Originally Posted by
kyee
That's the ONLY reason I get a fast food burger other than In-N-Out, is the line/wait is just too dang long most times.
In-N-Out obviously knows this is a problem, and tries to do things to expedite the line -- like dispatch mobile order takers to the drive-through line. But, at the end of the day, I guess they don't know how to maintain quality AND speed up the service. I'm guessing the only way would be to open up even more In-N-Outs and disperse the crowds!
If I lived in California, I'm sure I'd also opt for other chains sometimes due to speed. For me, not living in an In-N-Out town, the option to grab one of their burgers is still special. If they were down the street from my home or office, I'd take them for granted and sometimes be less willing to commit the time necessary to visit. This is, after all, supposed to be quick-service food!
Originally Posted by
jackal
And yet there is always a McDonald's or other fast-food restaurant across the street and there is always a line at said fast-food restaurant. It simply doesn't make sense--much like I'm left scratching my head at why there are so many people filling up at the Chevron across the street when there's a perfectly good Shell directly across the street that's 5, 10, or even 20 cents per gallon cheaper (yes! I've seen a 20-cent differential with people in line to pay ridiculous gobs of money more just because it's apparently on the correct side of the street for them)....
Undoubtedly some customers are just lazy and head to McDonalds. But McDonalds does do some things very well and, particularly abroad, their product is more unique -- and sometimes speedier -- than the local fare. It can even taste better: like my son insists McDonald's Canadian burgers are better than the American ones.
I know when I travel overseas, there are some places where McDonalds can be quite useful. Like Japan: better stores, good value and a taste of home. Russia: hard to find edible quick-service food. Australia: significantly cheaper than most alternatives for equal quality/tastiness. Hawaii: only burgers that don't cost a fortune.
Of course, in each instance, I'd choose an In-N-Out if one existed! But first they have to get east of the Mississippi before conquering the world.
