Sunday, February 05, 2006

McDonald's - Ringwood - American Cuisine

Store Name: Eastland
Suburb: RINGWOOD
Postcode: 3134
Address: TG1 Eastland Shopping Centre, Maroondah Hwy
Phone Number: (03) 9879 6324
Price Range: $5 - $8 for a meal, another $3 for dessert
URL: http://www.mcdonalds.com.au/

Review:

I'm not sure what I expected when I lined up in the queue at this counter-service-only McDonald's store (I have a problem saying 'restaurant' when it's just a counter amongst so many others in a shopping centre food court).

Maybe friendly service. Maybe value for money. Maybe healthy food. Maybe hygienic facilities and procedures. Maybe Elle MacPherson serving me wearing only bikini briefs.

Whatever it was, it soon become apparent that I was expecting too much from my dining experience.

From the lengthy queues (made all-the-worse by the pain-stakingly slow and clueless staff serving at the head of the line) to the most iritated and disinterested method of taking an order I have ever experienced, I was completely unimpressed with the level of staff enthusiasm portrayed during my visit.

They got my Quarter Pounder with Cheese 'grill' correct, though - which earned them a star all on its own.

The Fries were cold and not cooked enough, and the Coke was almost warm (with a little something wrong with the taste, as well - possibly the syrup and/or ice was playing up.

I came away feeling somewhat unsatisfied, and more grumpy than when I'd lined up. I guess this shows that it wasn't a terrific dining experience.

When the staff treat the customers with disrespect and make them feel as though they're being a bother, it kind of spells doom in my book.

Rating: 1 out of 5 stars.

Stars: *