When fast food isn't

My Saturday routine usually consists of me awaking about 7:30-7:45 am, geting in the shower and then heading into town. I open the office at 9:00 am, so this gives me plenty of time.

Most of the time I like to grab breakfast at one of the fast-food type local establishments, be it the McDonald's, the What-A-Burger or the local Donut shop.

This morning I arrived at the McDonald's and got in line at the drive thru. It was 8:30 am and the line was around the building. There were no parking places on the South side of the building except for the blue ones, so I thought it was best I just waited in line instead of going inside.

At that time a spot opened up in the parking lot and I peered into the building and saw only three people in line. Surely this would be faster than waiting in line and wasting fuel, so I parked and went inside.

My mistake.

As I watched the chaos and seemingly unmanaged group try and fill the drive-thru orders and the counter orders, I knew this wasn't going to be fast.

I never dreamed it would take as long as it did.

I got to the register and waited. There was no one there to take the order. Since I was pressed for time, needing to open by 9:00 am, I was getting a little concerned. A youngster walked up and asked if I minded he cut in front of me. I told him, politely, that I did.

The counter person finally arrived and I placed my order. It was a simple one, a small order of Sausage Gravy and Biscuits and a regular, non-flavored iced coffee. To Go. Nothing complicated about it.

After placing my order, I stepped back and let others attempt to get their order placed while I could hear the chaos from the back of the house ensuing.

At one point a blue-shirted lady came out and told the crew member on the window to '...park 'em...' if they didn't have their food ready. This was an effort to clear the drive thru line, which continued to stretch around the building.

I looked at my watch. It was now 8:45 am and I was still waiting on my food. In fact, the three people ahead of me were still waiting on *their* food. I had already paid my $4.10, but I was considering leaving and calling back later to complain since my office opening time was only 15 minutes away and I was at least 7 minutes by car away.

About 8:50 am the first of the three people got their food. There was a glimmer of hope.

I glanced up and noticed the customer service toll-free number and dialed it so I would have it in my phone. I knew I was going to need it.

About 8:54 am the person right ahead of me got their order. Perhaps, if they hurried, I could make it to the office on time (a pet peeve of mine).

Hope was fading faster than a unwatered flower in this August heat.

At 8:57 am I saw them push the familar Sausage Gravy and Biscuit box out to a tray, ready to be delivered. They still had not created my drink, so they started working on that. The moment it hit the tray (despite having asked for it TO GO and expecting it in a bag), I grabbed both and headed for the car. I didn't even get a spork, and there were non available at the area set aside for napkins and other accessories. Twenty-eight minutes after pulling into the parking lot I finally had my order.

28 minutes. At a fast food joint. Probably the fastest fast food franchise in the world.

I was going to be late and I was pretty upset about it.

Having complained about this McDonald's in the past, I don't know that calling the customer service line will do any good. I decided I was going to call and air my grievances with them as well as formulating a nice Letter to the Editor of the local paper expressing my complaints and encouraging others who have had similar issues to speak up.

I figure that one voice on the other end of the phone line doesn't do much good. But, perhaps if I embarrass them by voicing my concerns in writing, on this blog and in the local paper, it will make them re-evaluate their need to bring strong leadership to the store.