So I am an app fan. If there’s an app available, I will use it. However, I do have to say the fast food industry is one of the few industries that I had used the apps for and then stopped.

Mostly because you can take any fast food restaurant out there and it will likely fall into at least one of these categories.

• app barely functions
• food gets prepared when you arrive anyway
• deals on the app are either non-existent or not worth it
• improper worker training leads to order mistakes or deals not applied

You would think that the number one reason for not using the app in today’s world would be the absurd pricing for the food or the fact that there is non-existent deals. But honestly, the second bullet point is the one that I have the biggest issue with.

Like seriously, what is the point in ordering ahead using a mobile app if you arrive at the establishment and you have to wait 20-30 minutes in the drive-through line anyway? You go by the drive-through window anyway to get your order. You might as well just place the order at the drive-up window, be able to vocalize exactly what you want in the order without the restrictions that the app forces you on it, and if they’re out of something or one of their machines are broken so they can’t do a part of the water, they can inform you of that before you give them your money.

McDonald’s is notorious for that. I used to give them a pass because you weren’t charged until you arrived there anyway, so it made sense that they didn’t prep ahead. But about four years ago now, I believe, they updated the app to charge you when you place the order, and then proceed to still not start your order until you go up to the drive-through window and give them your order code.