What is it with quick service restaurants that can't...

... clean their dining areas?

from JoeUser Forums

I know I'm a bit obsessive compulsive, especially when it comes to cleanliness in the areas where I will be eating, but things are just getting ridiculous at most fast food places (quick service restaurants).

The number of places I've been lately where the tables haven't seen a rag wiped across the surface in the name of cleaning them is just ridiculous.  I know it's dirty work, and not as glamourous as cooking the food or taking the money at the cash registers, but the appearance of the dining areas is one of the biggest things that helps me determine if I'll ever go back to a restaurant (quick service or full service).

The last thing I want to see when I go to sit down with a tray of food is tables that are showing stains from the soft drink cups of the last 6 customers, or crumbs and greasy fingerprints on the tables.  I'd like to think when I put my tray down on the table I'm doing so on a surface that was at least somewhat disinfected within the last 3 - 4 customers that sat there.  (It really should happen between customers, darnit!)

It's no wonder that lately I've not been in the mood to go get food in any of the area restaurants as the standards just aren't there.

business
8,926 views 7 replies
Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top

excuse me while I get sick from whatever it was the last 6 customers were carrying (germ wise).

Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top
Well, fast food places have a set labor price. With higher minimum wages, they just can't compete. So, blame Congress for the new minimum wage law
Sins of a Solar Empire II
Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top
Food wise, too.
Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top
So, blame Congress for the new minimum wage law


Perhaps you were being tongue-in-cheek, GL. I don't think that minimum wage laws are the issue.

When a person accepts a job - along with the promised funds for doing it - they agree to perform certain functions. More and more, people seem to try and "skate." Which is to say, get something for nothing. The issue isn't minimum wage laws, it's content of character, and characters these days don't seem to have a whole hell of a lot of content.

As for the germs, terp, look at it like I do. It's a good boost to your immune system. Gotta keep those white cells on their toes! Imbibe some germs and strengthen that immunity muscle
Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top
I don't think that minimum wage laws are the issue.


Ock,

It was only partly satirical. No, minimum wage isn't to blame. BUT, there was an underlying point to all of that.

The point is that when you have unskilled labor, you get lousy service. Especially when the labor is at the "bottom of the food chain". If anything, crappy fast food service is testament to the HEALTH of our economy; in a lousy economy, good workers are forced to work fast food jobs and the service improves. In a healthy economy where workers have some choice, they don't take these jobs and those left to fill the jobs are the marginally employable.

Still, it was fun to turn the tables on the Col. Genes of the world for a second
Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top

I don't think that minimum wage laws are the issue.

It is a part of it.  Those cafeteria's and Mickey Ds are hiring less (but paying more).  So some things are being neglected.  Or automated.

Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top
I think it is poor management. You can always tell when a restaurant is well run. Those are the ones I return too. Of course, if you are traveling you don't know what you are going to get. We stopped at a Dairy Queen on the way home from Houston and it was disgusting. to point that it kind of grosses me out thinking about it now. The worst was that there were a million flies. If I had been by myself, I would have turned around and left. It didn't seem to bother the rest of my gang.

You could always complain to a manager, just make sure it's after you've received your food.