McDonald's — Restaurant in Brookhaven

A Tale of Two Experiences: The Best and the Worst of McDonald’s

A Shining Star in the Drive-Thru

I want to start by recognizing an outstanding employee at McDonald’s on Peachtree Rd, Northeast Atlanta.

To the wonderful female employee working the drive-thru around 5:30 AM one morning—wearing glasses and a sweater—you know who you are. I didn’t catch your name, but I want to say this loud and clear:

I love your attitude.

Your kindness, professionalism, and positive energy made my morning. I see great things ahead for you because you embody what customer service should be. Keep growing! You’re going to do well, and I sincerely appreciate your service.

A Deeply Disappointing Experience with “J”

Now, on the other side of the spectrum—“J,” the supposed supervisor, manager, or general manager.

A little over two weeks ago, I walked into this same McDonald’s on crutches—as a patient currently recovering from real medical issues. Standing or sitting for long periods isn’t easy for me right now, but despite my physical challenges, I remained patient, respectful, and calm—as I always do. I’ve been a regular customer, never causing trouble, always buying my food without conflict.

Yet you, “J,” made a choice that I will never forget.

Instead of treating me with dignity, you chose to publicly humiliate and falsely accuse me of stealing receipts from the floor—without proof, without reason, and with an arrogant, condescending attitude. You didn’t just stop at an accusation; you tore my character down in front of employees and customers alike.

Not only did you deny me service, but you also made disrespectful remarks under your breath—just loud enough for me to hear. You treated me as an inconvenience rather than as a valued customer.

That’s not leadership. That’s abuse of authority.

Even after this shameful display of behavior, I didn’t lash out. But others witnessed your actions. And do you know what happened? They stepped in to pay for my food—because you refused to serve me.

You didn’t just inconvenience me. You tried to break me.

For what? Because I needed help? Because I was simply existing in a space where I belonged as a paying customer?

You have no idea how much damage your words and actions caused. You crushed my spirit when all I needed was basic human decency.

And yet, despite this, I still love McDonald’s. I still enjoy its food and the memories it brings.

But I do not support employees like you—who represent the worst of what a customer service leader should be.

J, You Are Bad for Business

I have never called anyone “bad for business” before, but today, I’m making an exception— YOU, “J,” ARE EXACTLY THAT.

Your attitude is disgraceful, and you have single-handedly made me question whether I should continue supporting this location.

If you fell, I would help you get back up—mentally or physically. That’s the kind of person I am.

But today, I am holding you accountable. Your behavior needs to change because you didn’t just lose a loyal customer—you drove me away & visit well looking to avoid you when I’m shopping and instead of dining in I definitely get it to go quick or get someone else to get it for me.

To McDonald’s Corporate and Higher Management

If you think I left something out, then roll back the old film

This isn’t just about me....

I wish there was a rating of ZERO because this place deserves it for their rude, ghetto unprofessional staff. I came thru the drive thru ordered a filet-o-fish combo. I get to the window to get my food after waiting in line about 25 minutes and was handed my drink which didn't have any ice in it. I asked why there wasn't any ice and the guy said none came out. I asked if there was another ice machine he could get ice from. He copped an attitude but found some below the soda machine that he scooped out. I he hands me my food and the fries were room temperature so I asked for fresh fries and ketchup. I pull off from the window into a parking space to eat my food, and there's no ketchup in the bag, he gave me a DIET COKE and not the Dr Pepper that I ordered and the fish sandwich was old because the bun was not soft and the cheese on the filet was hard. Now initially when I asked for fresh fries they asked me to pull up but then was able to get them b4 I pulled off. I walked up to the door with my sandwich and drink and the mgr told me I needed to back around to the drive thru in the long line again. I walk up to the window, and was told I need to wait in line again and threatened to call the police then took my drink and some other lady slammed the window shut with the bag in it. I'm trying to understand why do you get so much attitude and disrespect from the staff because you want what's advertised, which is fresh food that I'm paying for and not food that's old. I'm not asking for anything special, just what is being advertised. I called back today to request the contact info for the store owner or district manager and was told to hold on while she gets it then she hung up and didn't answer the phone when I called back. It's Sunday so I'll wait to call McDonalds Corporate to report this incident and request a call back...

I have never been to a worse McDonald's in my life and was a manager at one years ago. I don't ever remember the management team letting their staff act in the manner they acted in or looking the way they did. The guy who took my order act like he wanted to be there. I had to repeat my order to him several times and then he still got it wrong. My order was simple! I ordered a 2 for $5 [ the fish fillet and quarter pounder] and a Lg. Caramel ice coffee. Which I get quite often! So, I know what the size looks like, what it should look like if they make it right!!! Then I got to the window and the person tried to hand me[what look like a small drink cup] So I said "I ordered a lg." The person told me he charged me for a med. I said again, I order a lg. The got an attitude. Poured the drink into another cup added like 4 ice cubes and then I didn't see the rest because the manager stepped in front of the person to hand me my food. She repeated my order and handed me the bag. I repeat the manager handed me the bag!!! The food was all old, cold and the coffee didn't look right at all! The fish look like it came out of oil that was like a week old and still it was cold. The same with the quater pounder. The sandwiches were so cold the cheese wasn't even melted and buns were old and cold. So you know the burger was not fresh! I threw all of it out!!! I did not trust any of it! I ended up going down the street to another McDonald's and ordered the same order over again where everything was fresh, hot, good and the ice coffee was the right size and looked and tasted good.... That McDonald's needs to have a little more pride in their employees and the handling of their food or their going make someone sick!!! Needless to say, I will never go to that McDonald's again and I don't recomend it to anyone else either.... Concider me your secret...