Category Archives: Fast Food

Why Advertise?

Posted in Advertising, Fast Food by

Well, let’s see. Some advertisements make us laugh. Some ads irritate us, especially when they run the ad every station break. Some ads have music, others have something they call music.

In general, people and businesses pay for ads for one thing, to make money. They pay for TV shows so we have “free” TV. I assure you, they are not paying to air that copy of you favorite baseball or football team just because they like sports. Indeed, they would just as soon you stay in your seat during the commercial so you might go to their restaurant or to their bank. They want you to buy their autos or their deodorant.

They pay fortunes to have their name paraded in front of you, just knowing if they don’t they will lose you as customers and they don’t want that at all.

The hitch is that commercials don’t always have the desired affect. You can ask Bud Light about that and they’ll tell you. They experienced first hand when the advertisement assailed the customers and their sales plummeted. Then to make matters worse, they refused to face it and make any corrections. They doubled down and their sales just went down. I don’t think they have recovered yet. I suppose there are some who decided other people make pretty good beer too, and maybe charge less for it. They will never get those customers back.

Then you have MacDonald’s. You know they spend somewhere in the neighborhood of 2 billion a year for advertising. They aren’t trying to entertain you. They want you to come in and buy their food. The problem is that the 2 billion can be quickly negated by slow service and low quality food. The same goes for Wendy’s. I mean, what good are the ads if they ignore those of us that would like to by a couple of singles with fries.

Then you have Chick Fillet. I can’t remember the last time I saw one of their ads. I don’t know if they have them. However, they treat their customers right. Even when they have cars wrapped around their building, I can go in, order and have my food in less than 5 minutes, maybe seven.

I’m beginning to think good service and a good product is better advertising than a spot on the Superbowl.

Maybe some other restaurants and businesses could learn from Chick Fillet. Somehow, I suspect that will not happen in my life time.

The Secret to Hitting the Target

Posted in Christian values, Fast Food by

When I was seven or eight, I got a gift of a bow and arrows. They were safe. They had the little suction cups on them. I don’t know why I got the gift. I never showed any interest in them. Nonetheless, I did mess with them from time-to-time and got pretty good with them, as long as I was less than about 20 yards from the targets that were furnished with it.

It was not long that I figured out the secret to hitting the target every time. I had to aim high. I guess at 20 yards or so, I had to aim about 4 or 5 feet above the target.

Though I had no idea of it at the time, there is a reason for this. An arrow dropped from 5 feet above the ground falls at the same speed as an arrow shot level from a bow. Many have actually done experiments to prove this with very complex and accurate equipment.

Moreover, no matter how far the arrow is drawn, it is the same. That is to say, the arrow falls at the same speed regardless of the forward speed of the arrow. It just is that a fast arrow has less time to drop before reaching the target.

Therefore, even the most experienced archer will aim high, or above the target. Just how high the archer needs to aim depends on the forward speed of the arrow and the distance of the target. The speed only figures in because the faster the arrow goes, the less time the arrow has to drop.

This is not only true with arrows but with all projectiles. I can’t remember what it was, but it seemed to me that when I fired my M-14, the bullet dropped about 4 to 5 inches on the way to that target 500 meters away. So, if I was to hit the bullseye, I had to aim high.

It was, more-or-less, done for me. I had a little wheel I turned to adjust the sights up and down. I didn’t have to do the math. If I was hitting low, I adjusted the wheel one way. If I was hitting high, I adjusted the other way. Hence I was able to put the bullet through the bullseye regularly from 500 meters. Those that don’t know, that is about 550 yards.

It’s no wonder that rifle knew how to kick.

As I think back over it, I kind of get the idea that it is where we got the expression, “Aim high.” I think it is a good thing to do, both on and off the range. I guess way back when, it was sort of the common thing to teach. Not so much anymore.

I said all that to say this, I noticed that McDonald’s fell short of their Q2 estimates (AKA target sales). It doesn’t surprise me. I am sure I am not the only one that figured it was going to happen. You see, almost all customers have the option of going somewhere else… somewhere where the service is faster and the food is better, AKA hot instead of lukewarm.

A few years ago, my water heater went out. I called a plumber to replace it. In the past, they treated me good and had reasonable prices. The woman at the other end of the phone started trying to talk me into a service plan. I went back and forth a few times. I explained why I don’t buy service plans. I was very patient with her, really. Finally, plainly, I said, one more word about service plans and I hang up.

Someone else got my business. I don’t know who that woman was on the other side of the phone but she forgot one important fact of business. The customer can always hang up, and I did.

The real problem with these businesses is simple. They decided that they do not need to aim high.

We went to Burger King this afternoon. I felt like having a fish sandwich and they have very good fish sandwiches; or at least I think so. I ordered two fish sandwiches, one medium fry, a large onion ring, (don’t care too much for their fries) and two large Diet Cokes. I also told her that one of the sandwiches needs to be mustard and ketchup only. My wife does not like tarter sauce. Don’t have a clue why. That stuff is good.

You would not have a clue how many times I had to go through all that. First, she tried to sell me the meals. I told her, I don’t care how you write it up. Then I went back through the whole thing. She was apparently having a difficult time getting the register to accept that. I haven’t an idea why.

At any rate, having it my way is a nice saying, but in this case, maybe not so much. She read the order back and it was wrong, believe it or not. Why does this restaurant say I can have it my way and have so much difficulty figuring out a simple order. I can’t imagine what might happen if I ordered a dozen Whoppers, each to be made in a different way.

I am a patient man. Really I am. Moreover, I did want that fish sandwich. Still, if she got the order wrong one more time, I think I would have turned around and walked out. Actually, the girl was trying. It was her training. Somehow, when they came up with their neat little saying, they forgot to tell her. They have this “meal thing” on their minds and they don’t like it when a person comes in and asks to have it their way.

To their credit, they did get the order right. It was ready in about 3 minutes, great in my book. and the food was burn your mouth hot, especially the onion rings. It makes me, all the more, wish I could get them to get over this meal thing. Just maybe they can aim a little higher and actually practice their saying.

Before I left, I thanked them for a hot meal and told them that they had permission to have a nice day. After all. They did serve me good food promptly. More than I can expect from McDonald’s.

By the way, if you want a good fish sandwich, Burger King is a good place. If all you want is a whopper, those are good too.

Comfort Food

Posted in Fast Food, Food by

I’ve heard the term frequently, but I can’t say I knew what it means, although I guess I did have a vague idea just from context. When I decided to reply to this prompt, I decided to look it up. They had a lot of examples, most of which I must admit presses my button.

One of the examples was chicken pot pie, which I really like, for sure. However, I prefer just chicken pie. Let me explain. There used to be a few restaurants called Three Sisters and they had the best chicken pie. Then, naturally the restaurant went out of business. That is not fair. That is not right. They should have given their recipe to another restaurant… or me.

It also reminds me of. the time I was going through the line at Kentucky Fried line, I spoke to myself, “I could make a meal off mashed potatoes and gravy.” Suddenly, from behind me, I heard a woman voice her agreement. “So can I.” I didn’t know anyone was eavesdropping on my private conversation. It was alright. I looked back and saw her smiling. I love it when I can make a person smile or laugh, even when I don’t mean to. Still love mashed potatoes. I’d just about have them with every meal.

I discovered fried rice when I was stationed in Japan. My wife doesn’t like it so I don’t get much chance to eat it. Maybe it’s a good thing. I would really put away a bunch of it. That and egg rolls.

Love roast beef when it is done right. Arby’s does not do it right. Used to like Denver’s. There was one a couple of miles from here as well as four or five in Memphis. I guess they have all disappeared. That seems to be the case. I find a restaurant I like and then they go away. I have found others that have roast beef but not nearly as good.

When I was stationed at MCAS, El Toro, the PX had a restaurant the served thinly sliced roast on two slices of bread with mashed potatoes and gravy over it. I am sure they are responsible for the 5 or 10 extra pounds I carried around at the time. Incidentally, I am not the only one that ate it. They had a huge following.

I guess, right near the top, has to be pizza. There’s just nothing like a pizza with pepperoni and pineapples all over it. The trick of course is, I have to order extra pineapples. My wife steels them off the instant I look away. I also like the pizza with the works on it, but I don’t get a chance for it that much. My wife doesn’t like it.

Daily writing prompt
What’s your go-to comfort food?
View all responses

McDonald’s Error

Posted in Fast Food by

I noticed on the news is McDonald’s is making changes. I would guess they are having problems, which is no surprise to me. I mean when it takes 15 minutes, literally, to serve a barely warm Big Mac, they are headed for real problems. Marketing is important but it will only go so far.

The company broke into fast food by serving good tasting food fast. Now there are many “nice sit down” places that serve food faster. As a matter of fact, I just visited a good Mexican place that served me a good meal in less than the 15 minutes. It does make me ask, why should anyone go to McDonald’s when we can get a much better meal at not much more cost?

Personally, I have found when I am in a hurry, it’s hard to beat Subway. Unless they have an unusually long line, I’m usually eating within 5 or 6 minutes after entering the door. Chick-fil-A is fast too, but I usually have a long walk across the parking lot. I suppose it is a reasonable price for popularity.

At any rate, it’s sort of difficult for the McDonald’s employees to provide reasonably good service when they are so busy talking amongst themselves. Many-a-time, I have had to wait for the conversation to be completed before I could expect any attention.

Mostly, if people have to wait 15 minutes for less than hot food, McDonald’s will likely just fade away, regardless of any marketing methods.

As an aside, the same thing can be said of other fast food places too. I mean it is basic. People go to fast food places to get food fast.

Food Courts

Posted in Fast Food by

Before our days of our empty nest, we liked to visit the local malls from time to time. We really liked the Mall of Memphis, which is no more.

The thing is, most of the malls had a place, generally called a food court. At the food court, there were generally close to 10 or 12 different places to eat.

The rest of the family didn’t much care for Asian food, so it was usually the only time I got to eat fried rice and egg rolls. My wife went to the Chick-fil-A. The older son preferred just a hamburger and fries. The younger almost always made a beeline for the pizza place.

A short time later, we gathered at a table and enjoyed our varied lunch together. Not only did we all enjoy the specific food we liked, it always seemed to be the best of what we liked.

Over the years, I have considered it. I have wondered. I’ve given it a lot of thought. Could it be that several restaurants could get together and build something of a free standing food court with the same benefits.

Okay. I’m only thinking about it. I have learned over my many years not to expect too much. And I do believe that is expecting too much. What a shame.

Popular Decision

Posted in Fast Food, Important things by

Decided we hadn’t had a Chick-fil-A in a while so we set out for a visit. Right away I realized that it would be difficult to find a parking space in their lot so I settled for one in the lot across a little street.

It meant we needed to make a little walk. There were many others who had the same idea. during the walk, I cringed just knowing I was in for a long wait.

Shows how little I know. Yes, the line was long. No, the wait was short. Inside a couple of minutes, they had our order.

Then the problem became one of too many people, not enough tables. As we were in search of one, a woman took pity on us. She invited us over to her table. The net result was not only a very good meal but also a pleasant, wonderful conversation.

The result was a double pleasant lunch. Now, I am thinking why can’t all my meals turn out so nice? I only hope she enjoyed our visit as much, maybe a little more than we did.

Before leaving, I thanked the manager and told him how much we appreciated their swift service. I knew he genuinely appreciated it. He had a smile, the kind that can’t be faked.

It sure did make me glad we decided to eat there. Good food, great service, wonderful people.

Do You Suppose McDonalds Will Ever Learn

Posted in Fast Food by

The 27th was a busy day. Actually, it was a day full of waiting. I waited, altogether over 3 hours at the doctors and nearly an hour at the dentist. Sometime stuck in the midst of all that, we had to find some time to eat.

During my second wait at the doctors, I thought about the Wendy’s across the street. I also thought about the last 3 times we ate at Wendy’s. Twice we had horrible service. The third time, I got tired of waiting and left.

Sometimes, it does becomes hunger over judgement. After leaving word with the receptionist, we dashed across the street. Strange & surpringly, we were waited on quickly and returned.

As I again waited on the doctor, it permitted me time to ponder. Is it possible, probable that Wendy’s has learned their lesson. Maybe I can again include them in on of our regulars.

I might give them a chance. However, the first time they decide talking on their phone for 5 minutes is more impotant than my dinner, I’m out the door. I’m gone. They don’t want me, I’ll not be back.

Now the question of McDonald’s. I really do like their breakfast. The Big Macs, though overpriced, are great. However, I don’t think I should have to wait 15 or more minutes for them. Then of course, they make me wish I brought my microwave.

Is it possible that business has dropped off enough that they decided to work instead of talk? I don’t know. I don’t care at this point.

Maybe one day when I am going to be really desperate and I’ll try them again. However, as long as there is a Subway around, McD’s doesn’t stand much of a chance.

2 Days Straight

Posted in Fast Food, Food by

Does make me wonder. Last night we went to a fast food place. they had, I guess, 8 favors of fountain drinks. They ran out of Diet Coke. Strange. No one seemed to care.

Well, they had diet Dr. Pepper. Can’t stand Dr. Pepper in any way shape or form. Never could. I guess it is a conspiricy to make me drink tea. You suppose the Engish are behind it. Tea’s OK, but I paid for a soft drink, not tea. I am diabetic. All the other flavors have sugar. I settled for unsweat tea. However, be sure, I will ask next time when I go to that place before I order. If they are out of Diet Coke, I will first go to a nearby store before completing my order… or leave.

My question, why always Diet Coke. 7 other flavors they can run out of. Somehow, they must have something against the likes of me. 2nd time this happened in this restaurant in just a few months.

Today we went to a nice big restaurant for a celabration. We wanted steaks, each of us. We were prepared to pay about $40 each. For us, that’s a lot for us.

They asked us what we wanted to drink. I told them Diet Coke. You guessed it. No Diet Coke. However, this time they outdid it. They had no soft drinks at all.

After a short time, the two of us had a good meal at Chilli’s. Incidentally, we paid less and we had all the Diet Coke we wanted.

I guess I need to start carrying my own emergency supply. I’m sure they won’t mind at all.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Posted in A Little About me, Crime, Customer complaints, Empty Nests, Fast Food, FOC, Immigration, law enforcement, Lawyers and Representation, Memphis Drivers, Safety by

We used to go to see the Chicks regularly. For those unaware, the Chicks was a semi-abrieviation for Chickasaws, the Memphis AA league ball team.

We loved it. Sometimes, we put 8 in the car, between friends and us. Most of the time, it was just the 4 of us. Admittedly, the park wasn’t that great, especially as compared to the current stadium.

However, it was accessable. After paying for parking at the current park, we have to each give up a hot dog and soda. Worse, it takes far more time to drive to and locate a place to park.

We no longer have children at home. My wife does really enjoy a pro game, but not that much. We’ll likely stay closer to home this year.

There are many beautiful Little League fields nearby and there is no cost. Let’s us buy more “peanuts & Cracker Jacks.” Also, there are high schools around. I suppose we will be more wecomed there than in downtown Memphis.

If they made it more convenient, we might risk the hazzards of going downtown to see a game now and then, but apparently, those in the Redbird management don’t value our business. It’s a shame. As near as I can tell, the players deserve more than that. Those actually working in the stadium deserve more too.

How-some-ever, that Redbirds stadium is so much nicer. It just is they had to plop that thing down in the worst part of Memphis… and about the most difficult place to park.

I can’t say anyting about how unsafe parking is. I have no recent 1st hand experience. However, I do believe it is a place the wise avoid.

Automated Restaurants

Posted in Customer complaints, Customer No-Service, Drive-throughs, experience, Fast Food, Food, Restaurants by

Those that report the first automatic restaurants must not have had their eyes open. I have seen automation at some level since 1975. You put the the raw burger in one end and it comes out the other fully cooked in less than 3 minutes. I saw them firsthand. This is more than twice the speed as a regular grill because the burger is cooked on both sides at once.

There is a place in Southaven that has done much to automate cooking of pizzas. I also saw on TV a machine that totally automatically pancakes. This was, I guess decades ago.

Here’s the thing. None of the machines I discibed has any real computerization. It would take very little to fully automate them. It is not that new. Building the more automated equipment is simply a matter of an increase in the demand.

As an aside, I remember seeing a McDonald’s with fry machines totally automatic. I remember watching in fastenation. The potatoes went through a peeling station then sliced. There they fell into fryer baskets.

Whenever needed, the baskets were transported to the fryers and into the oil. They were dumped under a warm light and salted. The only thing a person did was bag them.

I have no idea if any McDonald’s still does this, perhaps at busier stores. Even though the machine could take place of a couple of people, I am sure the machine would need cleaning from time to time.

Thing is, right now the automation is possible. The question is, how much business does it take to justify buying machines that must be cleaned and repaired.

Another point that I have noticed, far more important, how much time do the employees stand around talking as apposed to being productive. I guess this is a question to be resolved by management and customers. So far I have seen a significant tolerance by McDonald’s & Wendy’s management. Automated or not, making customers wait 15 to 20 minutes in a store with 2 customers is unsatisfactory from the customer’s point of view. It should not be tolerated by management either.