Ever wonder what really goes on behind the counter at your favorite fast food spot? Current and former fast food workers have some eye-opening secrets that could completely change your ordering strategy. From the best times to get fresh food to the menu hacks that actually work, these insider confessions will help you become a smarter fast food customer. Get ready to never look at the drive-thru the same way again.
8. Mobile Orders Get Priority Treatment
When someone places a mobile order, workers have a timer counting down, and their performance gets measured on those times. Mobile orders often get made first, even before people waiting in line. If you’re in a rush, use the app. You’ll get your food faster, and it’s usually more accurate because there’s no miscommunication between you and the cashier. Mobile ordering isn’t just convenient, it’s definitely a fast pass to the front of the line.
7. The Best Time to Order Is Right After Lunch Rush
If you want the freshest food, come around 2-3 PM. Workers have just finished the lunch rush, so everything is recently made and not sitting around for hours. The morning crew is still energetic, the ingredients are well-stocked, and they’re not stressed about getting people through the line quickly. Plus, you’ll get better customer service because they’re not overwhelmed.
6. They Know Which Items Are the Best Value
Some menu items have way better profit margins for the restaurant, and some are genuinely good deals for customers. The chicken nuggets? Huge markup. But the basic burgers and value menu items are usually decent deals. Also, buying individual items is almost always cheaper than combos, but most people don’t do the math. Ask workers about the best value items.
5. They Can Make Items Healthier If You Ask
Most people don’t realize you can customize almost anything to be healthier. Want a burger without the bun? They can wrap it in lettuce. Want grilled chicken instead of fried? They can usually do that. Want to skip the sauce or get it on the side? Easy. But you have to ask as they’re not going to assume you want the healthier version. Don’t be afraid to ask for modifications that make your meal healthier.
4. The Receipt Survey Actually Matters
Those survey invitations on receipts? Management actually reads them and takes them seriously. If you have a great experience, filling out a positive survey can get individual workers recognized. If you have a bad experience, the survey may be more effective than complaining to the manager on duty. Corporate pays attention to survey scores. With that, your feedback through surveys carries more weight than you think.
3. They Remember the Rude Customers
Fast food workers talk, and they remember the customers who are consistently rude or difficult. They’re not going to mess with your food (that’s a myth) but you might wait a little longer, or they might not go out of their way to hook you up with extra sauce or fresh fries. Being nice goes a long way. The customers who are polite and patient often get better service and sometimes free extras. Kindness is the best ordering strategy.
2. The Ice Cream Machine Isn’t Actually Broken
That ice cream machine everyone jokes about? It’s not broken 90% of the time. It’s either being cleaned (which takes 4+ hours). Another reason is that someone doesn’t want to deal with making shakes at the end of their shift. Well, the machines are complicated and sensitive. Sometimes it’s easier for workers to say it’s broken than explain that it’ll be available in 3 hours after the cleaning cycle finishes. So try ordering ice cream earlier in the day for better luck.
1. They Know Exactly When You’re Getting Old Food
The fries sitting under the heat lamp have timestamps, and workers know exactly when they’re getting stale. There’s a possibility you’re getting fries that have been sitting there for 20+ minutes. You can just ask for fresh fries as most workers don’t mind making them, and it only takes 3-4 minutes. They’d rather give you fresh food than serve you something they know isn’t great. Don’t be afraid to ask for fresh items, especially during off-peak hours.