McDonald's....too many customers, not enough seats

[greensinestro]

After my adventure at Target, I then took the kids to McDonald's, which was a mistake. We got there around lunch time, and after getting our food, there were not enough booths to sit in. Yes, they had a couple of other places to sit, like the barstools, but my kids can't sit in them being they are too little for the height. What kind of annoyed me was the fact that other people that were there eating by themselves were the ones sitting at booths and tables that four or five people could sit at. I thought at first that perhaps these people were saving the booths for other family members, but it wasn't the case upon observation. Many were there alone.

I know it's probably not a great big deal, but you would think McDonald's could design their restaurants for plenty of seating instead of having these sports bars with barstools. Even so, those eating alone should be respectful of those who bring in their families and give up large tables instead of hogging them for themselves. That was probably what irked me the most. In fact, when I finished eating, this lady with her two boys couldn't find a table, so I went over and offered her my table (which I swiped as someone was leaving earlier). She was more than grateful, and I did my good deed for the day.

[Apathy]

should be respectful of

Whatever you might be talking about, it isn't going to happen.

[Amina516]

What is this "respect" you speak of???

That sucks though, myself having been in similar situations. Im pretty good at ninja'ing seats though, so it usually turns out ok.

[earl colby pottinger]

Asking

You could ask if you can share a table. I have been asked more than once when eating tin Toronto where many for the fast food places do get crowded. I have never said 'no'.

Try it, you might be pleasantly surprised.

[One-Fang]

Yeah I agree - ask. If I'm catching a bite alone I will go for a low table or booth with a real seat, not one of those barstool things. I don't find them comfortable. I know the table I'm at seats more people, but I'm entitled to eat in comfort too, aren't I? But if you came over and said "The place is pretty full, may we share with you please?" I'd have definitely said yes.

[smileyeagle1021]

McDonalds (and Carl's Jr. for that matter) should just do what Carl's Jr. used to do... which is to set up their restaruants to have nothing but booths.. and every one of them fit 4 people... you might have to split your party up but you are guaranteed to get a booth if there is anything open. Would solve a lot of these problems (or you know thye could also say "hey, look at how busy that restaurant is, maybe we should open another one nearby too")

[Lace Neil Singer]

Yeah I agree - ask. If I'm catching a bite alone I will go for a low table or booth with a real seat, not one of those barstool things. I don't find them comfortable. I know the table I'm at seats more people, but I'm entitled to eat in comfort too, aren't I? But if you came over and said "The place is pretty full, may we share with you please?" I'd have definitely said yes.

Agreed. I personally detest those barstools, and I don't feel comfortable on them as I do in a booth or table. If someone came up to me and asked if they could share, I'd say yes. But everyone thinks I'm too weird to ask, I guess. :/

[Ghengis51]

I would like to point out another possibility, as someone who has gone to McDonald's by himself. Since all the table were full, it's quite possible that a booth was all that was available when those people by themselves went for a seat, or that even that when they sat down there's was plenty of space so they figured it was ok to take one but suddenly a rush hit them and filled up everything.

[greensinestro]

I would like to point out another possibility, as someone who has gone to McDonald's by himself. Since all the table were full, it's quite possible that a booth was all that was available when those people by themselves went for a seat, or that even that when they sat down there's was plenty of space so they figured it was ok to take one but suddenly a rush hit them and filled up everything.

No, there were plenty of barstools to sit at, which was why the booths filled up first. My statement on this was the loners could have sat at one of these instead of taking up an entire table that more people could sit at.

[Lace Neil Singer]

I've already said that I find the barstools uncomfortable to sit at; so, I sit at a booth or table. Why should my comfort be any less important? Like I said, anyone wants to sit at my table can and be welcome; they just have to ask politely. I just don't see why I should have to perch on a stool just so everyone who comes into the place with two or three kids in tow can have a choice of tables. Just sayin'. It's mostly the teens I've noticed who sit on the stools.

[Kiwi]

Even so, those eating alone should be respectful of those who bring in their families and give up large tables instead of hogging them for themselves.

Respectfully I disagree.

Mc Donald's is a self seating restaurant and if there's a booth open, that's where I am going to sit. It's first in first served and the same goes for seating.
Does it suck that there were no suitable tables left for your family, yes it does.

I just don't think that I should have to vet myself from having a comfortable seat on the chance that a family might just need it. Maybe its a hot button with me because I have been made to work more than my share of crappy shifts because people with "families" deserve the time off more, or made to feel as if my commitments outside work dont matter as much as someone with kids.

If I am on a bus and an elderly or disabled person needs a seat I am more than happy to give it up because that's a safety issue. Surely you could see how busy the restaurant was before you ordered your food?

[laundryhater]

Sorry, McDonald's is first come first serve self-seating.

If I see that a restaurant is very busy, I usually leave and go somewhere else.

[One-Fang]

I guess, taking that bus example, it would be akin to not taking the last seat on the bus just in case an old lady gets on at the next stop. The more sensible thing is to take it. And give it up if she does get on. Equally, I will take a booth. And share if asked.

Not taking a booth because of some hypothetical customer group that might enter the restaurant after me doesn't make any real world sense.

[greensinestro]

I think some people are missing the point I was making. Sure, it may be first come, first served seating and I don't have a problem with that. What I do have a problem with are people who are alone, by themselves, no children, no spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, what have you, that sit at a huge table or booth when they could be sitting at a seat or table made for only one or two people. This is what I do if I eat at a place like this by myself. Even if it's not too busy, I do this with the expectation that a huge group of people could pour in at any minute and will need those large seating areas.

I also do not think this is related to people giving up their seats on a bus, by the way.

[Lace Neil Singer]

Agreed. Altho I will sit at a two person table if there is one, cuz I like to be alone or if not possible, to be left alone; sometimes there just isn't anywhere to sit cept a booth. Sorry, but I still am not going to stand or be uncomfortably perched on one of those stools made for people with smaller bums; I'm going to plonk myself down in the booth.