I avoid buffets. My family knows that if we are to go to one, I have to be able to order ~off~ the menu, or I will not eat (family functions, I tend to jump in line first). I have learned that if I eat buffets - it get sick. I have concluded it to that I have a very sensitive stomach and any bug that would be on a handle or tong to pick food up, I'll get. If you think about it, buffets are good ideas but, do you know the sanitary lifestyles or lack of of those who also are sharing that handle? I order off the menu, yes, it may be the same food, but less people are around it. 

Luvd_Lioness:

If you think about it, buffets are good ideas but, do you know the sanitary lifestyles or lack of of those who also are sharing that handle? I order off the menu, yes, it may be the same food, but less people are around it. 

At the risk of my sounding really cheap, I have been a lot healthier ever since I stopped going out to eat so often. I get food poisoning easily. I've seen employees who were sick and who were working at restaurants. I've not only had fewer problems with food poisoning but also I've avoided things like the flu and colds.

Oh & my budget is healthier also.

Buffets and restaurants are not the happy experience they used to be. Sorry that no one seemed to care about lack of food. Customer service is all but non-existent. 

To be fair, they were hustling trying to get food out, but like the mgr said, once they get behind on a busy day, they stay that way.  The cursing, now, I'll agree wholeheartedly.  Absolutely no excuse for it, that and practically throwing your meat at you.

Well, guys.  Thanks for the H1N1 reminder, lol!  I was going to start a new thread about compelling reasons to eat at home and I think the biggest reason's been given already.  And I hadn't thought much about potlucks, either.  Hoo-boy......Liz.

 I'm glad you praised the good waitress - and I hope the manager did reward her!  

My Dh is a Mcdonalds GM and has been for 30 years and really enjoyed the job until the last couple of years. The powers that be are more concerned with profit and not customer service, they say they are short handed, but the truth is they are slashing staff so they can increase thier profits. Payroll is the highest controlable from the bottom line that and food cost that's why you have to ask for ketchup and napkins now days. With the increase on minimum wage they have slashed it even more. For example, you used to run lunch with 14 people for say a 700 dollar hour, now they run it with 7-8 and what suffers customer service. Cleanliness goes too, because the little lady who used to wipe the tables and clean the floors has either been laid off or is now in the kitchen. We are paying off all our debt now so my dh can get out of this buisness.

Gabbiecat's telling it like it is.  Everyone is short-staffing and both customers and employees suffer. Food is being left on steam tables all day instead of being changed out or replenished.  And those employees often are working two jobs and raising children in such spare time as they possess. It's a nightmare for all.