McDonald's Laverton North — Restaurant in Melbourne

Unfortunately, this McDonald’s location falls short in several key areas, and my recent experience highlights some serious concerns regarding its service and overall management.

I visited the drive-through expecting a quick and convenient experience, as McDonald’s typically promises. However, from the outset, it was clear that something was amiss. After waiting a considerable amount of time in the queue, I finally reached the payment window—only to find that no staff member was present. I waited patiently, thinking someone might just be momentarily delayed, but no one came to assist. It was at this point I noticed the car ahead of me had also been stuck at the same window without making a payment.

Seeing no alternative, I slowly moved forward to the next window, where food is usually handed out, hoping to at least speak to someone or find out what was going on. Again, there was no staff member in sight to provide service or even acknowledge my presence. Looking inside the store, it appeared that the manager was focused on giving instructions and organizing food behind the counter, but no attention was being paid to the customers outside—who were left waiting with zero communication or assistance.

This level of disorganization and lack of basic customer service is disappointing, especially from a well-established global brand. Efficient staffing and communication should be fundamental, particularly during busy periods.

Based on this experience, I can only give a one-star rating. It’s unfortunate, but customers deserve better than to be ignored and left confused in what should be a simple, routine...

The lack of professionalism (or just even a simple pride in one’s work) at this restaurant was surprising and it was worse than any other McDonald’s I’d ever been to.

I saw the customer service girls eating ice creams and chatting as I waited to order. The girl, who was on the desk, didn’t greet me or ask me why I was at the counter. No number was generated from the self-serve screen, so I told her why I was there because there was no “how can I help?” Despite no customers being in front of me, I did wait for a longer time than expected in a quiet restaurant.

The drinks were spilt and the McFlurry was made messily, leaving goo flowing outside two cups and spoon from my order. The French Fries’ boxes were half full. A primary school kid would have done better. Thankfully, the fries and burgers were cooked nicely..

As we walked towards my car, I saw the cook outside the back of the restaurant, taking a break with a group of truck drivers. Also, a strange man was loitering around the car park.

There was a lot of sitting around by the employees even though the place was a mess. Numerous tables hadn’t been cleaned and the women’s toilets were untidy..

I know going to Maccas isn’t meant to be the Ritz but the McDonald brothers worked incredibly hard on providing excellent customer service, cleanliness and good food. This one was a true let-down after a fun day...

The Indian manager was talking to the staff for training. The trainee served me, I asked for two large fries.

There wasn’t enough fries for two large servings so they cooked up a fresh batch.

I told the manager I would like some fresh fries since he was standing the closest to me. He agreed.

He then proceed to dump the cold fries in and told the trainee to scoop it up to make it look like i received the fresh ones. He then proceed to show the trainee how to place the fries in the bag so I wouldn’t realise. He placed the cold ones on top then hot ones down at the bottom. That way I can’t tell the difference.

Not trying to be racist, but this isn’t India. We have food safety standards. You do not agree to a service and then proceed to put a dropped burger on the floor back onto the plate and wipe it, then proceed to give it to the customer and say ‘here we made you a new one’.

Especially teaching trainees how to do the most dodgy thing in hospitality truly shows how little care McDonald has nowadays for their food quality.

I wouldn’t go to this maccas at all, unless you have an Indian stomach for all the bacteria...