McDonald's — Restaurant in West Columbia

The service at this store became questionable a few years back, mainly due to what I remember as being the night manager at that time. As a result, I stopped going to that location - which was a shame, because I grew up with this McDonald's (in the Fairlawn Circle neighborhood, just a few blocks down Charleston Highway). However, in the past couple of weeks, I have eaten there about three times - always in the evening - with my latest visit Friday night Jan. 19, 2024. Everything was great. I was served with a smile by the cute little front cashier, who inquired as to my order... I KNOW, RIGHT?!? AWESOME... considering that I ordered from the inside kiosk! I had a question for the manager regarding the survey on my receipt, and she responded quickly and courteously and very professionally, which is a return to the McDonalds I love, not what it briefly became just a few short years back How refreshing! Most people these days, when they see me on my bicycle, assume the worst for some reason, when in all actuality I am a brain cancer survivor of over six years now, with a nice home in Springdale, but unable at this time to drive because of past seizures. I ride my white McCloné Electric bike to this store and park in front of the doors at the handrail (out of the way, of course) and this crew has never treated me as anything but a valued customer, and it is my pleasure to thank them all for a job very well done! This crew has given me hope for humanity and proven that custo.er service is still alive and breathing......

I eat here when nothing else is convenient. I like many others use fast food for a quick easy cheap meal. This place is not quick. I ordered at 6:32 verifiable by my receipt I didn't get my food until 7pm. Absolutely insane. It was not that busy i was the only person in the lobby for about 15 min of my near 30 min wait and i maybe heard 5 drive through beeps while i was waiting. There was what looked to be like more than a full staff. I saw multiple employees in regular blue and white uniforms and what appeared to be two managers in red shirts. I made a fairly simple order of burgers and fries (which let's be honest is all this place serves) by saying that I mean a very basic meal that most people with a shred of common sense can understand how to prepare. On top of it all I was missing an order of fries that was on the receipt but not in the bag. This is not the first time or the second this has happened. In 3 years living just down the road from here I have only had a correct order once. I'm not one to complain to get something for free so i don't expect that or care. But please train your employees to a better standard and hold a higher standard to your managers to actually manage their staff. Having worked and managed in fast food with 5 years at a Burger King I can tell you your job is not as hard as you might think if you feel that statement is incorrect i suggest a career change....

Edit after remodel- Even after the remodel, service is still slow due to 2 lane drive thru and lack of employees working. (plenty on break sitting down being loud). Ordered DBL QP meal on fancy new order machine, wouldn't take care so had to wait 3:28 just to pay and 3 minutes to get the food. Cashier was more drawn to customer in red dress making a comment on the velumptiousoty of the desired female customer making the "Damn" comment prompting all male customers to direct their attention to the departing customer. At this time, the fellow female counterparts on break began commenting to the cashier about staring and commenting causing a ruckus. The restaurant still gets a 1 out of 5 stars but the customer was a 4 out of 5 easy upon her departure. Didn't visit the drive thru but one day I will edit that also.

Takes forever just for them to prepare to take your order. When they finally let you know you can order there's a delay in acknowledgement of what you requested. Once you pull up, you are able to pay after the conversation the cashier is having with another employee is completed. Pull up to the next window and observe the ice dispenser for the drive thru.... I had ample time to due so because it was another 4 minutes until I was able to receive my 1 item..... head on down to another one or hit up hardies 2...