Lifestyle
NEVER Do These 10 Things In A Drive-Thru, According To Fast Food Workers
Fast food drive-thrus are designed for convenience, but there are some unspoken etiquette rules to follow.
We dug through Reddit threads and compiled a list from fast food employees about their biggest drive-thru pet peeves.
Offenses include placing a large order, being indecisive, smoking, and playing loud music.
The drive-thru window has been a game-changer for the fast food industry. Nearly every chain has one, so you can grab a Crunchwrap Supreme or McDonald’s Coke without even parking your car.
But we’ve all sat in a line that’s felt less than convenient–and it’s likely the result of some drive-thru faux pas. To keep things moving, fast food workers say there are a few etiquette rules every customer should know.
We scoured Reddit—from subs for all fast food employees to ones dedicated specifically to McDonald’s and Starbucks—and compiled a pretty extensive list. Here’s what workers hate the most (and wish you’d stop doing):
1. Smoking Or Vaping
Just don’t. Not everyone wants smoke blown in their face—or the smell that lingers.
“The smoking thing makes me so angry,” one Reddit user wrote. “I’m already breathing tons of carcinogens from car exhaust, don’t smoke there and add to it!”
2. Being Indecisive When Ordering
We know it’s tough to decide, but please, hurry up. (Here’s Delish-approved inspo from the McDonald’s Dollar Menu and Wendy’s breakfast menu.)
“Find out what your passengers want before you’re at the speaker,” one Reddit user commented. “If you’re not familiar with the menu, go inside and order carry out.”
3. Placing Orders From The Passenger Seat
Drive-thru speakers are already hard to hear through, and loud passengers make it even more difficult for employees to get your order right. Be prepared!
“I get you want to order for yourself, but unless you’re screaming, we CANNOT hear you. It won’t kill your dad or boyfriend to say your order,” a Reddit user wrote.
4. Placing A Massive Order
If you’re placing a large order, head inside instead of holding up the line.
“Customers who order +$20 worth of anything in the drive-thru are a big one for me,” a Reddit user posted on the thread. “If your order is going to cost that much, please park.”
5. Getting Distracted By Your Phone
Scrolling through Instagram will only get you distracted and slow down the line. Be aware when it’s your turn to move forward, rather than stalling everyone else. “SITTING ON YOUR PHONE IN THE DRIVE THRU WITHOUT PAYING ATTENTION!!!,” one frustrated Reddit user posted.
6. Ordering More Food At The Second Window
The pick-up window is for paying and grabbing your food—and that’s it.
“Please try not to order anything at the second window/window where you get your food,” a Reddit user begged. “Especially during our busy hours or if you are adding on more than one simple item.”
7. Not Having Your Payment Ready
Rummaging through your wallet or paying in loose change slows everything down. Get your payment ready while waiting in line, and not at the window.
“Don’t pay anything like $5 or more in all change,” one Reddit user wrote. “Especially in anything not quarters.”
8. Having Loud Engines Or Playing Loud Music
It’s already difficult to hear through a headset. Don’t make it worse with obnoxiously loud engines or music.
“Turn off your engine if you have a loud exhaust,” a Reddit user suggested.
9. Handing Them Your Garbage
It’s gross and unsanitary. And if you couldn’t guess, drive-thru workers hate it. There’s even an entire Reddit thread about it.
10. Checking Your Entire Order At The Window
It’s okay to double-check that your order is correct, but pull forward to keep things moving instead of blocking the line. “Have some courtesy for the people behind you,” this Reddit user wrote, “and go find a parking space to check on your food in.”
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