A drive-thru is designed to be one of the fastest ways to grab a meal, but that only works when everyone keeps the line moving. Fast-food employees juggle taking orders, preparing food, handling payments, and serving dozens of cars every hour, so even small customer habits can create delays that affect everyone behind them.
Most people don’t realize how much a few simple changes can improve the experience for both customers and employees. Here are 10 things fast-food workers wish more drive-thru customers would stop doing.
Waiting Until You Reach the Speaker to Decide What You Want
Nothing slows a drive-thru line faster than waiting until you’re at the speaker to start reading the menu. Fast-food workers appreciate customers who have at least a general idea of what they want before it’s their turn to order.
Making Extremely Complicated Custom Orders
Most restaurants can handle simple substitutions, but long lists of customizations slow down both the kitchen and the drive-thru line. If your order requires several changes, double-check that all changes are necessary before placing it.
Related: Common Restaurant Etiquette Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes
Talking on the Phone While Ordering
Trying to order while talking on your phone often leads to confusion and repeated questions. Giving the employee your full attention for a minute helps ensure your order is accurate the first time.
Leaving the Music Turned Up
Loud music makes it difficult for employees wearing headsets to hear your order clearly. Turning the volume down as you approach the speaker can prevent mistakes and speed up service.
Changing Your Order at the Pickup Window
Once you reach the pickup window, your food is usually already being prepared or packaged. Making major changes at that point delays your order and everyone waiting behind you.
Related: Restaurant Workers Share the Rudest Things Customers Do
Arguing About Menu Prices
Drive-thru employees don’t set menu prices, so complaining to them won’t change the total. If something costs more than expected, it’s usually faster to order something else than argue about it.
Using Expired Coupons
Expired coupons often can’t be accepted, even if an employee wants to help. Checking the expiration date before you get in line saves time and avoids unnecessary frustration.
Being Rude When Something Goes Wrong
Mistakes happen in every restaurant, especially during busy meal times. Calmly explaining the problem gives employees the best chance to fix it quickly.
Flirting With or Harassing Employees
Fast-food workers are there to take orders and serve customers, not deal with unwanted flirting or inappropriate comments. Keeping the interaction polite and professional makes the experience more comfortable for everyone.
Related: 12 Ways Your Restaurant Order Becomes More Expensive Than Planned
Forgetting Other Cars Are Waiting
The drive-thru works best when everyone keeps the line moving. Being prepared with your payment, ordering efficiently, and pulling forward promptly helps employees serve everyone faster.
