It is with great relief that I have realized that the fast food-industry is not stalking me. But here, in case you were wondering, is how I came to believe that I was being targeted: Last week, I went to Wendy's. I try not to do the fast food thing too much, but when you live the life of a 100-mile a day commuter, Wendy's is sometimes your healthiest option in that they will actually sell you a salad. So I end up there on days when I run out of time to pack a lunch or leave it sitting on my kitchen table, where it is so very useful. So I was at the Wendy's drive through window, picking up my salad. When the girl at the window gave it to me, she looked me right in the eye, and said "See you tomorrow." My car was already moving past the window, so I didn't have time to say "What?" But I spent the rest of my drive home wondering if I have come to be such a fixture at the Wendy's drive-through window that they truly believe they see me there every single day. Should I say something? Do they think I'm someone else? Am I going to Wendy's in my sleep and ordering huge quantities of French fries while unconscious? I was really quite disturbed about the whole thing.
But today, I worked up the nerve to go back to Wendy's. This time, I went inside to order because I needed to get cash out of the ATM, and while I was standing in line waiting to order, the cashier gave the man in front of me his food, smiled at him, and said "See you tomorrow." You could tell he was a little freaked out, but I was having the very reassuring epiphany that "See you tomorrow" must be Wendy's new little catch phrase. Kind of like "Have a nice day," but more intrusive. I still don't like it, but at least now I know they don't actually think I come in there every day.
See you tomorrow indeed.
Comments (6)
Reminds me of a chiropracter's office I used to go to where they answer the phone, "[Blank] Chiropractic, I can help you!" I didn't really feel more *helped* by having them say that rather than "how can I help you."
Posted by Rebecca | January 24, 2005 3:02 PM
Posted on January 24, 2005 15:02
This story totally CRACKED ME UP!!!!!
I am with you on the Wendy's thing. I commute 170 miles, and Wendy's is my friend when I'm in need. (though the new Starbuck's drive-through next door is turning into a rival). It's a perfect oasis in the middle of what is almost solid bayou between New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
Posted by Jeannette | January 25, 2005 2:46 PM
Posted on January 25, 2005 14:46
Jeanette, I thought you would appreciate that, road warrior that you are. rebecca, that's so annoying that your chiropractic office felt the need to get cute on you. I just don't understand the need for them to say anything to me. "Thank you" would suffice. Jeanette, I am so jealous that you have a Starbucks within range. If I don't stop at the one right by my house, I have a vast expanse of rural New Mexico to cope with without the aid of caffiene. It's not pleasant. Ah, commuting.
Posted by Haley | January 25, 2005 9:20 PM
Posted on January 25, 2005 21:20
I find that deeply disturbing. I really don't want fast food employees promising to see me the next day. Weirdness.
Posted by Bethany | January 26, 2005 6:24 PM
Posted on January 26, 2005 18:24
Haley...apperantly, greeting customers in a cheesy, unorthodox fashion is a new business trend. The Dominos in Hattiesburg now answers the phone: "WOW!!!! Thanks for calling Dominos!!!" In this really overly enthusiastic, vomit-provoking voice. It's like they are the smelly pizza place that none of the other pizza parlors will play with at recess, and they're absolutely dumbfounded that someone CALLED them. Have some self respect, guys! A little dignity never hurt anyone!
I love you, Haley! This was a hilarious post, by the way. It made my day.
Posted by Hannah | January 26, 2005 7:19 PM
Posted on January 26, 2005 19:19
Hi. I found your post because I have decided to make an issue out of requiring underpaid lackeys to work from a script. I can tell that some of them don't like saying "See you tomorrow!", especially because a lot of customers besides myself undoubtedly look at them weird. El oh well!
I actually went so far as to look up the Wendys website and suggest that they maybe try distinguishing themselves from the competition by treating their employees better than any other fast food chain, far from making them sing for their supper.
I got a phone call from some corporate entity today assuring me that their employees like saying "See you tomorrow!" He also said I would get a gift cerificate in the mail for my troubles. I then sent another e-mail thanking them for the call and suggesting that they take a look at whitedog.com to get an extreme idea of what it means to incorporate employee well-being and social consicousness into their game plan. The guy said that if more people complained they would change the policy. I guess you get free food out of the deal, too. Probably fries or something. :^)
Next I sent an e-mail to K-Mart suggesting that they try a similar approach to take a bite out of their monolithic competitor, which is not famous for how well it treats employees. I sent them to the whitedog.com site, too. Guess I'll see what comes of it. Mike in Albuquerque.
Posted by Mike Donohoe | February 14, 2007 9:56 PM
Posted on February 14, 2007 21:56