and breakfast menu items.
