McDonald's — Restaurant in Brookhaven

Have you ever had one of those days, weeks, or overall months of uncontrollable frequencies shifting? That was my September. In one day, minutes apart, two strangers made up for my entire month.

Across the street is the Peachtree Creek Greenway where I frequent my walks, except for the past week due to bed rest. On my first day back on the trail & was slightly inundated trying to catch up mentally. In retro spec, I missed someone saying "Good morning, I hope you have a great walk". It was on my way back he said "You probably didn't hear me before so I just want to make sure I tell you Good morning again & hope the walk made you feel better".

I'm rarely with a loss of attentiveness or words. For a stranger to sense that in some odd perception while being kind, had me pivot to accept September & get excited for October. Yet not before I blessed Mike who is in transition & no longer a stranger. While he was freshening up & organizing his sole bag, I asked him when he was finished to please head over to McDonald's. Mike said "You don't have to do that, I was just being friendly" & I responded, "I need to".

I come in & Humberto who is behind the register beamed a vocal smile & happily helped me with my mission - which became our mission. Humberto's effort to ensure the big order I was placing was correct, tried to see if some of the combos would be a better price point & just took overall pride in assisting me with this good deed. When I snapped his picture the Manager thought something wrong & Humberto told him "Oh no, nothing is wrong, I'm just happy I get to help a wonderful customer helping a friendly stranger"...bless you, Humberto.

When the food was ready, Humberto came around chatting while double-checking the bags of food. That's when I noticed his accessible impediment. I'd never have guessed with his welcoming demeanor, beaming spirit & good vibes. Plus he tripled ensured me that he will carefully watch over the food for Mike's pickup.

As I was walking out, Mike was walking up. After a humbling & low speaking thank you, Mike added "You know we all go through things in life & since tomorrow is not promised all that matters is that we have an open mind & just be kind to people along the way".

Thank you Mike & Humberto for your presence, kindness...

I ordered at the kiosk for dine in, grabbed my number sign, and took a seat as the graphic instructed. The dining room was practically empty for being in the lunch rush, so I grabbed the seat closest to the counter. After about 15 minutes a person behind the counter grabbed a number of bags that had been sitting on the counter, walked over, and literally threw one on the table in front of me. He said my number tag in a nasty tone and walked away doing the same to everyone who had the audacity to order in. All of the dine in orders had been bagged and left to sit without even calling out an order number. By now the food was rather cold. I was never given a cup so I had to go to the counter. When I walked up I found the manager, the cooks, and almost all the staff in a group laughing and talking. Staff walking in and out of the counter area ignored me completely. I finally got a cup for my drink from the cashier, who appeared to be the only one actually working. At this point I cut my losses and walked out. This is the only restaurant in the area with a traffic light to help traffic in and out. It's a very strategic location. However on lunch hour, on a week day, this location had maybe 6 people in the dining room and 3 cars in the drive thru. I guess the locals know to stay away from here, even if it is the only restaurant with easy access. I shudder to think of the money they loose each day because the manager really couldn't seem to care less, and the employees are allowed to do be as rude...

The synopsis of what you are about to read is avoid this location like the plague no mater what. Over the past few years they have spent a lot of money updating the decor and exterior, while their service has continued to get significantly worse. I went from dining here a few times a month to only when I have no other choice. Today traffic was bottle necked at Tullie Rd. and Druid Hill, so I though even with their slow pace their drive thru should be quicker than going out on Druid Hill Rd. to a better restaurant. Learning from past experience here I kept the order very simple, and ordered a double cheeseburger value meal. The folks at the windows were as rude as usual. Despite my simple order I was given my drink and directed to a parking spot because my order wasn't ready. After 20 minutes of waiting in the drive thru reserve parking space I had to go in to get my food. I asked for a manager and she quite literally could not have cared less. Moral of the story, out of time and options I had to eat the lukewarm fries and cold burger that was waiting, but never brought out to me. This is the last straw. I will go anywhere...