I'm not a fan of McDonald's food, but one thing I once could count on from McDonald's was pretty much the same quality store to store. And as far as fast food went the employees seemed happy an motivated (as much as they can at a fast food place and noticeably more than other fast food places). That's not the case anymore.
Quality store to store and even the same store at different times now varies wildly in my experience and near me there are several "bad stores" where it's pretty clear nobody (employees) is happy and straight up not trying.
Not passing judgment on employees here (it's up to the company to do their thing to keep quality up), but either way McDnonald's to me just isn't reliable.
Even in the 1990s my parents noticed this at fast food chains in the Sacramento area where I grew up. Locations with more engaged staff served better food, while locations with less engaged staff served worse food that was often sloppily prepared.
I also notice a big difference whenever I travel to Japan and visit McDonald's locations there. The food tastes better and the presentation is excellent. It also helps that McDonald's is cheaper in Japan than in California.
This is the biggest reason why I avoid them like the plague. 95% of the time they will mess up some part of my order. When I do break down and buy McDonald’s for my kids I always double check the whole order before I leave the parking lot.
The last time I took my kids to McDonald's was a few years ago. They rarely eat junk food but they wanted a little toy that was being handed out. They couldn't finish their burgers and I couldn't eat their leftovers (and I hate seeing food go to waste). They never asked to go again.
I occasionally stop at one for a coffee, and most times something goes wrong with my order. It's fascinating how such a crappy firm can still survive.
Anecdote time:
I'm not a fan of McDonald's food, but one thing I once could count on from McDonald's was pretty much the same quality store to store. And as far as fast food went the employees seemed happy an motivated (as much as they can at a fast food place and noticeably more than other fast food places). That's not the case anymore.
Quality store to store and even the same store at different times now varies wildly in my experience and near me there are several "bad stores" where it's pretty clear nobody (employees) is happy and straight up not trying.
Not passing judgment on employees here (it's up to the company to do their thing to keep quality up), but either way McDnonald's to me just isn't reliable.