Carl's Jr and poor service.

[David_V]

This is the second time I've been to this restaurant that it took 20 minutes to get my COLD sandwich. Tonight I was already in line for 5 minutes when a bus load of kids drove up. The kids working in the restaurant were taking care of all those kids BEFORE they took care of anyone at the drive up window. It would have taken longer if I hadn't made a fuss at the window.

I guess the concept of "fast food" is lost on them.

Has anyone else experienced this kind of service from them?

[Dodgergirl]

Wow, that's interesting. What time did you go in? I know for a fact that the drive thru kid has been 'secret shopped' twice in the past two months and has passed with a 100%, that is pretty incredible in these days... Corporate even rewarded him with a small incentive...
Funny, I was there recently when the 'bus load' of kids pulled up. Actually they pulled into KFC and ran next door to Carls... My kid was scheduled to get off in the few minutes this had transpired, but was asked to stay and help out... Therefore, I was asked to stick around until he could finish up what he had to do.
The concept of fast food IMHO, is quick, hot, and mediocre food. Whats a kid to do when faced with 30 (yes, 30 orders) at a particular time? They really aren't prepared to present that many meals at a specified time, cannot keep them warming, and cannot prepare them ahead of time..all they can do is do the best they can...
Maybe they took care of the kids first because they felt they had arrived first, who knows? Maybe they just wanted to get everyone out asap...
If you had said they were screwing around and not giving customers attention, then you would have a valid point, but, IMHO, they were doing their job...serving the customers and trying to get everyone their meal...

[Sandman]

Hey David, perhaps you should post some positive reviews for a change for the restaurants you do enjoy. I have only seen negative reviews from you. I feel that people will value your opinion more if they see the good AND bad instead of only the bad.

[David_V]

Hey David, perhaps you should post some positive reviews for a change for the restaurants you do enjoy. I have only seen negative reviews from you. I feel that people will value your opinion more if they see the good AND bad instead of only the bad.
You must have me confused with someone else. This is the first review of any restaurant I have ever posted anywhere.

You want some good to go along with the bad?

Ok.

The service was the worst I've ever seen. The BBQ chicken sandwich was barely warm and the chicken piece was thin and flavorless. Stick with the beef burgers, when served warm, they're the best.

BUT - the root beer was nice and cold.

As an aside.... I may have seemed negative in other areas of this forum and I'll be working at changing that attitude. This is supposed to be a nice forum.

[David_V]

Wow, that's interesting. What time did you go in? I know for a fact that the drive thru kid has been 'secret shopped' twice in the past two months and has passed with a 100%, that is pretty incredible in these days... Corporate even rewarded him with a small incentive...
This is the second time this has happened to me at this restaurant. The first time they were busy with in store customers. That's OK, they're busy, I get it. But to ignore a customer at the window for 20 minutes while serving other customers that just walked in doesn't show good time management or good customer service.

This time I was waiting, another 20 minutes, and it would have been longer if I had not made a fuss, while they were serving the kids off the bus that arrived after me (actually a girls soccer team from Clovis - and I understand the teenaged boys serving the girls before me).

Funny, I was there recently when the 'bus load' of kids pulled up. Actually they pulled into KFC and ran next door to Carls... My kid was scheduled to get off in the few minutes this had transpired, but was asked to stay and help out... Therefore, I was asked to stick around until he could finish up what he had to do.
What it looked like they did last night was have the drive up window kid back up the kid at the inside register while everyone in the drive up line had to wait until they were done with all the inside customers.

The concept of fast food IMHO, is quick, hot, and mediocre food. Whats a kid to do when faced with 30 (yes, 30 orders) at a particular time? They really aren't prepared to present that many meals at a specified time, cannot keep them warming, and cannot prepare them ahead of time..all they can do is do the best they can...
I can understand busy - I get that. What I do not understand is why I have to wait while they serve customers that came in after I did. Aren't the drive up customers as important as the walk ins? And they didn't have 30 orders when I arrived. There were about 5 cars in the parking lot and very few people in the restaurant.

Maybe they took care of the kids first because they felt they had arrived first, who knows?
I know. I was trying to give my order as the bus pulled up.

Maybe they just wanted to get everyone out asap...
If you had said they were screwing around and not giving customers attention, then you would have a valid point, but, IMHO, they were doing their job...serving the customers and trying to get everyone their meal...
They were not trying to get me my meal. Other customers in the line behind me were yelling and honking their horns. It wasn't just me.

That's alright. I'm not going to be back to that place again. I'm sure that will make the kid at the window happy. I was just wondering if anyone else had this problem.

If you want, PM me and we can take this negativity off the forum.

[Yosemite_Wolf]

So you can only post here if you have a positive review? So then why do we have the polls?

Restaurant reviews are for both good and bad reviews. Now we know why our roaming restaurant reviewers remain anon.

[Dodgergirl]

This is the second time this has happened to me at this restaurant. The first time they were busy with in store customers. That's OK, they're busy, I get it. But to ignore a customer at the window for 20 minutes while serving other customers that just walked in doesn't show good time management or good customer service.

This time I was waiting, another 20 minutes, and it would have been longer if I had not made a fuss, while they were serving the kids off the bus that arrived after me (actually a girls soccer team from Clovis - and I understand the teenaged boys serving the girls before me).


What it looked like they did last night was have the drive up window kid back up the kid at the inside register while everyone in the drive up line had to wait until they were done with all the inside customers.


I can understand busy - I get that. What I do not understand is why I have to wait while they serve customers that came in after I did. Aren't the drive up customers as important as the walk ins? And they didn't have 30 orders when I arrived. There were about 5 cars in the parking lot and very few people in the restaurant.


I know. I was trying to give my order as the bus pulled up.


They were not trying to get me my meal. Other customers in the line behind me were yelling and honking their horns. It wasn't just me.

That's alright. I'm not going to be back to that place again. I'm sure that will make the kid at the window happy. I was just wondering if anyone else had this problem.

If you want, PM me and we can take this negativity off the forum.

Actually, I appreciate the feedback. The 'kid' is 19 and this is his first real job...I let him read the forum so he could see what was being said, maybe this will help him to become better at customer service...we all need to learn somewhere.
As I've always told him constructive critisism has a positive place in our lives, after all, without it we would never learn...
As for the quality of the food, the workers really cannot help that the patties which are sent are lacking in size and flavor... but a little secret I've picked up is to always order a 'special' burger or whatnot... then they need to make it fresh and it's usually hot..
If it ever happens to you again, do what I've done (after getting trapped on my lunch hour at MacDonalds drive thru) call them, just call them (assuming you have a cell) and tell them what is happening, their reaction is usually one of shock, but well worth it.

[Sandman]

So you can only post here if you have a positive review? So then why do we have the polls?

Restaurant reviews are for both good and bad reviews. Now we know why our roaming restaurant reviewers remain anon.

Bad reviews are fine. I have posted a few myself. I just think members here should give good reviews, as well as bad reviews... not just the bad.



Re: You must have me confused with someone else.
You're right David... I was confusing you with someone else. I apologize for that.

[David_V]

Actually, I appreciate the feedback. The 'kid' is 19 and this is his first real job...I let him read the forum so he could see what was being said, maybe this will help him to become better at customer service...we all need to learn somewhere.
Thanks.

As I've always told him constructive criticism has a positive place in our lives, after all, without it we would never learn...
Hopefully he could see past my anger and find something useful.

What I saw was that one guy was taking orders at the inside register and the guy working the drive up abandoned us and started filling the inside orders. They worked great as a team, but us customers at the drive through were just sitting there without getting our orders filled.

As for the quality of the food, the workers really cannot help that the patties which are sent are lacking in size and flavor... but a little secret I've picked up is to always order a 'special' burger or whatnot... then they need to make it fresh and it's usually hot..
I expect the food at those places to be mediocre at best. I know it's not the fault of those working there and I do understand it's not the most pleasant of places to work. I've had my share of those kinds of jobs.

If it ever happens to you again, do what I've done (after getting trapped on my lunch hour at MacDonalds drive thru) call them, just call them (assuming you have a cell) and tell them what is happening, their reaction is usually one of shock, but well worth it.
Happily, gleefully, excitedly, and proudly, I threw away my cell phone 8 years ago when I moved out this way. :grin:

[David_V]

Bad reviews are fine. I have posted a few myself. I just think members here should give good reviews, as well as bad reviews... not just the bad.
I agree. I've read some of the reviews and I'm thinking of trying that BBQ place that's being mentioned often. I can't recall the name right now.

I usually end up at Oka and get the chicken udon with a plate of sushi and sashimi. Has anyone reviewed that restaurant?

Re: You must have me confused with someone else.
You're right David... I was confusing you with someone else. I apologize for that.
That's OK, it happens.

[Kim]

Being a "fast-food veteran", I'd be willing to be that there was a manager standing behind the scenes telling the drive-thru-dude what to do. These places will almost always take care of the 30 people staring at them before the 5 cars in the drive through that they don't have to look at. My solution? I call the restaurant and tell them that I'm the 3d car in the line and can they please park the car that's been waiting for 5 minutes if his order isn't ready. :) Cell phones have their uses...

[Yosemite_Wolf]

I love In and Out..... seems they cater to the drive thru. I made the mistake of going inside once to order... and watched several cars cruise pass the drive thru window before I ever got my food. Silly me.

[David_V]

Being a "fast-food veteran", I'd be willing to be that there was a manager standing behind the scenes telling the drive-thru-dude what to do. These places will almost always take care of the 30 people staring at them before the 5 cars in the drive through that they don't have to look at. My solution? I call the restaurant and tell them that I'm the 3d car in the line and can they please park the car that's been waiting for 5 minutes if his order isn't ready. :) Cell phones have their uses...
Cell phones may have their uses, but I like the peace I get without one. :cool:

I think the solution to this problem is for me to become an EX fast food veteran. I'm trying to cut down on the meat and up the veggies. "Treating" myself by going to these places isn't helping.

If it takes 20 minutes to get the food and then 10 minutes to eat it; then why not take the time to go to a sit down restaurant? The price? A better tasting meal at Todd's BBQ is only a few bucks more.

Maybe I'll try that next time.

[David_V]

I love In and Out..... seems they cater to the drive thru. I made the mistake of going inside once to order... and watched several cars cruise pass the drive thru window before I ever got my food. Silly me.
I've tried several In and Out restaurants. Service was fast, food hot, but I just was not pleased with the food. Some people think they have the best. I just didn't like it.

What about Sonic? Is there one in Fresno or Merced?

Wait.... I'm trying to avoid these places and get something healthier elsewhere. Any suggestions?

[Yosemite_Wolf]

there is a sonic on Blackstone. I Think it is near Ashlan, but can't remember just where it is.. might be more down by Shields. I love the simple burgers at In and Out. and the fries made in veggie oil instead of lard. I can't even stomach the fries from Jack anymore.

[Ironhorse]

There is the one on Blackstone in Fresno and two in Clovis. I believe the one on Blackstone is actually closer to Gettysburg, I pass it everyday taking the g-kids to school.

Sonic Drive-In
4687 N Blackstone Ave, Fresno, CA
559-227-3468

Sonic Drive-In
263 W Shaw Ave, Clovis, CA
559-298-0197

Sonic Drive-In
1855 Herndon Ave, Clovis, CA
559-323-7779

[Yosemite_Wolf]

thanks Ironhorse :)

[Newcomer]

I have had no problems at Carl's Jr. Eaten there many times. Karl Karcher died just last week and his memorial was today. RIP Karl Karcher. I had many good times haning out at Carl's Jr. when I was in high school.

[Kim]

I've tried several In and Out restaurants. Service was fast, food hot, but I just was not pleased with the food. Some people think they have the best. I just didn't like it.

What about Sonic? Is there one in Fresno or Merced?

Wait.... I'm trying to avoid these places and get something healthier elsewhere. Any suggestions?

I get the chicken snack wraps at McDonald's a lot, with a Diet Coke. It's a decent dinner on my way home from work that stops me from eating a lot when I get home.

[monkey]

Wait.... I'm trying to avoid these places and get something healthier elsewhere. Any suggestions?

Almost all of the fast food places have healthier choices now. Many of them have a nutritional info poster that is posted on a wall or window somewhere. I have also gone to websites just so I have an idea of what each place has. I can almost always find something that won't destroy all the hard work I've done to lose weight.

[monkey]

I have had no problems at Carl's Jr. Eaten there many times. Karl Karcher died just last week and his memorial was today. RIP Karl Karcher. I had many good times haning out at Carl's Jr. when I was in high school.

My first "real" job was at a Carl's Jr. I still remember how we would soak the tile floor after closing and "surf" with the trays.

[David_V]

There is the one on Blackstone in Fresno and two in Clovis. I believe the one on Blackstone is actually closer to Gettysburg, I pass it everyday taking the g-kids to school.

Sonic Drive-In
4687 N Blackstone Ave, Fresno, CA
559-227-3468....
Thanks Ironhorse and YoseWolf.

I'll be in Fresno this Sunday and one stop will be at the HomeDepot off of Blackstone. I'll try that one. The drinks they advertise look good.

[David_V]

I get the chicken snack wraps at McDonald's a lot, with a Diet Coke. It's a decent dinner on my way home from work that stops me from eating a lot when I get home.
You have to be careful with some of those "diet" looking foods. The piece of chicken might be low cal and low fat, but all the stuff they put on it hikes the calories way up. They do sound good though. :)

[David_V]

Almost all of the fast food places have healthier choices now. Many of them have a nutritional info poster that is posted on a wall or window somewhere. I have also gone to websites just so I have an idea of what each place has. I can almost always find something that won't destroy all the hard work I've done to lose weight.
You're right. I just have to put more effort into it. It's hard to change decades of eating habits. :eat:

[monkey]

Instead of eating out so much for lunch, how about taking something in to work with you. Some days I find it hard to prepare something before I run out the door, so I will take Kashi frozen product and some fruit with me. I know how hard it is to change habits, I'm still struggling with it, but it can be done.

[Mibrew]

Great advise Monkey...

Your right!!

Everybody should be preparing their own meals if their able to, and try and stay healthier, also avoid or try and stay away from all those Fast Foods that could cause other issues later in life :

Brew ~ : ]

[David_V]

Instead of eating out so much for lunch, how about taking something in to work with you. Some days I find it hard to prepare something before I run out the door, so I will take Kashi frozen product and some fruit with me. I know how hard it is to change habits, I'm still struggling with it, but it can be done.
It can be done, and it is hard, and it takes time, but it is worth the effort. I bring my own lunch to work since at work I have no place to go buy food that wouldn't take an half hour to get to. Just once in awhile while in Oakhurst, I like a treat.

[Kim]

You have to be careful with some of those "diet" looking foods. The piece of chicken might be low cal and low fat, but all the stuff they put on it hikes the calories way up. They do sound good though. :)

I'm aware of that....I've kept off 80 pounds for about 4 years now. So, I order snack wraps without the sauce and have become addicted to Happy Meals.

[David_V]

I'm aware of that....I've kept off 80 pounds for about 4 years now. So, I order snack wraps without the sauce and have become addicted to Happy Meals.
I'm working on it. So far, more fruits & veggies, more exercise, and less red meat, is working. I just have to keep it long enough so that it becomes my new habit.

[Meat Man]

Why is that? Why do people take the large crowed over the small one all the time?
Case in point: I wanted a mug made at a screen shop. All I wanted was a picture of my family on a mug for my dad. It was a fathers day present. The guy tells me I have to wait 2 weeks for it because some sports team is useing up all the screens and computers right now.

So I went to the mall and found a one of those carts. I was done in 10min.

Go figure.....

[David_V]

Why is that? Why do people take the large crowed over the small one all the time?
I love to observe nature. One day I was watching a flock of seagulls. They all wanted to be in the same group, but didn't want to be near each other. Then an injured bird landed awkwardly and was immediately attacked and eaten.

I thought to myself.... wow.... just like humans.

Case in point: I wanted a mug made at a screen shop. All I wanted was a picture of my family on a mug for my dad. It was a fathers day present. The guy tells me I have to wait 2 weeks for it because some sports team is useing up all the screens and computers right now.

So I went to the mall and found a one of those carts. I was done in 10min.

Go figure.....
Well.... I'm going to avoid those fast food crowds and go to a nice sit down restaurant and relax. Life's better when it's slower. That's why Hawaiians live longer. They have a saying; "If you can do it today, you can do it tomorrow."

[Meat Man]

Sounds good to me:)

[CatdaBrat]

Me too! Me too!

(I had to keep typing because you can't post a comment if it's less than 10 characters.)