When your total comes to $17, and you hand the cashier a $20 bill along with two $1 bills, anticipating a $5 bill in return, it simplifies your wallet by avoiding excess bills. However, it can be challenging for fast-food employees to accurately register the additional cash, especially when they are in a hurry. Keep in mind these odd reasons people have sued fast-food restaurants.

At some specific chain drive-throughs, you may be asked to pull aside or into designated parking spaces to maintain the smooth flow of orders. While you might believe waiting at the window is more convenient for the employees, it’s crucial to adhere to the given directions and park as instructed.

Leaving bags and wrappers at your table in a fast-food restaurant is considered impolite unless the trash can is completely full. When disposing of your waste, separate the wrappers from the baskets and only discard the actual trash. Be mindful of whether you might be unintentionally violating any obscure etiquette rules.

While you may be contributing to significant business, ordering lunch for a group of ten at a fast-food drive-through can cause delays for everyone in line. Consider ordering inside the restaurant or, even better, calling in your order in advance. Find out why Coke tends to taste better at McDonald’s than anywhere else.

When dining at a fast-food establishment with ketchup or hot sauce packets, it’s courteous to request them upfront instead of waiting near the register after receiving your order. This helps maintain an efficient line for others, and the cashier can stay at their station without needing to leave. Discover 12 more fast-food “facts” that are actually false.

While you might believe you’re assisting the cashier, paying with change can actually create challenges. It can lead to the cashier fumbling to count or provide change back, causing delays in the line. If you must pay with change, make it as straightforward as possible, such as using only quarters, to minimize disruptions. Fast-food drive-through employee John Frigo expresses frustration with this habit, noting that waiting in the cold for someone to get rid of all their pennies can be particularly annoying.

Instead of checking your order at the window, it’s advisable to pull into a nearby parking spot to ensure you have everything you need. If you discover any issues with your food, feel free to speak up; it’s acceptable to address concerns. Familiarize yourself with which fast-food restaurants customers find to be the most convenient.

Gianetta Palmer, a freelance writer for CarInsuranceComparison.com with eight years of food service experience, emphasizes the importance of having an idea of what you want or reading the menu before getting in line. When customers struggle to make up their minds, it can be frustrating for workers. Palmer recalls her time in a pizza joint where indecisive customers would read the menu until a line formed, then allow others to move ahead, apologizing throughout. While it may seem polite to let others go ahead, the more considerate approach is to decide beforehand. Having customers hover by the counter, trying to decide, can put employees in a challenging situation, especially when they need to attend to other tasks.

James Cobb, RN, MSN, a former Carl’s Jr. and Pizza Hut employee, shares his perspective on the practice of addressing fast-food employees by their first names. He finds it to be a form of forced familiarity that makes him uncomfortable. Despite wearing name tags, hearing a stranger use your first name can feel unnerving, as first names are typically reserved for friends and acquaintances, according to Cobb. This discomfort is particularly noticeable in situations where customers are simply ordering from someone with a name tag, as opposed to a server introducing themselves in a sit-down restaurant. It’s essential to be mindful of social norms and avoid behaviors that may make employees uneasy.

Engaging in small talk with a fast-food cashier might be perceived as a friendly gesture, but some questions can be bothersome, especially when they are repeatedly asked. James Cobb, a former Carl’s Jr. and Pizza Hut employee, recalls one of the most irritating questions he faced related to a promotional badge that read “I believe in old-fashioned values.” Customers would inquire about the values he believed in, putting him in a difficult position. Cobb struggled with deciding whether to provide a quick, casual response, be sincere, or explain that the badge was part of the company’s promotion. While customers may intend to be friendly and make conversation, it’s important to be mindful of the script and guidelines employees follow in their interactions.

While it’s generally considerate to dispose of your trash in the designated bin, there are exceptions, as pointed out by Becky Beach, a former employee of Taco Bueno. If the trash can is already full to the point of overflowing, putting more trash in it can lead to additional complications. Beach recalls that when the trash can was full, overflowing trash could fall to the floor, requiring her to mop up any spilled food or salsa. Mopping the floor is a more cumbersome task compared to simply picking up trays once the trash can has been emptied. Beach advises against throwing away trash in an already full can and suggests that if you notice a full trash can, refraining from using it would be appreciated by the employees.

John Frigo highlights an unusual situation that occurred during his time as a fast-food drive-through employee: customers attempting to hand him a joint through the drive-through window. While he appreciates the thoughtfulness, he emphasizes the impracticality of such gestures, stating, “Looks like you’re having a ball, but… I’m working.” Frigo acknowledges the good intentions behind these actions, but he is quick to point out that such behavior could potentially get him into trouble. Despite the customers possibly thinking they were being polite, Frigo emphasizes the importance of being mindful of the work environment and the responsibilities of the employees.

This habit can be frustrating for employees as it often leads to miscommunication and errors in the order. It also slows down the service for others in line.

When customers disregard these signs, it disrupts the efficient flow of the drive-thru, causing delays and potential confusion for both employees and other customers.

This not only holds up the line but also increases the likelihood of mistakes in the order, putting additional pressure on the staff.

Such behavior can create a negative atmosphere in the restaurant and is often demoralizing for employees who are working as fast as they can.

This creates extra cleaning work for the staff and can be unpleasant for other customers in the restaurant.

Avoiding trays can lead to spills and additional messes that employees have to clean up, making their job more difficult.

When customers don’t use these areas, it can lead to clutter and waste, making the dining area less tidy and more challenging to manage.

This behavior can be seen as manipulative and unfair, causing unnecessary stress for employees.

This habit slows down the transaction process, leading to longer wait times for everyone.

While some customization is expected, overly complex requests can disrupt the kitchen’s workflow and increase the chance of errors.

This can obstruct the flow of service and make it difficult for other customers to place their orders.

Ignoring refill policies not only creates additional costs for the restaurant but also shows a lack of respect for their rules.

This habit leads to waste and additional costs for the restaurant.

Improper disposal of gum can lead to a sticky mess that is unpleasant and time-consuming for employees to clean.

This can be frustrating for employees who are preparing to close and clean the restaurant, extending their working hours unexpectedly.