Who's Improving and Who's Failing in Restaurant Customer Service

McDonald's and Carl’s Jr. are among the big fast food chains casting out new fish items as a way to reel in customers—especially during Lent, when many diners cut back on meat. In recent months, fast food establishments have demonstrated a taste for chicken. Poultry has reached a new level of popularity among fast food restaurants and diners alike because it’s a cheaper and healthier alternative to beef (or at least it’s perceived to be so).

Every January, people make resolutions to lose weight, stay away from fatty foods, and save money, all of which can be accomplished by staying away from restaurants—fast food and takeout restaurants in particular. Naturally, restaurants launch some of their most tempting deals at this time of year, making it extra difficult to keep those resolutions. Toward the end of every calendar year, Americans splurge on holiday gifts and parties. Budgets and diets are temporarily banished, often with the idea that we’ll make amends to our financial statements and waistlines come January.

Every January, people make resolutions to lose weight, stay away from fatty foods, and save money, all of which can be accomplished by staying away from restaurants—fast food and takeout restaurants in particular. Naturally, restaurants launch some of their most tempting deals at this time of year, making it extra difficult to keep those resolutions. Toward the end of every calendar year, Americans splurge on holiday gifts and parties. Budgets and diets are temporarily banished, often with the idea that we’ll make amends to our financial statements and waistlines come January.

In a recent issue of The New York Times magazine, Mark Bittman argued that it's high time the U.S. had more "improved fast food" chains.

McDonald's ever-widening menu could be hurting business because it overwhelms customers and increases wait times. 

(amyadoyzie)

Jacob Wolinsky submits: Ark Restaurants (ARKR) owns and operates 20 restaurants and bars, 31 fast food concepts and catering operations. Seven restaurants are located in New York City, four are located in Washington, D.C., five are located in Las Vegas, Nevada, two are located in Atlantic City, New Jersey, one is located at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Ledyard, Connecticut and one is located in Boston, Massachusetts.