Lessons Learned at McDonald's on a Friday Night

Not many Fridays ago, I was on a bit of a tight schedule to get some things done before going to work. I had a rehearsal at church and needed something to eat before heading there. Thinking through some of the logical progressions, I decided to go to McDonald's. After all, McDonald's solved the issue of inexpensive, distance from my destination, and my time sensitive schedule. It was a win-win situation.

When I got to the restaurant, I was a bit concerned about the drive-thru lines, so I decided I would go inside to eat. It would still be tight, but the line inside didn't look quite as haunting as the drive thru ones did.

Upon entering the restaurant, I saw the person (yes, singular) working the counter taking orders. My initial thought was not exactly a kind one at that very moment. I have frequented this McDonald's enough to know several of the staff, and this particular person was not among my favorites. I stood in line waiting to place my order. Please be reminded that I am on a relatively tight time schedule.

A full ten minutes after I had walked inside McDonald's, I texted my wife letting her know I was still waiting on my food. She knew the time crunch I was on, for she was waiting for me at the church for that rehearsal I wrote about. She was watching the clock right along with me.

When I got my food and made my way to the drink station for my soft drink, ketchup, and napkins, I began to look for a place to sit. The place was relatively full. It was a good night for the owner of this particular McDonald's franchise. I decided I would sit at the high tops in the center of the restaurant. This McDonald's has had a recent facelift, and I hadn't sat at one of the newly installed high tops. It didn't take long to realize that it would probably be the last time I'd make that choice. Those weren't designed for me in mind ~ at all.

May I offer some suggestions of lessons learned at McDonald's on a Friday night in Vero Beach? First, fast food may or may not, in fact, be fast. Along that line, Friday night on a time crunch may not be the best time to fit McDonald's on your schedule.

Second, the high top seats are hip and trendy, I suppose. But I strongly suggest that portly sized men like myself probably will not be comfortable at the stationary high top seats.

Third, if you are in need of employment, there was a sign in the window encouraging potential employees to apply ~ look in the mirror, practice saying, "Would you like fries with that?" Now, go apply, they need your help!