We are all aware of policies at Mc Donald’s restaurants when it comes to refills, but apparently some choose to look the other way. Yes ... I am talking about soda and coffee refills. People have been seen sporting their own cups in their back pockets while approaching the counter to order a sandwich (usually off the dollar menu), and then make their way to the beverage island. Clearly this is stealing, if this cup was not from that visit you don’t have any business filling it. I’m sure some people think nothing of it, especially since it is a multi-billion dollar business, but wouldn’t you like them to keep a dollar menu? I know I would.
Recently on my travels I had the chance to visit many Mc Donald’s found on the off-ramps of major freeways, and while I chose to stand back observing what families take in to these locations, I found it shocking. I once watched a family sitting outside their car as they watched patrons going in and out. Once somebody threw out a fresh cup, they would send a child over to the garbage to retrieve it and send them in for a refill. I guess what bothers me most is the fact of ... “what are you teaching your children?” Okay, so maybe there are extenuating circumstances here, but what about others?
I have witnessed retirees bringing coffee cups from days prior (obviously) and belling up to the coffee pots for refills. Don’t retirees get discounts? “I think so”. So what possesses these people to do this? Maybe some feel entitlement. I do know that many of these restaurants offer free refills to those patrons that purchase the same day, and employees are well aware of these things. Just because you are not always approached, don’t think that no one is looking; plenty of us are watching you.
I have a daughter who has worked at Mc Donald’s for years; proudly she is entering management now, but she has shared stories with me that just make me say ... “Wow!” Customers go to the counter, place an order, and then proceed to a table where others are waiting. Once they take everything out of the bag... they go back to the counter claiming they did not receive certain food items. In fact they like to make a scene because this ensures them that they will most likely walk away with them (free of charge of course). Not only do people steal, they lie without ever blinking an eye.
Its one thing to share a drink, (which I have done on occasion because I am not a soda enthusiast and just want to wet my mouth), but to share for the purpose of not purchasing a drink for each of you is like assuming you will get 2 for 1, so to speak.
We all want to save money, but stealing is not the answer. Call it what you want ... “freeloading” costs the rest of us to pay higher prices in the end; not to mention what it costs the employees (lower wages). Most restaurants will give you a cup to get water,
and that’s just what you should be putting in it, not lemonade. “I’ve seen it all”. So next time you believe that no one is watching ... think again. Be honest and spend that dollar for your drink and your food as well. We need to keep jobs and businesses open, and taking things without paying will not help our economy. Stay true to yourselves.
Make your week count.