Drive-thru regret is a unique brand of shame. It occurs after I've entered the drive-thru and am sitting in line long enough to have either one -- or both -- of two thoughts: I am not going to feel good after I eat this or I wish I'd simply parked and gone inside to order at the counter.
Despite these feelings, all of us have probably resorted to behavior that dramatically slows down the process. For a long time, just trying to be nice, I used to greet the voice on the other end of the speaker and inquire about his or her day.
If you ever want to confuse a head-set operator, try to exchange pleasantries. My wife kindly explained that greetings are best left to face-to-face interactions, rather than through garbled, faceless voiceboxes.
There are a whole host of ways in which you might be slowing down the process as well, which a Taco Bell manager recently pointed out to Slashfood. The etiquette guide was direct and filled with common sense edicts: Have your order and money ready; don't eat at the window; and don't change your order after it's been placed.
There are no second chances at the drive-thru. And if that means we've got to drive away without barbecue sauce on occasion, I'm ready to make that sacrifice. Because anything beats sitting in line regretting food that you haven't even eaten yet.
[Image via Flickr: biofriendly]
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Bull's thinking might actually be valid if the person you ordered from actually made your food. The cook in the back just makes the food and slides it down the ramp. They don't know if it's going out the window or the counter.
A few years ago I'd rant about lines, too. But I see myself slipping into my dotage, fumbling with my money, confused by the menu, unable to understand the squawk box, wondering why the cupholder in my '93 Taurus won't accept any of the "standard" cups.
I apologize, and ask for forgiveness. Would one of you kind folks consider taking my place in line? (I tip 20% of the total bill.)
same rule for the g-dd-mn ATM line. Have your card out. Pull out as soon as you get your receipt. If you make a deposit, have the checks endorsed and ready to go. Have some common courtesy.
You should only use the drive thru if you're with your kids or can't walk. The rest of the time you should go inside so you can order face to face. You put way too much trust in a bunch of 16 year old kids by going through the drive thru. They're much less likely to do something to your food if you look them in the eye or you can keep your eye on them.
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