I know - you are probably all rolling your eyes saying - she's giving McDonalds a 5 star rating. Ok, I get it. But, let me explain first and then you will understand why.
I was having a craving for one of their dollar strawberry sundaes at about midnight 2-3 nights ago. I didn't realize, but I had actually got their at around 12:08 or so and they still waited on me! I have never had that happen. The few times I have absent mindedly done this at other drive thrus in the area (including their competition a couple of doors down BK and a rude, crappy, worthless BK at that I must say) some little a-hole gets on the crappy speaker and yells "We're closed" and gives me a go to hell like attitude. So, I have got to tell you McDonalds in Wheat Ridge - it's little things like that - just a nice gesture when it was clearly my fault for coming too late - that will keep me coming back for your great little salads, sundaes, coffee, etc. So, this step right here earned your restaurant 2 stars immediately.
Next, I must say this little dollar sundae was way, way better (as far as bargain soft serve goes anyway) than the $4 sundaes I have gotten down the street at the nearby Dairy Queen. Dairy Queen charges you right and left for things that should come with a damn sundae and before you know it a cheap sundae turns into an item that is priced like a good gourmet ice cream shoppe's version. McDonalds little strawberry sundae was loaded with tons of strawberry topping, layered even (lol) and although it looks super tiny, I actually was not able to quite finish it all. So, because the quality of this dollar item was so much better than Dairy Queens on 38th ave - there is star #3 for Wheat Ridge Mcdonalds.
Alas, the final 2 stars are because this Mcdonalds has actually trained their employees to be polite, friendly and and quick! When I got to window one I was not greeted with the familiar usual face of dread and agony I see at the competion's drive up window. This kid was smiling, happy and even managed to ask how my night was going. And I only spent $1. I have had the worst, sullen, most horrible service at pricey restraunts in Colorado where I have spent anywhere from $50-$100 and was not treated with an ounce as much respect as a customer. When I got to window #2 - same story - another teenage boy - respectful, smiling, knows the basics of decent customer care - and thanked me for my business and to come back again. And I definetely will.
So, for the other restaurants in this same immediate area - listen up. I've noticed a lot of your corporate offices at these other places going on CNN crying poor mouth and complaining that they are losing business because of the dreaded "economy." Yes, it is true that Americans have cut back vastly on their dining out costs, but you do not seem to acknowledge the other part of the problem here. Customer Service - the term that corporations seems to think is an unimportant need these days is severly lacking in your restaurants. Your workers are not the only people who have problems in this world. When I am greeted with a frown, bad attitudes, and workers that act as if they wish they were dead rather than working at your establishment - then guess what it brings me down as well and I do not come back to your place of business. Why would I want to take my money which I can spend at any restaurant I choose to take crap off of miserable people who can barely muster a smile or count back change? That is the #1 reason I do not return to a restaurant. I am also a patient person who will give a place 3-4 chances to get it right before I give up.
Mcdonalds I know your corporation gets a lot of flack, but all I can say is that this particular location in Wheat Ridge, CO has well-trained and terrific employees working at the drive-thru window late nights and I will return because of it. read more
