A former McDonald's employee has finally settled the age-old debate: is it quicker to use the drive-thru or go inside? Emily Johnson, who worked at two different outlets in Salford and Grimsby, shared her insider knowledge, revealing that the drive-thru is often faster due to a timer system that turns service into an "extreme sport."
Drive-Thru Speed Explained
According to Johnson, the drive-thru operates under a timer that tracks how long it takes from a vehicle arriving at the speaker to driving off with the order. She explained: "We had a leaderboard inside with the fastest times compared to the rest of the UK's McDonald's restaurants. We would make this an extreme sport to try and get the number one spot. In-store don't have a leader board, so people tend to care more about the drive-thru targets." This competitive element drives staff to prioritise speed, making the drive-thru generally quicker than ordering inside.
Money-Saving Hacks
Johnson also shared tips for saving money. One popular hack is ordering a double cheeseburger "dressed as a Big Mac" – asking for lettuce and Big Mac sauce, which are free, resulting in a similar taste at half the price. She also advised comparing Extra Value Meals against individual items, as meals are often cheaper. Additionally, keeping an eye on seasonal promotions can yield further savings.
Best Time for Free Hash Browns
For those looking for a freebie, Johnson suggested visiting around 11am when some branches give away leftover breakfast items like hash browns to prevent waste. She emphasised being polite when asking, as it increases the chances of success.
Johnson noted that McDonald's in the UK is typically split into franchises with different rules, so these tips may not apply to all locations. The Mirror has contacted McDonald's for comment.
