You probably hit up the Golden Arches a few times a week without giving a single thought to the workers who serve you. After reading this you probably should. McDonald's crew members have a few horror stories to share.
Sometimes, customers can be pretty mean. Other times, things just get weird. Business Insider spoke with several current and former crew members and heard some of their worst, grossest, and strangest stories about working at the fast-food giant.
1. Emergency Walmart runs
McDonald's and Coca-Cola are quite a pair. McDonald's is the brand's biggest restaurant customer, according to The New York Times, and customers expect to be able to order a soda with their McDonald's meal - so issues with a McDonald's soda machine are a big deal.
One McDonald's crew member said how their restaurant dealt with a broken soda dispenser. "I had to drive to Walmart at 4 am to buy 30 two-liter bottles of soda until we could fix the issue," the crew member said.
2. Barking, disruptive dogs
One McDonald's crew member of seven years complained about encountering customers who bring in "annoying" dogs that "bark in my ear when I'm trying to take your order".
3. Customers keeping money in their bras
A crew member from Pennsylvania said that they hated to see "people that take money out their bras". They added that they didn't want to have to touch "bra money." "I don't want to touch what was just touching your flesh," the crew member said.
4. Oatmeal gets thrown more often than you think
Ornery fast-food customers are nothing new. But one crew member told Business Insider about an encounter with one particularly aggressive customer at the drive-thru. "One time, a woman threw her oatmeal at me through the drive-thru window because I was trying to make sure that I heard her coffee order correctly," a crew member of two years told Business Insider.
"I've had people throw a fit when I didn't give them ketchup by default - the customer is supposed to ask for it - or when I didn't give all of the extra sauces they want without charging them," a former crew member based in New York said.
"I have seen a half-eaten fudge sundae in the women's bathroom," a crew member said. "It was sitting on the toilet, and it was completely melted. I don't know what was wrong with whoever left it there, but to this day I still find it depressingly comical."
An Illinois-based crew member also added that they had found enough food in their restaurant's men's bathroom to "feed a household".
7. Families with vomiting kids are the worst
"A small family was on their way out when their 6-year-old son threw up right in front me," a former crew member from Virginia said. "This child clearly did not chew one piece of food from his Happy Meal and swallowed everything whole." The former crew member said the family "just kept walking" and didn't bother to apologize, clean up the mess, or check to see whether the child was okay.
"He stormed back into the restaurant, accused me of poisoning the boy, and told me, 'Clean up that s---, it's disgusting,' as if it were my puke. He also failed to inform me that his grandson had also thrown up in the play area. I got a very angry complaint from someone about that."
These are pretty crazy, but the chances of seeing any of this or it happening to you are probably slim. Now you know the truth, will you live in ignorance and still go, or find your fried solace elsewhere?
Credit: Getty[/caption]
A couple of years ago, I started my 13-month employment at a local McDonald's restaurant. Like any job, there were ups and downs, but overall, I still consider it a pretty decent first job. Would I do it again? Never in a million years.
But one thing I'm always asked is whether or not working at McDonald's has put me off their food for life. Because let's face it, most of us love a cheeky cheeseburger, but if you saw how it was all made, would it be just as appetizing?
[post_page_title]Let's Go Behind The Counter And Learn More[/post_page_title]
[caption id="attachment_862" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Credit: Getty[/caption]
I learned a few secrets during my time at McDonald's, and as I've never been good at keeping secrets, I think it's time you found out what McDonald's employees really get up to behind the counter, what they really think about their customers, and whether or not all those scandalous stories are real...
[post_page_title]Drive-Thru Is Quicker[/post_page_title]
If you're really after FAST food, then go through the drive-thru instead of eating in. Employees are instructed to prioritize drive-thru orders over the restaurant customers.
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Credit: Getty[/caption]
Because at McDonald's, the lazier the better! The drive-thru experience is supposed to last 90 SECONDS from placing your order to receiving your food.
[post_page_title]Staff Don't Eat The Leftovers[/post_page_title]
There's always been a discussion about what happens with all the food waste. Do the staff get to eat it? Does it go to charity? Do we just sell it to customers anyway? Well, here's the truth...
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Credit: Getty[/caption]
Whether it's the end of the day or the timer on the food product has run out, we are forced to put any food waste in the trash. We don't get to take it home or give it away - it's thrown into a special food waste trashcan and each item is later counted to manage exactly what products have been wasted.
[post_page_title]But We Do Break The Rules[/post_page_title]
You'd think working at McDonald's over a year would be enough to put anyone off the food, but that's far from the truth. It may be against company policy, but the temptation is just too much...
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Credit: Getty[/caption]
Sure, eating the food is against the rules, but with all those fries and McNuggets around, can you blame us? Whilst the manager's back is turned, every employee will snack, but if we're caught, we're in big trouble. I was once sent home without pay, and one colleague was suspended for a week. In fact, I once ate an entire McMuffin in the freezer just because I knew there were no cameras in there.
[post_page_title]And We Get McDonald's For Lunch[/post_page_title]
This may seem like a pretty awesome employee perk, but after a while of doing it every day, you start to see some serious health side effects...
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Credit: Getty[/caption]
Depending on how long your shift is, you are entitled to an employee meal during your break time. You can basically pick from any standard meal on the menu, and no additions can be made. Although, if you have a friend working in the kitchen, they're usually happy to throw an extra burger in the bun. McDonald's crew members have to look out for each other.
[post_page_title]Most Employees Hate Working Nights[/post_page_title]
A lot of people think working a day at a McDonald's restaurant is the worst job in the world. However, it's made twice as bad when the sun goes down...
[caption id="attachment_867" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Credit: Getty[/caption]
A McDonald's employee has to deal with a lot of customer complaints on a good day, but when the customers are drunk, the shifts become an absolute nightmare. And it's not just about dealing with rowdy and aggressive people, one woman actually smeared her shit all over the toilet walls in the restaurant where I worked.
[post_page_title]The Timers[/post_page_title]
It's true, not all the food at McDonald's is cooked fresh-to-order. However, there are rules for how long food can be kept for after it is cooked...
[caption id="attachment_880" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Credit: Getty[/caption]
Any time we cook food that isn't being used for an order right away, we keep it in a heater with a set time limit. When the timer counts down to zero, we're supposed to take the food out and throw it away. However, due to the fact there's nothing actually wrong with the food, most employees will just reset the timer and leave the food in there until it's sold - and this can be done for hours!
[post_page_title]Fresh Food[/post_page_title]
Now, if you want to make sure you're going to get a fresh meal that hasn't been sat under a heat lamp for hours, you should always make a "grill" order...
[caption id="attachment_882" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Credit: Getty[/caption]
Whenever an employee makes an order that has been altered from the original menu, the kitchen staff receive the "grill" order and must cook it from scratch. For fresh fries, order them without salt, or for a fresh Big Mac, ask for it without the pickle.
[post_page_title]Fish Products[/post_page_title]
This sandwich has been around since 1962, but has never gained the popularity of a Big Mac! In fact, most of the staff can't stand cooking them...
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Credit: McDonald's[/caption]
Out of all the items on the menu, fish products are the most annoying to cook. Why? Because most restaurants won't even bother keeping a Filet-O-Fish or fish fingers in the heaters, because the chances of them being ordered are rare. Then, out of nowhere, we'll receive five orders all needing fish. This takes time, which obviously isn't great when you're working in fast food. The reason they're still on the menu is to cater for cultures that don't eat beef or chicken products.
[post_page_title]Know What You're Ordering![/post_page_title]
So what's the biggest problem with working at McDonald's? The managers? The smell of cooking oil constantly in your clothes? Nope, it's the customers...
[caption id="attachment_895" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Credit: Getty[/caption]
The guys on the tills honestly cannot stand dealing with stupid and indecisive customers. Know what you're going to order before you reach the counter! Understand that meal comes with fries and a drink! And don't stick "Mc" in front of every word! McThank you!
[post_page_title]Bored Staff Play Games[/post_page_title]
Restaurants in the city will often be fast-paced and constantly busy. However, what about those smaller chains tucked away in a small town? Well, it can get very quiet...
[caption id="attachment_894" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Credit: Getty[/caption]
When the staff gets bored, they will mess around. I once watched a guy build a fort out of Happy Meal boxes, and employees will often have bets on the customers. But perhaps the greatest "in-joke" is ringing a bell whenever a hot girl comes to the till - all work in the kitchen ceases, as employees peer through to check them out.
[post_page_title]Extra Sauce??[/post_page_title]
Depending on the restaurant, customers can pay up to 25 cents for some extra sauce. But you can get around this just by making sure you ask the right people...
[caption id="attachment_892" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Credit: Getty[/caption]
Most restaurants have introduced a policy where customers must pay for extra sauce packets. However, most crew members (avoid the managers) really don't care, and as long as you ask nicely, they'll be happy to throw you some extra sauce on the side.
[post_page_title]Most Restaurants Really Are Clean[/post_page_title]
Most people I've met have always heard horror stories about the condition and cleanliness of a McDonald's restaurant. But the truth couldn't be more different...
[caption id="attachment_877" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Credit: Getty[/caption]
I promise. Behind the counter, the kitchens are well maintained, and hygiene is extremely important. Most staff are forced to wear hairnets and must wash their hands whenever they re-enter the kitchen. I mean, that doesn't mean what you're eating is going to be any healthier, you can just rest assured that we haven't spit in it (honestly, we don't care enough to spit in food).
[post_page_title]Monopoly Season[/post_page_title]
Everybody loves McDonald's whenever the Monopoly game tokens return - and this includes the employees. Despite the fact employees are forbidden from winning any top prizes, that doesn't stop us checking every single empty cup we find in the restaurant...
[caption id="attachment_872" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Credit: Getty[/caption]
If we do end up winning, we'll just give it to a friend and split the prize! Or visit the other restaurants to claim free meals. Oh, and a good tip for customers; to get extra stickers, ask the cashier for a large tap water. They'll give you a large cup with the stickers attached!
[post_page_title]Employee Stars[/post_page_title]
Some members of staff have them, others don't - but most customers are not even sure what they represent. Here's everything you need to know about the "Stars"...
[caption id="attachment_891" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Credit: Getty[/caption]
People used to get a right kick out of asking me, "How many stars you got?" No, stars are not earned for cleaning a toilet or making the perfect Quarter Pounder, staff members have to go through a training program for each star, where each one usually reflects a small pay rise and attributes towards obtaining a higher position. In the 13 months I was there, I earned zero stars... like I said, I really didn't give a shit.
[post_page_title]Microwaves In The Kitchen[/post_page_title]
A lot of questions I often got asked about were regarding how much of the food was actually microwaved. Well, we do have microwaves in the kitchen, but they're only used for certain things...
[caption id="attachment_890" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Credit: Getty[/caption]
The kitchen does have a microwave, but the only things we microwave are pancakes and oatmeal. Relax - all your burgers are cooked thoroughly on a grill. I promise!
[post_page_title]Ronald McDonald[/post_page_title]
He's supposed to make kids feel relaxed and happy about eating their Happy Meals, but this guy is literally the personification of all my nightmares...
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Credit: Getty[/caption]
The famous McDonald's mascot is actually real. The company pays people to dress as the fast-food icon and visit stores to entertain the customers and staff. But trust me, on a busy Saturday afternoon, having a f*cking clown messing around in the kitchen is the last thing any employee wants.
[post_page_title]PLEASE Don't Order Fries Without Salt[/post_page_title]
You may not believe this, but working on the fries station for a whole shift is one of the best things you can do at McDonald's. It's relatively stress free, until this happens...
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Credit: Getty[/caption]
It's may sound easy, but cooking a fresh batch of fries without salt is a painstaking process. Not only do we need to fry an entire bag of fries just for you, and all the equipment used to make and package the fries need to be cleaned to get the salt off them.
[post_page_title]Burger Patties Take Just 42 Seconds To Cook[/post_page_title]
So, what really is in a standard beef burger patty, and how long do they take to cook? Well, there's a reason McDonald's is called 'fast food'...
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Credit: Getty[/caption]
That's right, for a standard border patty (used in Big Macs and Hamburgers) it takes just over forty seconds to cook, and there's no flipping because they're cooked on both sides at the same time. The larger quarter-pounder patties take 112 seconds on the grill. Then all we add is a little salt and pepper.
[post_page_title]Do You Really Want Scrambled Egg?[/post_page_title]
McDonald's always proudly states how they only use "free-range eggs" for their McMuffins, but what about the eggs in their Big Breakfasts?
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Credit: Getty[/caption]
The scrambled egg that is usually found on the Big Breakfast actually comes out of a carton... Even though there are fresh eggs in the kitchen that we use for McMuffins. Now, I'm not saying there's anything wrong with it, but trust me, it's not all egg in there...
[post_page_title]Oh, You Wanted Decafe?[/post_page_title]
People love their coffee! But just because you're craving a caffeine fix doesn't mean you have to be rude. This is what happens if you struggle to be a morning person...
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Credit: Getty[/caption]
Some people want decaf - perfectly understandable and we're happy to help. However, if you order decaf and then get impatient that there's not any brewed, then there's a good chance you'll be getting half a cup of regular coffee with half a cup of hot water mixed in, especially if you're in the drive-thru.
[post_page_title]Drop It Like It's Hot[/post_page_title]
Okay, I've never seen anybody spit in a customer's food - but dropping food is a different story. When you're under pressure to get an order out, mistakes can happen, but as long as a manager didn't see, employees will pick up food from the floor and send it out.
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Credit: Getty[/caption]
On one occasion I was under pressure to get an Apple Pie out as soon as possible. Rushing, I dropped the pie and the filling shot all over the floor. Of course, I did the sensible thing and picked up the pastry shell, packaged it and sent it out anyway...
[post_page_title]Learn What A "Meal" Is[/post_page_title]
The concept of what a "meal" at McDonald's is really isn't that complicated. If you haven't figured it out by now, maybe you shouldn't eat there anymore...
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Credit: Getty[/caption]
Most items on the menu come as a "meal", which means it includes a side order (fried, salad, etc) and a drink. Don't ask for a meal if you don't want fries or a drink! This is a huge annoyance to employees working the tills.
[post_page_title]There Is No Secret Menu[/post_page_title]
We've all seen those suped-up burgers trending on social media, with the explicit instructions that you can order them using a secret McDonald's code...
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Credit: Getty[/caption]
Despite the many websites and videos claiming there is - there isn't. The images you see of "super burgers", they are either made by bored employees or constructed from multiple burgers at the table by customers. So don't ask for a "McGangBang", because you won't get one.
[post_page_title]Drive-Thru Workers Don't Sit Down[/post_page_title]
Standing at the drive-thru window may sound like an absolute dream shift to most of you, but for those who have to do it, it's a nightmare.
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Credit: Getty[/caption]
This may sound odd, because no other member of staff gets to sit down either. However, at least they get to move around! When you're working ten hours on drive-thru, you have to stand in the same spot, whether there are cars coming through or not. It's agony on your back.
[post_page_title]The Beef Is Grade A[/post_page_title]
Many people love to blast McDonald's food as being cheap, low-grade cardboard!
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Credit: Getty[/caption]
There are no two ways about this; the beef is quality. Sure, it may not be from your favorite cut of the cow, but it is of the highest quality. After all, when you're serving it to millions of people every day, it needs to be! So don't believe the horror stories.
[post_page_title]The Milkshake Machines Are Neglected[/post_page_title]
There's nothing better on a hot summer's day than a thick McDonald's shake. But sadly, many restaurants neglect the weekly machine clean because it's such a chore.
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Credit: Getty[/caption]
Seriously, I've seen machine fill with gunk - just Google it! Best way to avoid this is to go to a McDonald's you can trust! (Often if they're really busy, or really quiet.)
[post_page_title]The McMuffin Eggs ARE Real Eggs[/post_page_title]
A lot of people I've spoken to refuse to eat the McMuffin because they hate the round "rubbery" eggs - which has always confused me.
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Credit: Getty[/caption]
The eggs in McMuffins are 100% real, free-range eggs that are cracked in-store and cooked that morning with just a little bit of water and butter. There is absolutely nothing wrong with them.
[post_page_title]The Ice Cream Machine Really Is Broken[/post_page_title]
We've all been into McDonald's and asked for an ice cream, only to be told the machine is broken. Now, it may seem like laziness, but it's actually the truth.
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Credit: Getty[/caption]
It's a temperamental and complicated piece of equipment, which means it does break down more than any other machine in the restaurant. So if the cashier says it's broken, it's broken. Please don't cause a fuss.
[post_page_title]It Really Is Addictive[/post_page_title]
Most people associate addiction with illegal hard substances. However, research by the Scripps Research Institute in California discovered that the food from McDonald’s is actually just as addictive as hard substances.
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Credit: Getty[/caption]
This is down to the dangerously high sugar content in the food. This, in turn, generates too much dopamine, unlocking the brain's reward pathway in the same way hard drugs do. So there is a reason you can't get enough Maccy D's.
[post_page_title]We Judge People Who Bring Their Children[/post_page_title]
The fact is, we know McDonald's is bad for us, but as adults, we can make calculated choices in our diets, and are able to have a run if we eat too many burgers. However, kids only eat what their parents give them. So if a parent is feeding their kid fast food multiple times a week, we are going to judge, because it's just wrong.
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Credit: Getty[/caption]
Also, kids are incredibly impressionable, and everything about McDonald's is about hooking them from an early age. From the clown to the free toys to the bright colors - we want to guarantee kids as customers for a lifetime.
[post_page_title]We Do Try To Recreate The Ads[/post_page_title]
We've all seen the ads that make burgers look huge and irresistible, and we all know too well that this is far from what we receive in the bag.
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Credit: Getty[/caption]
However, every employee at one point or another has tried to replicate the image on the menu perfectly. But this takes precision and time, so we can only do it if it's really quiet. And most of the time, we fail.
A couple of years ago, I started my 13-month employment at a local McDonald's restaurant. Like any job, there were ups and downs, but overall, I still consider it a pretty decent first job. Would I do it again? Never in a million years.
[post_page_title]Let's Go Behind The Counter And Learn More[/post_page_title]
But one thing I'm always asked is whether or not working at McDonald's has put me off their food for life. Because let's face it, most of us love a cheeky cheeseburger, but if you saw how it was all made, would it be just as appetizing?
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Getty]]
[[pagebreak]] [post_page_title]Drive-Thru Is Quicker[/post_page_title]
If you're really after FAST food, then go through the drive-thru instead of eating in. Employees are instructed to prioritize drive-thru orders over the restaurant customers. The drive-thru experience is supposed to last 90 SECONDS from placing your order to receiving your food.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Getty]] [[pagebreak]]
[post_page_title]Staff Don't Eat The Leftovers[/post_page_title]
There's always been a discussion about what happens with all the food waste. Whether it's the end of the day or the timer on the food product has run out, we are forced to put any food waste in the trash. We don't get to take it home or give it away - it's thrown into a special food waste trashcan and each item is counted to manage exactly what products have been wasted.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Getty]] [[pagebreak]]
[post_page_title]But We Do Break The Rules[/post_page_title]
You'd think working at McDonald's over a year would be enough to put anyone off the food, but that's far from the truth. It may be against company policy, but the temptation is just too much... Whilst the manager's back is turned, every employee will snack, but if we're caught, we're in big trouble. I was once sent home without pay.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Getty]] [[pagebreak]]
[post_page_title]And We Get McDonald's For Lunch[/post_page_title]
This may seem like a pretty awesome employee perk, but after a while of doing it every day, you start to see some serious health side effects... Depending on how long your shift is, you are entitled to an employee meal during your break time. You can basically pick from any standard meal on the menu, and no additions can be made.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Getty]] [[pagebreak]]
[post_page_title]Most Employees Hate Working Nights[/post_page_title]
A lot of people think working a day at a McDonald's restaurant is the worst job in the world. However, it's made twice as bad when the sun goes down... A McDonald's employee has to deal with a lot of customer complaints on a good day, but when the customers are drunk, the shifts become an absolute nightmare.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Getty]] [[pagebreak]]
[post_page_title]The Timers[/post_page_title]
It's true, not all the food at McDonald's is cooked fresh-to-order. Any time we cook food that isn't being used for an order right away, we keep it in a heater with a set time limit. When the timer counts down to zero, we're supposed to take the food out and throw it away. However, most employees will just reset the timer and leave the food in there until it's sold.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Getty]] [[pagebreak]]
[post_page_title]Fresh Food[/post_page_title]
Now, if you want to make sure you're going to get a fresh meal that hasn't been sat under a heat lamp for hours, you should always make a "grill" order... Whenever an employee makes an order that has been altered from the original menu, the kitchen staff receive the "grill" order and must cook it from scratch.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Getty]] [[pagebreak]]
[post_page_title]Fish Products[/post_page_title]
This sandwich has been around since 1962, but has never gained the popularity of a Big Mac! Most restaurants won't even bother keeping a Filet-O-Fish or fish fingers in the heaters, because the chances of them being ordered are rare. Then, out of nowhere, we'll receive five orders all needing fish. This takes time, which isn't great when you're working in fast food.
[post_page_title]Know What You're Ordering![/post_page_title]
So what's the biggest problem with working at McDonald's? The managers? The smell of cooking oil constantly in your clothes? Nope, it's the customers... The guys on the tills honestly cannot stand dealing with stupid and indecisive customers. Know what you're going to order before you reach the counter!
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Getty]] [[pagebreak]]
[post_page_title]Bored Staff Play Games[/post_page_title]
When the staff gets bored, they will mess around. I once watched a guy build a fort out of Happy Meal boxes, and employees will often have bets on the customers. But perhaps the greatest "in-joke" is ringing a bell whenever a hot girl comes to the till - all work in the kitchen ceases, as employees peer through to check them out.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Getty]] [[pagebreak]]
[post_page_title]Extra Sauce??[/post_page_title]
Depending on the restaurant, customers can pay up to 25 cents for some extra sauce. But you can get around this just by making sure you ask the right people... However, most crew members (avoid the managers) really don't care, and as long as you ask nicely, they'll be happy to throw you some extra sauce on the side.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Getty]] [[pagebreak]]
[post_page_title]Most Restaurants Really Are Clean[/post_page_title]
Most people I've met have always heard horror stories about the condition and cleanliness of a McDonald's restaurant. But the truth couldn't be more different... Behind the counter, the kitchens are well maintained, and hygiene is extremely important. Most staff are forced to wear hairnets and must wash their hands whenever they re-enter the kitchen.
Everybody loves McDonald's whenever the Monopoly game tokens return - and this includes the employees. Despite the fact employees are forbidden from winning any top prizes, that doesn't stop us checking every single empty cup we find in the restaurant... If we do end up winning, we'll just give it to a friend and split the prize!
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Getty]] [[pagebreak]]
[post_page_title]Employee Stars[/post_page_title]
Some members of staff have them, others don't - but most customers are not even sure what they represent. Here's everything you need to know about the "Stars"... Staff members have to go through a training program for each star, where each one usually reflects a small pay rise and attributes towards obtaining a higher position.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Getty]] [[pagebreak]]
[post_page_title]Microwaves In The Kitchen[/post_page_title]
A lot of questions I often got asked about were regarding how much of the food was actually microwaved. Well, we do have microwaves in the kitchen, but they're only used for certain things... The kitchen does have a microwave, but the only things we microwave are pancakes and oatmeal. Relax - all your burgers are cooked thoroughly on a grill. I promise!
He's supposed to make kids feel relaxed and happy about eating their Happy Meals, but this guy is literally the personification of all my nightmares... The famous McDonald's mascot is actually real. The company pays people to dress as the fast-food icon and visit stores to entertain the customers and staff.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Getty]] [[pagebreak]]
[post_page_title]PLEASE Don't Order Fries Without Salt[/post_page_title]
It's may sound easy, but cooking a fresh batch of fries without salt is a painstaking process. Not only do we need to fry an entire bag of fries just for you, and all the equipment used to make and package the fries need to be cleaned to get the salt off them.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Getty]] [[pagebreak]]
[post_page_title]Burger Patties Take Just 42 Seconds To Cook[/post_page_title]
So, what really is in a standard beef burger patty, and how long do they take to cook? Well, there's a reason McDonald's is called 'fast food'... That's right, for a standard border patty (used in Big Macs and Hamburgers) it takes just over forty seconds to cook, and there's no flipping because they're cooked on both sides at the same time.
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Getty]] [[pagebreak]]
[post_page_title]Do You Really Want Scrambled Egg?[/post_page_title]
McDonald's always proudly states how they only use "free-range eggs" for their McMuffins, but what about the eggs in their Big Breakfasts? The scrambled egg that is usually found on the Big Breakfast actually comes out of a carton...
[[imagecaption|| Credit: Getty]] [[pagebreak]]
[post_page_title]Oh, You Wanted Decafe?[/post_page_title]
People love their coffee! But just because you're craving a caffeine fix doesn't mean you have to be rude. Some people want decaf - perfectly understandable and we're happy to help. However, if you order decaf and then get impatient that there's not any brewed, then there's a good chance you'll be getting half a cup of regular coffee with half a cup of hot water mixed in.
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[post_page_title]Drop It Like It's Hot[/post_page_title]
Okay, I've never seen anybody spit in a customer's food - but dropping food is a different story. When you're under pressure to get an order out, mistakes can happen, but as long as a manager didn't see, employees will pick up food from the floor and send it out.
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[post_page_title]Learn What A "Meal" Is[/post_page_title]
The concept of what a "meal" at McDonald's is really isn't that complicated. If you haven't figured it out by now, maybe you shouldn't eat there anymore... Most items on the menu come as a "meal", which means it includes a side order (fried, salad, etc) and a drink.
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[post_page_title]There Is No Secret Menu[/post_page_title]
We've all seen those suped-up burgers trending on social media, with the explicit instructions that you can order them using a secret McDonald's code... Despite the many websites and videos claiming there is - there isn't. The images you see of "super burgers", they are either made by bored employees or constructed from multiple burgers at the table by customers.
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[post_page_title]Drive-Thru Workers Don't Sit Down[/post_page_title]
Standing at the drive-thru window may sound like an absolute dream shift to most of you, but for those who have to do it, it's a nightmare. When you're working ten hours on drive-thru, you have to stand in the same spot, whether there are cars coming through or not. It's agony on your back.
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[post_page_title]The Beef Is Grade A[/post_page_title]
Many people love to blast McDonald's food as being cheap, low-grade cardboard! There are no two ways about this; the beef is quality. Sure, it may not be from your favorite cut of the cow, but it is of the highest quality. After all, when you're serving it to millions of people every day, it needs to be! So don't believe the horror stories.
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[post_page_title]The Milkshake Machines Are Neglected[/post_page_title]
There's nothing better on a hot summer's day than a thick McDonald's shake. But sadly, many restaurants neglect the weekly machine clean because it's such a chore. Seriously, I've seen machine fill with gunk - just Google it! Best way to avoid this is to go to a McDonald's you can trust! (Often if they're really busy, or really quiet.)
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[post_page_title]The McMuffin Eggs ARE Real Eggs[/post_page_title]
A lot of people I've spoken to refuse to eat the McMuffin because they hate the round "rubbery" eggs - which has always confused me. The eggs in McMuffins are 100% real, free-range eggs that are cracked in-store and cooked that morning with just a little bit of water and butter. There is absolutely nothing wrong with them.
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[post_page_title]The Ice Cream Machine Really Is Broken[/post_page_title]
We've all been into McDonald's and asked for an ice cream, only to be told the machine is broken. Now, it may seem like laziness, but it's actually the truth. It's a temperamental and complicated piece of equipment, which means it does break down more than any other machine in the restaurant. So if the cashier says it's broken, it's broken.
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[post_page_title]It Really Is Addictive[/post_page_title]
Most people associate addiction with illegal hard substances. However, research by the Scripps Research Institute in California discovered that the food from McDonald’s is actually just as addictive as hard substances. This is down to the dangerously high sugar content in the food. This, in turn, generates too much dopamine.
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[post_page_title]We Judge People Who Bring Their Children[/post_page_title]
The fact is, we know McDonald's is bad for us, but as adults, we can make calculated choices in our diets, and are able to have a run if we eat too many burgers. However, kids only eat what their parents give them. So if a parent is feeding their kid fast food multiple times a week, we are going to judge, because it's just wrong.
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[post_page_title]We Do Try To Recreate The Ads[/post_page_title]
We've all seen the ads that make burgers look huge and irresistible, and we all know too well that this is far from what we receive in the bag. However, every employee at one point or another has tried to replicate the image on the menu perfectly. But this takes precision and time, so we can only do it if it's really quiet. And most of the time, we fail.
Every now and again, I think it's an enjoyable and healthy experience to just go on a good old rant about your work. No matter if you're the CEO of a huge company or if you're the guy entrusted with taste-testing chicken nuggets, every role of employment comes with its own unique stresses, and you've got to air those grievances out, lest it makes you bitter and bad at your job. Nobody wants that.
But with that in mind, if you're going to complain about your job, then maybe it's not the best of ideas to rant about your belligerent boss, the terrible pay or anything while you're at your place of employment. That might be a horrible idea. You know what would be an even worse idea, though?
Working in a customer-facing role, with an honest-to-God microphone hooked up to your chest. Don't complain about your job then. I know most of you can recognise how stupid of an idea that would be, some of you claim you'd be more careful about it; but please - please - take a look at this video of someone at a Florida McDonald's doing just that, and realise that everyone has their lapses in concentration from time to time.
If you're anywhere in the northern hemisphere at the moment, then you're probably well, well aware of the heatwave currently sweeping through the globe at the moment. Weeks upon weeks of excessive temperatures, sweating, and all round just tons of terrible times. It's awful. I can't wait for winter.
Or, in the words of this McDonald's server who has no idea her mic is on: "it's hotter than a motherf***er in here, dude." Not bad in itself, I know, but it's about to get a whole lot worse for this McDonald's server: she then decided to complain about her boss, and this is where things can get a little bit awkward if you're complaining.
"I'm like, I'm not cleaning in this, she gotta be f***ed up. She told me before I even made it to the clock-in clock that I'm here for cleaning. I said 'Oh no I'm not!' No, if I'm gonna clean on my day off, I'ma clean at home."
I mean, if you're a guy at the drive-thru just hanging out, waiting for your french fries or whatever, and then your server is going off about how her boss made her come in on her day off. Not great, sure, but if it were me, I'd rather that than what ended up being discussed next.
"No I just let her borrow $20, she had already paid her phone bill," she said about someone who apparently owed her money, before revealing that the creditor in question had offered $10 worth of marijuana as some kind of "front". "I'm like, 'b*tch you can't afford to give fronts, you owe people money!"
Surprisingly, the man waiting for his meal stays patient throughout the taping, but I'm pretty sure that by the time you guys read this, the lady in question may not be in employment for much longer.
I don't know about you, but I think that without McDonald's, the world would be a much sadder, darker and scarier place. Since the first day I was able to chew solid food to the present day, so many of my best memories have been enjoyed while tucking into a Big Mac, or gobbling down an obscene number of chicken nuggets.
I'm sure you have some similar experiences, but what's it like to be on the other side of the counter? Your average McDonald's employee has seen behind the curtain, and they know better than most about the food you're stuffing into your face. So to that end, wouldn't it be interesting to see what foods McDonald's employees definitely wouldn't eat.
1. This one's a little fishy
While the Big Mac, the McChicken or the Egg McMuffin regularly top the lists of best McDonald's menu items across the world, I have a distinct love for the Filet O'Fish. Fish, cheese, tartare sauce; there's no way this sandwich should work, so I understand why some people don't particularly like it. One former McDonald's employee from Virginia said that while they didn't like the taste, the meal was popular with the older customers "because [they] assume it's easy for them to chew". I'm trying really hard not to take offence at that.
While grabbing a salad at McDonald's is a pretty effective way of relieving yourself of the guilt that can come with gorging on fast food. But one McDonald's employee from Minnesota revealed that they were staying well away from the salads. I kind of get where they're coming from, too: "I'm not a fan of tons of vegetables, and the caloric count in the items is astronomical." For reference, a Big Mac sandwich clocks in at 540 calories, but a Southwest buttermilk crispy chicken salad comes in at 520 calories. The bacon ranch salad with buttermilk crispy chicken has 490 calories, while the bacon ranch grilled chicken salad is 320 calories. That's a lot of calories for a salad.
3. Is there such a thing as too sweet? In a word, yes
When you're done with that Big Mac and fries and sitting in post-fast food bliss, the only thing that you need is a nice big gulp of Coke to wash it all down with. The Coke we know and love at McDonald's is prepared specially for maximum enjoyment, but one former employee explained how much sugar was in the McDonald's sweet tea. Too much, is the answer. "Pound. Of. Sugar. Per gallon," they revealed, and I'm probably going to steer clear if that's true.
Once in a blue moon (or periodically throughout the year), McDonald's graces us with limited edition menu items that have to be seen to be believed. The McRib, the Shamrock Shake; there's something about limited edition food that makes it taste all the better. But one McDonald's employee revealed on Reddit that having made a McRib themselves, they definitely wouldn't consider putting one in their mouth. "The way it looks before we put the sauce on it is absolutely revolting," this mystery employee explained. "It doesn't look like meat at all, it looks like a scab." Lovely.
Compared to the pork, beef or bacon available underneath your local Golden Arches, chicken is (supposedly) seen as the healthier option. But another Reddit user spoke about why that isn't necessarily true. "A lot of people choose to be healthy and order our grilled chicken," they said in a 2013 thread. "Not a lot of people realize that they're eating at a fast food joint and we will find a way to make anything unhealthy." They then went on to say that the grilled chicken was slathered in margarine, making it a lot less healthy than it looked. The chicken did undergo a revamp in 2015, with the recipe now containing olive oil, canola oil, and herbs. So maybe this employee needs to reconsider his opinion.
As any McDonald's lover worth their salt knows, the breakfast menu at McDonald's is a whole other experience entirely to their standard fare, and one worth trying at least once in your life. A relatively new addition to that breakfast menu is the Egg White Delight McMuffin, which first made its way into our mouths and hearts in 2013. With there being only egg whites involved in this particular breakfast sandwich, you could be forgiven for assuming it was healthier than the regular Egg McMuffin. If you did assume that, however, the yolk's on you: "The egg white delight is just as unhealthy, if not more so, than the regular round eggs." On a Reddit thread back in 2014, one user revealed: "The amount of butter — at least in my store — sprayed on the grill must up the calorie and fat count like crazy."
So... there you have it, McDonald's lovers. It's kind of weird to think about life on the other side of the McDonald's counter, so it's pretty cool to see what they think of the food there. Regardless of whether or not you agree with their opinions (I certainly don't), it's still interesting to see how other people think.
A McDonald's worker has revealed the most "baffling" thing that customers always say to him, and when we think about it - it does seem really weird.
McDonald's is something that most of us crave from time to time and everyone has their go-to orders that they know will hit the spot.
Maybe you're a fan of the nuggets or perhaps a sucker for a good burger? Though let's not get started on those who order the Filet-O-Fish.
When heading to the golden arches, we can often be in a rush and sometimes don't even get out of the car, and this can apparently lead to some baffling conversations.
One McDonald's worker has taken to TikTok to reveal what he refers to as a "baffling" thing that customers always say to him.
The worker, Harry Oliver, said that people often approach him and order "a cheeseburger with no cheese."
You might be thinking that this is a perfectly reasonable request, but when hamburgers exist it seems bizarre to order a cheeseburger with no cheese.
It seems like other workers of the fast food restaurant chain found the video very relatable as they took to the comments to add their own experiences.
One person said: "Asking for something plain, but only having ketchup, cheese and onions on it. Is it plain or NOT?"
Credit: TikTok
A second added: "When you’re repeating their order to them to check if it’s theirs and they nod, don’t check the receipt, and then say the food isn’t theirs."
Credit: TikTok
A third person said: "When they only order a sandwich, not meal, and then get mad because I didnt read their mind and know that they meant to say it was a meal."
Credit: TikTok
It would seem like the customer isn't always right, or as a fourth person eloquently put it: "No literally customers are the most baffling things I have to deal with."
Credit: TikTok
Harry added other weird things that people say to him, including people who ask if the fries are hot, people who don't understand how table service works, and those who don't answer when their order number is called.
The video was so popular, Harry did a follow-up that revealed customers say even more bizarre things including those who ask for fries with no salt, but then proceed to use salt packets.
Maybe we as customers need to vow to be better because clearly, we are the problem.
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