“May I take your order?”
“Yes, I’d like a chicken sandwich…”
“Do you want the combo?”
Why do they insist on interrupting me to ask me if I want the combo? (A: because that’s what management has instructed them to do). If I want the combo, I’ll order the damned combo. Otherwise don’t interrupt me, just take my order.
At the very least, wait until I’ve completed my order, to suggest the combo – if I haven’t ordered it already. If I order sandwich, potatoes and a drink – don’t ask me if I want the combo – the computer should just add it up – why do I care how my order is entered into the computer – if you want to give me a discount for carbs, why ask for my permission? I’m certain the computer is smart enough to figure it out. But even Carl’s new automated ordering systems (or as I like to call them, auto-servitrons) interrupt you with the combo question.
Maybe they’re just trying to wear me down so I’ll always order the combo. I know they hate it whenever someone asks for something removed or changed – which people seem to be more likely to do lately. Ever seen a menu with “no substitutions”? I think that’s what they’re working towards – you get the fries whether you want them or not, don’t ask us for no pickle no onion haf caf double mocha with a twist. Special orders don’t upset us, because we just ignore them anyway.
Thing is, I don’t eat the potatoes (or rings or fried cheese or even zucchini) anymore. Yes, I could improve my health by not eating in these places at all. But I know from experience that I will just make junk food at home, take longer, and leave a mess in the sink – so I might as well ask for it from a clown instead.