Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Not a problem, I read it as Culvers

Red6

As is in many situations, there could be many factors or reasons for these issues. Pay is certainly one, fast food places are some of the lowest paying jobs and usually have few or no benefits. Most of these jobs are seen as starter or temporary jobs for teenagers.

Another issue is that after the covid lockdowns people have gotten used to staying home. Many workers do not want to return to a daily work routine at a workplace or office. This is a problem even at high-paying office and factory jobs.

Another factor is that some restaurants that stayed open with drive-thru only discovered they can make more money using drive-thru than dine-in. Overhead and labor are cheaper and they can actually serve more people. A restaurant owner that I know with both dine-in and drive-thru-only facilities told me that the drive-thru only restaurant's profit margin was considerably higher than dine-in. The drive-thru used a fraction of the employees and required a much smaller footprint of land. Since there is no "inside" area for patrons to dine, there is minimal clean-up, much less trash, and lower utilities. KFC is an odd exception, while they are an older, mature brand, I do not think they can figure out if they want to be a dine-in or drive-thru. They build tiny restaurants with a very limited dine-in area and parking areas but are set up for mostly drive-thru business. People are often confused as to what to do - eat in, order/carry out, or drive-thru.

Dine-in popularity also takes a hit from the current trend of take-out food delivery. Many of the stay at home people love to order take-out delivery. I have found this to be expensive but it seems to be popular with many. This is obvious from how many food delivery cars are seen on the road at any given time. The popularity of take-out delivery has also started a new trend - phantom kitchens/restaurants. These are restaurants that have NO dine-in or drive-thru facilities and simply cook and prepare food for take-out and delivery. Sometimes several restaurants of a particular company combine into one facility. An example is Yum Brands which operates Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and KFC. One facility can prepare and deliver food from any of these and the diner would never know they came from the same kitchen. A central call center located states away may take the call in order and send it to the appropriate kitchen for preparation and delivery.

Location is probably another factor. My wife and I move between Florida and Tennessee and I have seen these problems but at a much lower level in these states. Dine-in restaurants in both places seem to be thriving though they appear to be operating with fewer people and the general upkeep of the dining areas are often less kept than before. Florida, Tennessee, and other southern states seem to be gaining population. So this could be a big factor as people seem to be shifting more to warmer climates.

Covid forced a lot of changes in our society and it may take a decade or so to sort them out. But the reality is that we just need to adapt and move on.

StanMac Loc: Tennessee

The local Papa John’s local phone number is switched to a call center to take your phone-in order and to take your payment. However, if you go to the local location and walk in to order and pay, you’ll save several dollars. These call centers must be outsourced to a separate off shore business entity (the people have a definite foreign accent) who tack on a few dollars for each order for the convenience of ordering by phone. I always go to the store to order and wait a few minutes for the pizza to save four or five dollars on a large pizza order.

Stan

whatdat Loc: Del Valle, Tx.

I’ll second that. And in our area; Mighty Fine.

LestheK

Why do you eat that garbage anyway. Get a Pizza!!

KillroyII Loc: Middle Georgia

JFCoupe Loc: Kent, Washington

If you look at current unemployment data, there really are very few people 'sitting on their fat butts.' The real issue is that wages have lagged cost of living for years and businesses that have gotten by on low wages for a long time are facing a new reality. Additionally, the lack of a modern and appropriate immigration policy in our country is also a factor in having enough workers. There are many jobs that Caucasian individuals will not consider.
And finally, unemployment benefits do not last forever, so it is not an option for long term income.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

I would not be surprised to see all the folks coming across the border will be eager to work in the hospitality service sector for they do not have the same "this job is beneath me" mentality. You will find that when you go to the fast food restaurant when they bring out your order they will clean your windshield, check your oil and air in the tires and smile the entire time they are doing it. It's unfortunate that so many today fail to realize that their "I don't want to work" attitude will leave them economically far behind.

clint f. Loc: Priest Lake Idaho, Spokane Wa

Mature?

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Then their economics will match their attitude.

edrobinsonjr Loc: Boise, Idaho

Frank,

Its a mess! Also, have you noticed the prices. Around here a Big Mac is over $7.

I won't be going to Mickey D's any time soon.

Ed

Red6

Yes, McDonald's is everyone's favorite company to hate.

But, at lunch time the drive-thru is full along with lines inside.

And even better, Mcdonalds' stock pays great dividends and is a great value. This company knows how to make money. My stock portfolio is very happy with it.

edrobinsonjr Loc: Boise, Idaho

Thanks for the tip...

Ed

David Martin Loc: Cary, NC

Supposedly mature.

clickety

Also a great company as well, one that has ‘values’ and actually lives by them. 👍