Hungry Jacks vs McDonalds – Round 1 | The Home of Ben May, Hervey Bay, QLD, Australia.

8th Aug 2009

Hungry Jacks vs McDonalds – Round 1

For the last month, my recent post about Hungry Jacks in Hervey Bay that I wrote back in 2007 has been very popular. The general swing of the comments have been, like many people I know, that Hungry Jacks seems to lack in service and what they deliver.

Tonight, Saturday Night, I thought, I’ll go and do a little social experiment, go and order a very similar burger from both McDonalds and Hungry Jacks and see what eventuates.

To make a more accurate statistic, you’d need to conduct this several times and different times to get a general consensus.

hjfix

Hungry Jacks

I walked in at approximately 7pm Saturday night, which I thought would have been a busy night, however I was served straight away, by the Manager, who I know has commented on this website before.

The order: A Whopper Meal (Large) with Diet Coke, and no Tomato, Onion or Pickles – Dine in.

The timer started the second I said my order.

The time: 00:04:37.4

Result: Apart from the INCLUSION of pickles when the Manager took my order for no pickles, everything else was fine. I heard the manager ask the staff about 8 times for the burger to be made, and there were not many orders being made through the counter.

photo-2

McDonalds

Straight after Hungry Jacks, we went to McDonalds. There weren’t many people at McDonald’s either – must be a quite time. <

The Order: A Large Quater Pounder Meal, with no Pickles or Onion, and diet Coke.

Again, the timer started the second I started talking.

The time: 00:01:49.6

Result: Everything was A-OK.

Verdict – Round One to McDonald’s

121 comments

Hi Ben,
Great post. While at Hungry Jacks, did you happen to check out the rubbish bin to see how many discarded ice cream cones there were?

Patricia on 9th August, 2009 at 8:58 pm
Hi Ben, good work. You’re becoming the next “supersize me” guy!
For you’re next test try this one:
Go through the drive through of each store with 4 kids (aged 6, 3, 2 and 7 months) and order 3 kids meals, each one with different burgers or nuggets, and each one with a different drink, ADD 2 more meals for the parents AND 5 different flavours and sizes of sundaes.
Make sure every child gets the right toy, and sauces and other accessories.
If you get asked to park and wait and McDonalds, you get bonus points if they dont forget about you and leave you there for 20 minutes before you decide to go in and complain.
MORE bonus points if by the time you get home any of the food is actually warm and edible!

twisty on 10th August, 2009 at 10:02 am
I forgot to mention the whole time you’re waiting the 7 months old baby is screaming.

twisty on 10th August, 2009 at 10:03 am
Twisty, sorry if this seems a little blunt, but if you are referring to your own situation, you seem to be blaming everyone else but yourself for having 4 children under 6, when clearly you aren’t prepared for the challenge. Have you thought of preparing and eating at home, instead of holding up the entire drive thru because of the fact that YOU can’t keep your willie in your pants? Sorry to be so blunt, but there are some places that families of 6 shouldn’t ever be – and a McDonalds drive thru just isn’t one of those places.

Patricia on 10th August, 2009 at 10:33 am
I think that is a little much Pat.. They’re called Family Restaurants.

I would even go as far as saying most of those chains would make more money from younger people, ie, Kids and Young Families.

Ben May on 10th August, 2009 at 10:37 am
Sorry Ben, I should have made myself more clear. I meant the “drive thru” is not a place for families of 6 with complicated orders. The restaurant itself is well suited to that sort of clientelle. The drive thru should be used for people in a hurry – tradesmen, people with an actual job etc etc.

Patricia on 10th August, 2009 at 10:43 am
I disagree really.. It’s a take away store.

If you expect high quality service, and a lack of children – head to a real restaurant.

Ben May on 10th August, 2009 at 10:46 am
Sorry, but we might have to just agree to disagree. It is NOT a take away store. It is a Family restuarant with a drive thru facility attacheed. The family restaurant complete with playground is within the store and surrounds. The drive thru is an add-on to facilitate those who don’t want to dine in, and who expect fast take away food. If every car had 6 people including spoilt children with specific tastes and needs, the whole think would grind to a halt. If I wanted to go to a store and get limited or no service, I’d go to Hungry Jacks at Hervey Bay.

Patricia on 10th August, 2009 at 11:18 am
Good Morning Patricia
i understand you hate us Yes we know there is a problem with service in the store and i am trying to fix it but it can’t happen over night and yes i have taken all your comments on board and are reviewing them all with the managers in store, at the end of the day i just want to see this bitch fest come to a stop.Thankyou for expressing your concerns and I can ensure you i am doing my best to change things. Ben i think its good that you are conducting these mystry shops but as for the photo dispalyed not to happy with i now have the parent of the young girl seen in the photo complaining to me about her picture being posted. Again Patrica Thanks for your comments.

SR on 10th August, 2009 at 12:16 pm
Thanks For That Ben That Should Keep the Parents Happy. Cheers

SR on 10th August, 2009 at 12:34 pm
SR – I really find it hard to believe that anyone would be able to recognize anyone out of that low res picture. Especially as that is a public / common area..

Never the less, I have blurred everything apart from me to keep the peace

Ben May on 10th August, 2009 at 12:35 pm
Thanks SR, for actually acknowledging the problems, and being willing to try to fix things. Well done. I will certainly give your store a go once again some time in the future to see how things have improved, and if they have, than I will certainly post the same. They only complaint I do have is this constant insistance on trying to divert attention AWAY from the real problem. In this case, you say that the parent of a child photographed is complaining. If that is actually true, then all he or she has to do is contact Ben (all his contact details are clearly displayed) and I’m certain he will remove the offending picture. But really, I seriously find that part hard to believe, because most kids love ANY sort of publicity- good or bad. And this photo doesn’t paint anyone in bad light. It’s the “service”, not the “photo” that is the problem. Please don’t shoot the messanger like others have done in this forum. Other than that comment. I really do appreciate your comments and your intention to make things better. I look forward to sampling the food sometime in the not too distant future. Regards, Pat

Patricia on 10th August, 2009 at 12:35 pm
Thanks Pat Like i said i hope it does not take to long i have started by moving some staff on and hiring new staff but it will be intersting to see how things go as i am away on paternitiy leave for 6 weeks soon so i hope they keep up with the training.as for the pic of the staff member my understanding is this girl is in foster care but i am happy now Ben Has Blurred the photo.
again Thanks.

SR on 10th August, 2009 at 12:43 pm
One thing I’ve noticed, SR, is that you type each word with a capital letter as in this example above. ….. “Thanks For That Ben That Should Keep the Parents Happy. Cheers:

And so does the poster named, “Hard-Working-Young-Guy”, when he posted this, “Patrica Ill Be Working Tonight You SHould Probabally Come In About 515 So you Dont Get Stuck In Dinner Rush, What Will You Be Ordering So I know Who you are?”

Is this somethiing that onlly people at HJ’s Hervey Bay do, or is it more likely that you two are one and the same posters? It’s just a very odd trait – and strange that two different and completely seperate people would share. Call me a suspicious – but all the lies I’ve been told to date make me that way.

Patricia on 10th August, 2009 at 12:49 pm
Pat I can tell you we are not the same person that person who is ‘Hard – Working – Young-Guy’
has been spoken to about his comments I will applogise on his behalf.

SR on 10th August, 2009 at 1:09 pm
You can work out if people are the same by looking at their pic on the right – it uses their private info and makes a pic for them.

Like on the other page, that Stephen and Casper person..

Ben May on 10th August, 2009 at 1:12 pm
It makes you wonder why one person would post under two or more names hey Ben ?

Patricia on 10th August, 2009 at 1:20 pm
17 comments and no resolution!!! Please tell, does your mother still wipe your bums?
Try eating real food, it’s good for the brain.

Jonangel on 10th August, 2009 at 2:50 pm
Come on Jon. We are only just trying to have fun. We don’t “infest” your political blogs with our “opinions”. Let us just have some fun. Join in if you like, but don’t take it all too seriously. Life is for living – as long as HJ’s food doesn’t kill us first.

Patricia on 10th August, 2009 at 2:53 pm
Just to weigh in…

We went to McDonalds after the Whale Festival to get Sundaes. The store was packed, we waited, only to be told there soft serve machine was broken. We went to Hungry Jacks drive-through and even though it was also busy, we got our Sundaes in a good amount of time with pleasant service. Oh and they were yummy too. )

Jenny on 10th August, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Just going to put my two cents in here:
The manager on that night should of been commended, as he was under staffed. And yes I am another manager there, and after taking my 4 yr old to the whale festival I decided to visit him and see how he was going, seen as though I did the day shift. As I walked in I could see he was rushed to his feet and although not working that shift, gave him a hand. But before i stepped in and helped he did do one hell of a job…

JB on 12th August, 2009 at 12:40 am
JB I don’t believe that was the case. Certainly from the restaurant side of things, there was myself, (pictured in centre) and a customer to my left and one to my right. I counted about 5 or 6 staff. You could see 3 or 4 employees if I didn’t blur the photo out.. so I don’t take that as a valid excuse..

Ben May on 12th August, 2009 at 8:27 am
Also – Pat and Cheese, I’ve deleted your stupid argument… all 19 comments from this post alone…

Ben May on 12th August, 2009 at 8:27 am
5 or 6 staff and just 3 customers IS regarded as being “rushed off their feet” at this particular store. That’s the whole point of the complaints. They just simply have no idea how to run the outlet.

Speaking of complaints, did The Cheese ask you to delete the posts, or did you decide to do it on your own, Ben? I’m a little disappointed you did that. What’s the point on people contributing to your blog if you are going to censor the comments? I feel like I’ve wasted the last 3 or 4 days of my life. What a waste.

Patricia on 12th August, 2009 at 9:37 am
No Pat, I decided last night before I went to bed I’ll delete these comments in the morning.. they aren’t suitable for all crowds…. I have still kept a copy of the dialog between you two, as I find it quite funny!

Ben May on 12th August, 2009 at 10:59 am
OK, as long as you have a copy. I thought though that that was all it was – quite funny. Some people apparently take life far too seriously.

Patricia on 12th August, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Patricia,
You didn’t really “wasted the last 3 or 4 days of
my (your) life”, did you?

If your answer is YES, I agree what a waste.

Jonangel on 12th August, 2009 at 2:18 pm
I had McDonalds today. Ordered a Family Chicken Meal Deal. It took less than two minutes to make. I was impressed, and now feel very full having only shared it with one other person.

The Cheese on 12th August, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Hi Patricia, thanks for your insightful comments. I will endevour to keep my junk in my trunk to keep you happy!

My comments were lighthearted but based on true events. Events that have happened many times.
I do agree there a places you just don’t go to with all my little ones, that’s we go through the drive through at a family take away restaurant, not out to dine in at the Bayswater on a saturday where i know we will annoy people.

McDonalds are the ones who flog their happy meals on TV. And yes we order 5 different meals, but what irritates me is when they constantly forget parts of your order when it’s really not that hard, and it’s on a sscreen above the window.

I am as prepared as i can be knowing exatly what we want before we go through so we don’t hold people up.
PLUS you’d think McDonalds would try a bit harder to get it right when whenevr we go in we spend aboput $35 in one hit!

I have found that Maccas and Hungry Jacks do a great job when you have 1 or 2 simple orders but after that seem to get disorganised and flustered and forget stuff.

That’s all i’m saying!

I bet Ben is sitting back reveling in his stream of comment wars!

SO thanks Patricia for keeping the spirit alive and making your ridiculous uneducated comments.

PS you smell

twisty on 13th August, 2009 at 11:46 am
Im sorry but maybe you read what I said wrong or did I NOT say AFTER the whale festival, and considering you were on Front Counter how would know of maybe 6 or 7 cars could have been in drive thru….see these things can slip past your normal train of thought, because you ARE the customer and your only thinking of what YOU want, THEN AND THERE!!!! Not being rude, just stating the obvious….

JB on 21st August, 2009 at 3:42 pm
JB – I did consider that, however McDonald’s also have the same potential variables to consider. So unless we’re going to factor in every possibility, it’s not going to be a 100% scientific analysis will it.

Ben May on 21st August, 2009 at 6:01 pm
JB’s attitude is EXACTLY the problem. No matter how bad the service is, they ALWAYS have an explanation or excuse. What they REFUSE to address is why it is only HJ’s at Hervey Bay that has the problem and not any other outlet? As suggested earlier, perhaps the first step would be to NOT employ children like JB as managers.

Patricia on 21st August, 2009 at 7:43 pm
How sad it is that the managers of Hervey Bay Hungry Jacks who were so upfront and willing to defend their repretation falled into a puddle of mud at the very first piece of evidence presented before them. How very very sad indeed. All they had was to request that a low resolution photo be blurred because it might cause problems to their staff. They seem to forget that the customer is the issue. They ignore ALL the complaints, but attack the person who tries to calmly point out the problem. I’ve tried to address the issues, but it is quite clear that they don’t want to listen -and they don’t want to admit there is ANY problem whatsoever. That’s their right I guess. And as some of their more mature managers have said, ‘the costmera’s ceep comin bak so who gives a shitt’ – I don’t expect much will change.

Patricia on 23rd August, 2009 at 7:55 pm
oh just shut up u idiots stop complainin and get over it, we hungry jacks people try ok so come work for us see how hard tha bluddy thing is and then give ur stupied opinions, were normal people with normal lives, but all u bitches make it that one step worse. we dont give much care in what we do anymore because all of u complain even when its difficult so just piss off and come back when you’ve felt tha fucking stress

Meko on 24th August, 2009 at 9:33 pm
do any of u have a life? i only came on here coz i currently am bored and dont have any work to do for skool so im not a loser like you peeps and at least im gettin paid even if i give bad service. if you dont like the pickles on the bluddy burger there is a simple method……..take the top bun off, remove the pickle, put the top bun back on and there u go eat and feed your fat faces

Meko on 24th August, 2009 at 9:36 pm
Oh Goodness, where do I start with those comments..

I’m guessing Hungry Jacks is your first real job? so you’re basing the fact that it’s the most stressful thing out there on nothing.

I wish I could get paid for giving bad service.

I guess if I ask for a red car and they give me a blue one, I should just go paint it?

Good on you for thinking what you’ve written is acceptable.

Ben May on 25th August, 2009 at 8:43 am
Meko,
Seeing as you have time on your hands at the moment! Please tell, what is a normal person?
How do you define “normal lives” ?

As to stress, I find fornication releaves mine so I suggest you don’t do it at work.

Jonangel

Jonangle on 25th August, 2009 at 8:45 am
It seems ‘Patricia’ has some deep hatred towards the Hervey Bay Hungry Jack’s store. Perhaps she blames the food from there, not her lack of self control for her weight problem?

Regardless, I fail to see how she can judge what makes a HJ restaurant run and what doesn’t. I don’t believe she has showed any qualifications in the area of fast food or retail, neither has she actually given any suggestions on how the store should be run.

Her comments are indeed baseless and unnecessary. Furthermore, we have no evidence at all that Ben is not falsifying the service times in favour of McDonalds. He always seems to have more personalised comments for HJ’s than McDonald’s, which leads me to believe there is some kind of favouritism happening here.

After checking the average service time for customers that entered the store from 6:30 to 7pm and 7pm to 7:30pm this theory gains even more weight. The average front counter service times for those periods were both around the 1:30 mark with an average order value of $10. Ben’s order was less than this, yet the time he quoted was much higher.

Make your own minds up. The people on this website seem to lack any form of normality or deep thought.

Renton on 25th August, 2009 at 4:02 pm
‘Renton’ – firstly, you do not use your real name, which automatically puts you to the gutless level. If you feel so strongly about this, put your name to it.

Secondly, if you were to filter out the 100 odd comments that are crap, there would still be 10 – 20 comments from other legitimate people (your customers) who have had a bad experience. Futhermore, if you actually read my original post that started this off, it was other readers that started the chain of ‘anti Hungry Jacks’ comments. I was writing a post with curiosity of the new HJ store being open, why would I advertise HJ if you believe that I was an employee of said restaurant? Answer me that.

Ben May on 25th August, 2009 at 4:11 pm
I would hardly agree, Ben, that there have been 10-20 UNIQUE comments here that degrade the reputation of HJ’s.

You seem to have addressed one of the issues that I have asked, but have ignored all the others. I am interested to see your response in relation to the average service times which CANNOT be falsified, as they are company record. Perhaps you aren’t an employee of another restaurant, but this doesn’t mean you are not biased.

I have also fixed up the name issue. I don’t believe the name I used before was that far off my real one, so gutless perhaps isn’t the correct word to describe me.

As for Ryan, he has no authority in the Hervey Bay store. Any comments made by him are purely his views and not represented by any other employee’s or management figures of the store.

Brenton on 25th August, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Brenton, if that’s your name, as the email you provided says your name is something else, however we won’t go into that.

Regarding your internal (am I right in presuming that?) statistics can say what ever management want them to say. And as I quoted on this post, that these statistics I revealed are from a once off test. That, backed with my past experiences, and many other people I know and other readers of this site tend to agree with have stirred the pot with yourself, and other HJ staff.

I am as biased as any one of your customers. I’m a typical overweight Australian who enjoys take away from time to time; I go everywhere, and while no Take away outlet is perfect, from my many years of eating take away, the Hervey Bay Hungry Jacks store is the worst.

This entire conversation seems to have struck a nerve with yourself, and many employees, and while I can understand it is not desirable to have someone critisise how your business is run, these people are your customers, and I must imagine it is quite disheartening to see some of the genuine comments unfurl.

Rather than accepting my, or anyone’s comments or oppinions, you have shot them down, taken as malice, or assumed that it is some kind of rival relationship with a competing take away store (McDonalds)

Ben May on 25th August, 2009 at 5:20 pm
Whether the email address I provided is valid or not has no relevance in this discussion. It seems you are obsessed with identifying the people defending HJ’s – but you do not seem to care at all about the identity of the people who are complaining about the service provided.

Without going through and manually counting, there seems to only be a handful of complaints that are from different sources. You may be able to understand that it is difficult to take such complaints seriously when the main offender, Patricia, seems to make claims that are unfulfilled. Her offer to be served by Ryan was never taken up, and her claim of a fry scoop being reused after being dropped is completely ludicrous.

Her obvious hatred of our store has lead her to making accusations that are damaging and untrue. I am appalled by her immaturity, especially considering she claims she is of reasonable age.

The reason why this thread has struck a nerve with the employee’s of Hungry Jack’s is because we know these claims of poor service and bad quality aren’t true. Obviously there are times where there are customers who will not receive their order in under two minutes, and this is generally because of issues that are beyond our control.

I personally have had quite a few issues with McDonald’s. People fail to realise that their new make to order scheme actually isn’t make to order. McDonald’s Hervey Bay still hold burgers at the end of the chute that are NOT held at a temperature safe for the food in question. This leads to many issues, but the main one being food satisfaction.

You say that you ordered a food item that was special from McDonald’s (without pickle and onion from memory). This means that they would have to make the burger from scratch, but in any general case they always hold burgers when there should be NO burgers held on level at all. If Patricia is concerned with food safety then she should be concerned with McDonald’s, not Hungry Jack’s who hold burgers at the correct temperature and time.

So if the same criticism of McDonald’s was shown as it is for Hungry Jack’s perhaps we wouldn’t be so upset. But until that happens please expect resistance.

Brenton on 25th August, 2009 at 6:17 pm
Brenton- Two wrongs don’t make a right. Who cares what McDonalds do or don’t do.

Ignore Patricia on this topic, as we have discovered, she is not a frequent dinner at your store, and I agree, her comments are substantially un-bassed. However she does make the occasional remark which is correct.

To date, (you included) only one HJ staff member has acknowledged any complaint as valid, rather than turning the argument around.

My ‘experiment’ was as even as possible, and HJ Failed the test, however as one of your earlier staff members remarked, I should quit my bitching and just deal with the shit service they get paid for?!

I applaud you for making your point, and doing so with good punctuation and grammar, it does go along way to me.

As for identifying people, I like to identify anyone who posts on this site. Not Just HJ employees… I do have more of a life than that

Ben May on 25th August, 2009 at 6:40 pm
It would be ignorant to say that the service at HJ’s at all times is good. Perfection is something we aim for, not something we can always deliver. Having said that, there are some staff who should not have their jobs. This is currently being addressed by the training of new staff. These new staff will replace the old staff who have no desire to work hard and provide the standard of service that is expected by customers.

It seems that your dining experience has been rather unfortunate at our restaurant, but I do want to assure you that there are staff there that are genuinely interested in being there. It is of course hard to find teenagers that have any care in the world about anything other than partying, but I assure you that we try to employ them.

Some of the problem comes down to the simple fact that even though we have been open for a year, we are still experience staff fluctuations and incompetency. McDonald’s have been open for a much longer period and have had the time for trial and error, and the time to find an employee base that works hard and shows initiative. We are still aiming to provide this, but it’s proving harder than it seems.

It is unfortunate that no other crew of Hungry Jack’s that have posted on here have shown any kind of professionalism. The rude comments and language I believe have only triggered further problems instead of resolving the ones that are already present.

I would love to suggest to you a time that you would get the service that we wish we could provide on a daily basis to every customer – but unfortunately that’s not a reality. I would be interested in providing for your next dining experience at Hungry Jack’s, however, I don’t believe that you would accept my offer since you have been so turned off by bad service in the past.

My doubts about the service times you provided are still there, but I can, as you say, recognise that there are issues there and I can tell you that we are making the best of attempts to resolve these.

Brenton on 25th August, 2009 at 7:01 pm
Brenton – thank you for that comment, it almost feels like we’ve got somewhere.

I still visit HJ’s along with all the others. HJ’s is fortunate to have a good product behind it that keeps people coming back. Somewhat like (not as severe) as an addiction.

Ben May on 25th August, 2009 at 7:07 pm
I agree, that FINALLY we seem to be getting somewhere. Though accusing me of having a weight problem which somehow makes any complaiint of mine “irrelevant” surprises me. Is it policy that it’s acceptable to give bad service to people who have a weight problem? Perhaps that’s why you had to wait so long for your burger, Ben?

And then they complain about McDonalds and accuse them of storing food in the shute at unacceptable temperatures. So it’s OK to criticise MacDonalds, but to DARE criticise HJ’s and every has a hissy-fit. Me thinks the truth hurts.

And if they really are addressing the staff issue, why only recruit teenagers? Why not employ mature people to supervise the teenagers? I’d even consider coming out of retirement to help “steer the ship” for a couple of days a week.

Patricia on 26th August, 2009 at 7:46 am
Brenton said, “So if the same criticism of McDonald’s was shown as it is for Hungry Jack’s perhaps we wouldn’t be so upset. But until that happens please expect resistance.”

How can we show the same criticism of McDonalds? Sure they have problems too, and so do every business. But the problems at HJ’s in Hervey Bay is absolutely disgraceful. There is no comparison in the criticisms.

Patricia on 26th August, 2009 at 7:49 am
My comment about your weight was purely of a humorous nature, Patricia. It is absurd to suggest that someone with a weight problem would be treated differently. Obviously you cannot understand when someone is being facetious.

I am complaining about McDonald’s purely because it seems that you are only recognising the faults of HJ’s. If both McDonald’s and HJ’s could be equally criticised, and believe me they can, then it would be a more even playing field.

Your comments about employing older people may make sense in your mind, but it’s just not a viable option. Taco bell in the US tried employing more mature people instead of teenagers (people aged from 25 to 50). They actually found that the service was slower, funnily enough. This is because:

a) Teenagers have more energy
b) Teenagers pick things up more easily
c) Teenagers can work longer hours
d) Teenagers can be replaced easily

There were other issues but I’m not sure they would be relevant to this particular conversation. I can guarantee you though, Patricia, if you came and tried to manage a HJ’s store you would completely fail in all entirety.

Whether you choose to recognise my points or not is your problem. As far as I’m concerned your main objective is to cause fighting, not to ensure the speed of service is fixed in HJ’s.

Brenton on 26th August, 2009 at 9:55 am
How would you know how I’d cope managing a fast food store? But you seem to be missing the entire point. The “speed” of the service is only a minor matter compared to the real issues discussed here on other forums. How come it is ONLY your store that has the problem? I understand your point that Maccas has been open longer and have managed to secure a base level of reliable competent staff, while your store has only been open a year and have yet to secure those staff – HOWEVER, have you noticed that Maccas also employ quite a few mature staff. I have NEVER been to their store where all staff appear to be teenagers. There is ALWAYS a responsible adult to keep an eye on things – and this ensures that nobody picks up a fry scoop after dropping it on te floor and reusing it. Or kids trying to clean a table and spraying it with disinfectent while people are trying to eat at the same table. Let me assure you, BOTH these things accurred on just one visit to your store recently. On another occassion, after taking my money, the teenager grabbed the cone and then proceeded to wrap the paper towel around it. But you aren’t concentrating on this issues – instead calling your customers fat, other staff abusing anyone who dares to complain, and YOU trying to deflect the issue to Maccas, or simplifying the complaints to “speed of service” alone.

Patricia on 26th August, 2009 at 10:14 am
Brenton, for every argument you put up as to WHY you can’t employ adults, I can put up REAL LIFE examples of the opposite. Let’s face facts, the existing business model isn’t working. Why not at least try something different, or at least acknowledge there’s a very serious problem and take steps to address it.

Patricia on 26th August, 2009 at 10:16 am
“b) Teenagers pick things up more easily”

What a joke. Their idea of “multi-skilling” is being able to slice pickles as well as a tomato.

If you seriously believe that teenagers do a better job in all the aspects you mentioned, you have been brainwashed. The ONLY thing they are better at is partying, texting, and of course the all important one – they are CHEAP LABOUR. Don’t hide behind this other crap. They are cheap to employ and that’s the ONLY reason they are there. And the ONLY reason they want to be there is because they are too young for the dole and too dumb to go back to school.

Patricia on 26th August, 2009 at 10:22 am
Brenton said , ‘Obviously you cannot understand when someone is being facetious. ”

Oh the irony. Have you read some of my previos posts? And you reckon “I” can’t understand when someone is being facetious. Just when I thought you were starting to make sense, you prove otherwise.

There’s a saying that says, “Better to keep your mouth closed and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt” Me thinks your picture should be placed next to that quote.

Patricia on 26th August, 2009 at 10:34 am
As for your viewing of mature people in McDonald’s – they are management. Company policy states that at HJ’s there is to be only one manager on day shift and one manager on night shift. This is not something that can be changed.

As for your assessment of the kids that work at our store, you are seriously misguided. Your comment of ‘too dumb to go back to school’ is not only ridiculous but undermines my ability to take your comments seriously. All of our night crew currently go to school, and we have a very high percentage of students from private schools that are crew.

I am not amused by your apparent lack of sensibility or reasoning. YOU WERE A TEENAGER ONCE. I think this is the most important thing to remember. You obviously have no idea about kids these days, and this is leading to your poor judgement in what needs to go on.

I suggest you make opinions that you can back up with facts and experience. You have no right to call employee’s dumb or stupid, because we have a staff base that, on average, is quite intelligent and hard working. There are just a few that let the team down.

Work on your ability to put points up without insulting these people and I might listen to you.

As for your comments on the fry scoop, I doubt this happened. If it did it was obviously a bad mistake and will be addressed in the next staff meeting. As for your comment on the ice cream, that is obviously incorrect procedure being shown as well. I do apologise that you had to receive a cone that was unsanitary, and this issue will be addressed also.

Brenton on 26th August, 2009 at 10:43 am
Brenton said, “Work on your ability to put points up without insulting these people and I might listen to you.”

Why not just say, “do as I say, not as I do”?

You call me fat, – you call me immature, -you say I’m so uneducated that I wouldn’t be even able to hold down a job at a fast food outlet, yet you say not to insult you.

Oh the irony.

Patricia on 26th August, 2009 at 11:04 am
You also ask me to only make comments that I can back with facts. What FACTS do you have that I’m fat, immature, or uneducated to the extreme extent that I couldn’t hold down a job at HJ’s?

These arguments work both ways..

Patricia on 26th August, 2009 at 11:07 am
Being fat or uneducated having nothing to do with being able to hold a management job at Hungry Jack’s. You simply would not have the training necessary to run the store and it would fall apart.

You’re nitpicking now, which is saying to me that you have no other valid points.

Brenton on 26th August, 2009 at 12:23 pm
While I don’t work at the Hervey Bay Hungry Jack’s, I am a manager at another store. And I would just like to point out:
1) Yes, we do employ younger people for the cheap labour.
- This is because we have targets to beat. If we don’t beat the budget, then not only does the rostering manager get in trouble, but the other managers at the store (whether they have anything to do with costing crew out or not), the restaurant manager, and district manager all get in trouble from the state manager.
Yes, it does seem silly to have such hard targets to beat, but that is how we excell!! (think about it, if you didn’t have targets to beat at your work, then how would they make a profit??)
2) Some stores *do* have a higher Speed Of Service than others.
- But, as Make To Order is coming into effect at Hungry Jack’s in September, all stores across Australia are being drilled about there SOS times.
While some customers have to wait for their orders (especially specials), wouldn’t you rather wait for a super fresh burger/fries than receive an old crusty burger that you can do the “knock test” on?? (A burger that has been sitting in the heat chute for so long, that you can knock on the bottom + it makes a loud noise.)
3) The phrase “The burgers are better at Hungry Jack’s” has been proven to be true.
- At my store, we are a lower volume store than Harvey Bay, but we are still getting double digit sales growth, and more customers through our doors every day…

Also, Ben:
It isn’t a big deal, but if you notice the two burgers that you ordered from both Hungry Jack’s and McDonald’s are similar sized, they are completely different burgers…
Firstly, a Whopper has salad on it + takes (on average, as per our training – if you have a competent burger maker) 35 seconds to make. And, while you did ask for it to be made as a special, meaning it should technically take less time to make, this is when that is the only burger on order (the only burger to make in the whole store, with nothing else to worry about).
Secondly, a Quarter Pounder, is just like a big cheeseburger (and has no salad, probably takes around 15 seconds to make).
It appears that you didn’t take this into account when you chose your burgers to order.
Next time you choose to do this SOS challenge, I would suggest that you choose burgers/meals that are more similar like from the chicken range?

Finally, I would just like to point out, at my store, if anyone even thought about not practicing good hygiene (ie. dropping the fry scoop + re-using it straight away!!) I would give them a written warning (3 + you’re fired might I add)…
There are procedures in place that everyone should be following nation wide in order to stop poor hygiene being practiced…
We even have different colours for different areas (ie. green for outside, yellow for toilets, etc) so that germs can’t be cross-contaminated between areas. We use different coloured tongs in order to stop cross-contamination out the back (silver for raw meat, red for cooked meat, etc). We use aprons + yellow gloves for even walking into the restrooms.
In the initial training session, all of these get taught to the new crew (and managers!!), and I have worked at more than one store, so (if the crew are still there…) I know that they are being put in place at those stores at least.

AG on 26th August, 2009 at 5:43 pm
Sadly, while your customers are trying to give you some constructive advise via this website, once again you are shooting the messanger, and ignoring the evidence that is stacking up. You still haven’t even tried to explain why it is only the Hervey Bay store which has these seriousl issues.

While we are trying to give you guidance on how to better “steer the good ship Hungry Jack’s”, all you are interested in is rearranging the deck chairs. What’s the point of getting rid of your current teenage school drop-outs, if all you are going to do is employ other teenage school drop-outs?

The valuable information that has been provided on this website would cost you tens of thousands of dollars if you had used a consultant. Instead of throwing cheap insults at us (like calling us fat etc), you could act on the information and make the store one our community could be proud of. I hope you sleep on this before just snapping back another abusive post.

Patricia on 26th August, 2009 at 6:33 pm
I ordered a stunner meal the other day, I asked for the upgrade to large when I saw the $1 feature.
I asked for RASBERRY FANTA and the guy said would you like to upgrade to large sir, I said YES and rasberry fanta.
I was asked at the window what flavour sundae I would like I said Caramel, meanwhile the girl already made Chocolate? The other girl said oh well xxx you have wasted our icecream.
So I got my order except for the Rasberry fanta drink.

BigMeatPete on 26th August, 2009 at 6:45 pm
I think you are deluded, Patricia. Ben himself even hinted at the fact that your comments are beyond reasonability and worthiness. When you say ‘customers’ what you really mean is you. Ben and one other member have expressed their short comings, and since we have hundreds of customers on a daily basis it seems like such a small statistic.

The fact of the matter is there is no ‘evidence’ stacking up. Your word isn’t evidence, it’s just that – your word. No one else has complained about unhygienic practices, and the store has been inspected and passed for food safety standards.

You say that Hervey Bay is the only store with service issues, and that’s incorrect. I think I would be the one to know a little more about that than you, so I’d stop with that point right there.

As for your point about employing other ‘drop outs’, it seems that you have some kind of technology we don’t. We have employed staff that we believe, and upon meeting believe will work to the standards that they are required to. However, we are unable to see the future and cannot judge how they will perform once they’ve been trained. If you have some kind of secret future telling device I’d love for you to share it with me.

Our staff come from a variety of different backgrounds and as I’ve mentioned before many of them come from Xavier and other private schools. They are not drop outs – far from it. All you are doing is insulting people with your comments and that’s not necessary.

As for your constant claim of me throwing insults at you (which happened to a facetious comment with no hurt intended) it seems that you are ignoring the fact that in EVERY post you insult someone that works at Hungry Jack’s. I think there’s a little bit of pot calling the kettle black – don’t you?

I think you should seriously doubt your ability to post comments that are conclusive and helpful. Arrogance isn’t something you should be proud of, Patricia.

Brenton on 26th August, 2009 at 6:51 pm
That’s unfortunate, Pete. Sometimes it’s assumed that the customer wants a chocolate sundae and not another flavour. This shouldn’t happen but sometimes in an effort to save time and get the order out quicker it does. If you have ever not received an item of your meal by mistake you should most definitely park out the front and request a replacement item. It’s usually just a case of forgetting to hand the drink out.

Sorry for this inconvenience.

Brenton on 26th August, 2009 at 8:56 pm
Brenton said, “This shouldn’t happen but sometimes in an effort to save time and get the order out quicker it does. If you have ever not received an item of your meal by mistake you should most definitely park out the front and request a replacement item.”

Once again, you have an answer to everything. Just like your team member who suggested if you ask for no pickles and you get pickles, just remove it yourself. You say if you get the wrong order through the driveway, park out the front and come in and complain. Yes, that IS convenient – especially for disabled people. But you don’t care about that clearly.

You clearly need a manager like AG to come to your store and teach you and your team how to run a proper retail outlet. You can probably get away with this sort of practice if you were selling books or mobile phones, but when it comes to food, it is a completely different matter.

Patricia on 27th August, 2009 at 8:58 am
Please, please, please AG, transfer to Hervey Bay. We could definitely use a manager like you who appreciates food hygiene practises. We’d love to have you here. No wonder your current store is doing so well. Not only are your team doing the right thing, but they are highly visible by the public to be doing the right thing. That is something sorely missed at this store. But nothing will change because they simply won’t acknowledge there is a problem.

Patricia on 27th August, 2009 at 9:01 am
I was at a networking meeting today and I brought up the subject of Hungry Jacks, and someone mentioned something that has not been discussed in this forum. This person had an explanation as to WHY the staff and management of this particular store refuse to acknowledge there’s any problem whatsoever.

The reason is this – the current schooliing education system doesn’t allow teachers to repremand students, or even give them a fail, or even any sort of grading at all. They are NEVER told when they are not achieving, and hence they think this will continue into real life. They refuse to accept criticism, and do not believe it when someone tells them they got something wrong.

As for their managers (like Brenton), they are from the same school of thought because they are only a couple of years out of school themselves. Once again, they have NEVER been told that they have done anything wrong, and most certainly won’t accept any complaints or criticism from anyone.

It all comes down to attitude, which is clearly obvious by reading the comments on this site. It’s time for a change in management.

Patricia on 27th August, 2009 at 11:27 am
Patricia,

I think you are wrong, the youth of today are no better or worse, than the youth of mine or your days.
The fault lies with us, respect for all things has to be won, it’s not a given. If a child asks and gets whatever the want, they don’t respect it.
If their parents slag off at each other, the child feels this is the norm.
When our pollies lie through their asses, children think lieing is acceptable.
If as you claim the service and product at HJ’s is
poor? The answer is simple, don’t go there, if the bulk of the population agree with you? HJ’s will soon wake up, if you are one out HJ’s won’t
notice and will continue business as usual.
Problem solved.

Jonangel

Jonangel on 27th August, 2009 at 11:55 am
So John, you’re suggesting I should simply vote with my feet? If enough people follow suit, HJ will be forced to change? If not, it should be business as usual?

So on the same basis, if I don’t like the idea of the Traveston Crossing Dam, I shouldn’t vote Labor at the last election. If enought people do the same, the dam would be scrapped. If not enough do, then it will be business as usual and nothing should change, right? No?

How come different rules apply to these two examples?

Patricia on 27th August, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Patricia,
Exactly right, using your analogy if enough people had voted Independent, Greens or LNP.
We would have had either the greens or Independent holding the balance of power or an
LNP government. Either way Traveston would not have been built. Nor should it be.

But back to HJ’s, I don’t eat that sort of thing myself. But if I go to an eatery that lacks good
food or has bad service in my opinion, I never go
again and I tell all my friends and acquaintances
the reason why.

Jonangel

Jonangel on 27th August, 2009 at 1:11 pm
I suppose that’s exactly what we are doing here. We are just simply using this blog as a method of telling our friends and acquaintances the reason why.

Back to the Traveston Dam, seeing that not enough people told Labor they didn’t want the dam,doesn’t that mean it should be business as usual. In other words, don’t they now have a mandate?

Patricia on 27th August, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Patricia,

I stand to be corrected, but a mandate in my view only applies to announced policy.
Traveston Dam, if memory serves me had been put on hold pending an environmental study. As such it was not put as government policy at the last election.

However, some could and would argue
that as the government was re-elected
their old policies still stood and that would have some validity.

Sadman

Jonangel on 27th August, 2009 at 3:10 pm
AG said to Ben, “Next time you choose to do this SOS challenge, I would suggest that you choose burgers/meals that are more similar like from the chicken range?”

The only problem with that AG, is that many of us have actually seen the way some staff at HJ’s in Hervey Bay handle their food. While 9 times out of 10 they probably get away with it with red meat, but I for one am not willling to risk Listeria contamination with their chicken. The risk is far too great.

Patricia on 28th August, 2009 at 10:14 am
I would like to say that I am so deeply offended by remarks that Hungry Jacks only employs high school drop outs who are stupid and useless. I graduated in 2007 in Hervey Bay, received an OP of 8, and topped the grade in maths. I am sad to be leaving the store to further my studies in the very near future, if I had chosen to stay, October would mark 2 years with the company, and I would not be ashamed of this. Nobody has denied that the service can be slow, and everybody makes mistakes. The world would surely benefit from a little understanding. I understand that you have been disappointed, you should understand that working at Hungry Jacks for those “high-school drop-outs” (most of whom did not drop out of high-school) is a way to gain experience and earn some extra responsibility in their lives. Don’t you remember your first job as a teenager? It’s hardly fair to state such a harsh generalisation about teenagers, when you’re specifically attacking the ones trying to make something of themselves, rather than the ones who got pregnant before graduation, got into the drug scene, or are still in school, but never go anyway. I won’t be back on this site, so it doesn’t bother me whether or not you decide to attack me as well, but it seems you need other things to occupy your time. Read a book. I cannot wait to leave this town.

PF on 30th August, 2009 at 10:50 pm
Ok Patricia, Firstly I don’t work at Hungry Jacks and don’t care about their food or service. I am however, a teenager and i take offense to your remarks about how the current education system does nothing but churn out stupid, arrogant and useless failures who can’t tackle any real life situations. I attended a public school in Hervey Bay along with many of the people that work in Hungry Jacks.I also worked in a fast food restaurant for quite some time. According to you i must be a stupid, useless delinquent that doesn’t have any mental ability above texting. However I’m currently undertaking my first year of study for a bachelor of biomedical science, go figure. Maybe if you had made some better decisions about your life when you were my age you would not have to spend your retirement arguing on blog sites about whether some kid at Hungry Jacks didn’t give you a serviette with your 50c cone.

Zach on 30th August, 2009 at 11:21 pm
PF wrote, “I won’t be back on this site, so it doesn’t bother me whether or not you decide to attack me as well,…”

Well this comment just proves my point about the attitude of todays teenagers. They have gone right through their lives without anyone criticising them and they don’t know how to handle it when they enter the “real world”. If teachers were allowed to “grade” their performance and show them when they are wrong, perhaps they wouldn’t be this way today.

But instead, when they are told they are doing wrong in the real world, they say their piece, and then put their fingers in their ears and run away. Hey PF, you can’t run away from everything that doesn’t go your own way all your life. Eventually you’ll have to face facts.

Patricia on 31st August, 2009 at 7:53 am
Patricia,

I would enjoy taking the time to personally meet you and discuss your issues with the store in person. Since you have so many interesting topics to discuss about our store, I would love to spend time with you in an effort to better our performance.

If you are interested in such a meeting, please let me know.

Brenton on 31st August, 2009 at 9:15 am
Patricia, I also work at Hungry Jacks and I find it really quite offending for you to judge every single one of us, when you don’t even know any of us (besides your grandaughter?). I am far from a dropkick. I go to school and still manage to hold good grades, and I take my job seriously. I know some of the people there don’t, and I do agree it does get quite frustrating for people like me, as well as customers. To say that we can’t read or write, and won’t get any further in life than Hungry Jacks is quite ridiculous. If you have such a problem, quit having this pathetic little bitch on Ben’s blog, and go organise a meeting with the managers and say it to there faces. Our managers do a great job, and work there hardest everyday, I would like to see you try and do there jobs for a day. It’s not easy. We realise there is a bloody problem with our store, and we are trying to address these issues. If you have such a big problem with Hungry Jacks, don’t go there. If you see something (like one of the front counter girls not sanitizing there hands before handling a cone) ask for a new one! It’s pretty sad that you spend majority of your time having a big whinge about Hungry Jacks.

Brittany on 31st August, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Brittany said that she goes to school and “holds good grades”, yet she submitted this classic paragraph -

“If you have such a problem, quit having this pathetic little bitch on Ben’s blog, and go organise a meeting with the managers and say it to there faces. Our managers do a great job, and work there hardest everyday, I would like to see you try and do there jobs for a day. It’s not easy.”

If you can’t see what is wrong with those sentences Brittany, ask someone who went to school in the days where mistakes were corrected. I’m pretty sure I learnt the difference between “there” and “their” in about grade six. If you only made the mistake once or twice, I’d assume it was just a typo, but clearly you don’t know the difference. I’m not picking on you, it’s not all your fault. It’s the education system. And your post just proved the points I’ve been making.

For the record, I don’t think ALL teenagers are drop kicks. Far from it in fact. Most are very decent human beings, and they are our future after all. But the one’s I’ve seen at HJ’s…. well, how ELSE could you describe them OTHER than dropkicks?

And why does everyone who gets on this blog to defend the store say how hard it is? It’s a fast food store. You take money in exchange for preparing food. It’s NOT rocket science. There aren’t too many jobs more basic, for goodness sake. I worry for you if you think this is as hard as it gets – honestly.

Patricia on 31st August, 2009 at 4:21 pm
Wow, you are really are pathetic. So what if I can’t get there and their correct in a sentence?! Okay, serving a load of customers on your own, it isn’t easy. Pretty sure you were picking on me. You’re meant to be the mature one, yet you pick on people a lot younger than you? It’s people like you that make me hate Hervey Bay so much. I’d like to meet you, and I would like you to say this all to my face. I really would.

Brittany on 31st August, 2009 at 4:25 pm
Well considering in one of your comments you said you kept buying rope so hopefully Ryan would use it and hang himself, that is the lowest thing I have ever heard.

Brittany on 31st August, 2009 at 4:27 pm
Brittanny said, “So what if I can’t get there and their correct in a sentence?! ”

So what? I guess you’ll have to find out for yourself when you grow up. It makes a BIG difference. If I was an employer and someone put in a resume with those basics all wrong, you’d be looking elsewhere for a job. It also proves my point that even those teenagers who DO have good grades (like yourself), will find themselves working at HJ’s for the rest of their lives. And to think, YOU called ME, “pathetic”.

Patricia on 31st August, 2009 at 4:36 pm
Clearly you have lived a very sheltered life if the “lowest thing” you’ve ever heard is a joke about “ropes”. I think that you are only digging yourself deeper and deeper – and only serving to prove my point about the standard of teenagers at the store. By your own admission, you are one of the better ones. That doesn’t set the bar too high for the rest does it, pray tell?

Patricia on 31st August, 2009 at 4:39 pm
Screw you! Seriously, do you actually get enjoyment out of treating people like shit and picking up on every single mistake. Wow. You must be one perfect, bitter old lady. Oh yeah, I’m going to work at Hungry Jacks for the rest of my life – or not. I’ve applied for university. Now what job did you have that was so excellent? YES why do you type ALL your words like THIS? It’s lame. Just like your life, how about getting one?

Brittany on 31st August, 2009 at 4:39 pm
Please, lets set a date. It’s not fair that you have to hide behind a computer. I’d like to meet you face to face.

Brittany on 31st August, 2009 at 4:41 pm
I appologise if I’ve insulted you at all, but clearly I wouldn’t react unless you offended me. This isn’t even worth it. Goodbye!

Brittany on 31st August, 2009 at 4:45 pm
There’s a BIG difference between “me offending you”, and, “you being offended”. One is my doing, and one is not. Please don’t blame me for you being thin-skinned. I guess that’s another thing I can add to the list of things todays teenagers like to blame everyone else but themselves for.

As for the words in capital letters – they are there to show the word is emphasised.(no doubt you’ll have to look up the meaning of that word on Google).

Oh, and goodbye. Don’t let the door hit you on the bum on the way out. Run Forrest, run.

Patricia on 31st August, 2009 at 5:04 pm
so ah patricia get a life, not everyone cares about correct spelling all the time. and i’m sure if brittany was handing in a resume she would use the correct word.

and in relation to working at hungry jacks, EVERYONE has to start somewhere unless they have their life handed to them on a platter.

travis on 31st August, 2009 at 6:42 pm
Brittany said, “It’s lame. Just like your life, how about getting one?”

Why would I want to get a lame life? Or is this yet ANOTHER sentence that you constructed poorly?

Patricia on 31st August, 2009 at 7:10 pm
Gee I’m sure that the insults and degradations of bitter old people is really helping the development of these teenagers. Insinuating that PF has no idea how to handle the real world and is running away from her problems is absolutely ludicrous! She is moving out on her own to the gold coast because she has been accepted into Griffith University! Obviously nothing more than a drop kick. I don’t blame her for not returning to this website, not everybody can put up with ignorant, stubborn, pathetic people who relentlessly argue irrelevant points because of their inability to swallow a little bit of pride. You obviously have a huge, superficial problem with a lot of people you don’t even know! Clearly, judging peoples entire mentality based on their work ethics in an after school job viewed entirely through the 5minute window which you see them is THE BEST way make observations about an entire generation. In fact your handling of this situation is clearly far more mature and sophisticated then everyone else’s! As far as I’m concerned we should all take lessons in judgmental observations and scrutinized nitpicking from you. Oh please obviously qualified professor of social development, Teach me!

Zach on 31st August, 2009 at 7:53 pm
Thanks Zach. FINALLY we have a contributor who appreciates good advice when they see it. We need more like you Zach.

Patricia on 31st August, 2009 at 9:18 pm
Patricia wrote, “While 9 times out of 10 they probably get away with it with red meat, but I for one am not willling to risk Listeria contamination with their chicken. The risk is far too great.”

It seems apparent that you know absolutely nothing about food safety. I would recommend you take some time to research what listeria actually is. For those who do not wish to research, I shall define the contamination briefly.

In simple terms the only likely way you will get listeria contamination is from ice cream machines. This is not true for just Hungry Jack’s ice cream machines either. Any soft serve ice cream machine is prone to Listeria, and it is very rare that such an issue is apparent. Getting Listeria Contamination from ANY chicken product at Hungry Jack’s is virtually impossible.

I suggest before you start making bold claims about food safety issues you actually take the time to figure out what it is you’re talking about. Perhaps you were referring to an actual food safety contamination issue such as salmonella, Patricia?

As another manager above alluded to, we have practices that are in place to protect this from happening. Raw grilled chicken products are handled with blue, plastic tongs. Whereas cooked chicken products are handled with silver, metal tongs. Anyone who does not follow these procedures will receive a written warning as well as a REQUIRED refreshment of company food safety modules.

I’d also like to add, since I didn’t before, that any staff member that was seen to drop a fry scoop at our store and reuse it would be given a written warning also. All the same policies that ‘AG’ talked about for his store are true for ours.

Also, out of interest Patricia, did you come in on Monday night?

Brenton on 1st September, 2009 at 10:31 pm
Hi guys! Haven’t read this stuff for a while so I thought I’d just drop in and say G’day. Tried to read everything but having had a quite late night at work really could not be f**ked. Brenton, nice to see a new-comer to the thread. Patricia, amusing as always. Ben, I think “LOL” may be the only appropriate thing to say. Fantastic as always guys

The Cheese on 3rd September, 2009 at 2:04 am
cant belive some stupid 60 year old woman has nothing better to do then pick on hjs all the time why isnt bunnings giving u enough hours in ur lil cafe u have to come down to hjs to annoy everyone or go through our bins. are u just jelous coz hjs knocked u back for a job so u have to go around bad mouthing us grow up u old bat get a life there is nothing wrong with hj food and speed of service is being fixed up.

burgers are better at hjs on 3rd September, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Clearly by your lack of grammatical skills, you too are a typical dropkick employee of Hungry Jacks. No wonder they have so many problems. And to think that someone said that I was generalising when I described the team members in the manner I did. What a joke.

And also, clearly comprehension isn’t your strong point either, because how on Earth did you come to the conclusion I worked at Bunnings cafe? I’m long retired you moron. You might still be cleaning dunnies at Hungry Jacks when you’re 62, but I can assure you that I educated myself quite early so that this wouldn’t happen to me. It must be sad being you.

Patricia on 4th September, 2009 at 4:32 pm
I’d just like to point out, as noted far, far below… All managers are actually taught all of these hygiene practices on their induction to management. We also go through a number of courses – from basic management training, to food safety (and we learn all about the different diseases you can catch from the meat + chicken, etc)
Also, (and just going by the reports that come out every week) there hasn’t been a complaint about chicken products in three months. And when I say a complaint, it’s not one that has gone through the store or head office – sure, there may be complaints, but if we don’t hear about it in some way, then we can’t do anything about it.
I would just like to point out that all complaints should either go straight to the store or head office. And if there really is such a massive problem with the Hervey Bay store, then just call head office. The number’s in the phone book.
Ask to speak to the district manager for the store – or even the state manager. Make your voice heard. I’d want them to say it about my store, that way I have a chance to fix it all.
And finally, we actually have a SOS challenge throughout the entire state of QLD, and (assuming that stores aren’t lying, that is…) the state on average is sitting on about 1.40 for the week last time I checked (although I could be wrong) It would be interesting to see what Maccas is sitting at…

AG on 4th September, 2009 at 7:36 pm
I don’t think anyone is disputing the fact that the management and staff at the store all know their correct food handling practices and procedures- it’s just that most of them simply don’t care either way. Just look at some of the comments staff and management have made on this very blog. Comments like – if you don’t like the service, don’t come back – if you ask for no pickles and you get pickles, just take the pickles off yourself. – If you get the wrong order at the drive-thru, don’t block up the lane, but instead park your car and come into the store and get the order corrected – I don’t get paid to clean toillets – and the best by far – young teenagers are more productive workers in every way than any other age group because they are fitter and can work faster, they pick up tasks better, and they are more reliable and have better work ethics.
With views like these, it’s no wonder that even after more than a year in operation, there is absolutely no sign of the customer service improving one little bit.

Patricia on 4th September, 2009 at 9:32 pm
Previous poster said, “cant belive some stupid 60 year old woman has nothing better to do then pick on hjs all the time”

My question to you is, what would you suggest a “stupid 60 year old woman” do with her time which is more important than food hygiene practices? If I see something in the community that is unsafe, I do something about it. If that makes me “stupid” in your eyes, then so be it. I can live without your approval – trust me. What you should be asking yourself is why you don’t think food safety is a big deal? I suggest you do a little research on the subject and it might just change your opinion on how very important it really is.

The very fact that you work in the fast food industry and that you have no idea of the seriousness of the issue just speaks volumes.

Patricia on 5th September, 2009 at 5:12 pm
All of you need to get some hobbies. This is hilarious. How small is Hervey Bay?

Mike on 5th September, 2009 at 9:42 pm
Mike, with all your whinging, you are starting to sound like a pommy. You aren’t one of them are you?

Patricia on 6th September, 2009 at 11:15 am
As I am a friend of JB, I am going to say something, if you want to call her a child maybe you should look at yourself Patricia. You are acting like a high school kid. Grow the fuck up, do everyone a favour and fuck off, You are nothing but a nit picking fat old cow, who is not happy in your own job and the service you provide you have to pick on another, GET OVER YOURSELF

pissed off on 6th September, 2009 at 8:16 pm
Since when are you qualified to talk about food safety? You don’t even know the difference between salmonella and listeria.

Go find a new hobby.

Brenton on 6th September, 2009 at 8:47 pm
I don’t think you need to have any formal qualifications to know that if you drop a scoop onto the ground, you don’t pick it back up and reuse it without washing it. You also don’t need any formal qualifications to know that after you handle money, you don’t touch an ice cream cone with your bare hands.

But this isn’t the worst thing. The worst thing is that some team members (and even a manager) from this particular outlet got on this blog and actually tried to defend the actions of the person/s who did those things. I’m sorry, but there is NO defending these sort of actions – whether they are dropkick kids or not.

Patricia on 6th September, 2009 at 10:37 pm
You are completely twisting the words of people who came to the defence of Hungry Jack’s. I remember saying that you had no PROOF it happened. I never said that it was not wrong, unhygienic or completely against company policies around food safety and hygiene standards.

You have accused Hungry Jack’s of having bad food safety issues on several occasions. Your accusations have been debunked since your ‘Listeria’ comment. It’s obvious you know nothing about the area.

In relation to your comment on handling ice cream cones with bare hands, I strongly suggest you rethink your logic when it comes to this area. The cashier does come into contact with the money, but who gives it to them? You! I’m sure you don’t run to a sink and wash your hands before you consume your cone, do you? I’ve personally never seen a customer do it. In any case, cashiers are procedurally taught to sanitise their hands before making any product that requires direct hand contact. This point has been reiterated in the recent staff meeting.

Your arguments are old and worthless, Patricia. Perhaps like yourself?

Brenton on 6th September, 2009 at 11:10 pm
The anonymous poster too scared to use his real name, who hides under the nickname of “pissed off” said this – “As I am a friend of JB, I am going to say something, if you want to call her a child maybe you should look at yourself Patricia. You are acting like a high school kid. Grow the fuck up, do everyone a favour and fuck off, You are nothing but a nit picking fat old cow, who is not happy in your own job and the service you provide you have to pick on another, GET OVER YOURSELF”

Now, who EXACTLY is acting like a child, pray tell?

Patricia on 7th September, 2009 at 10:12 am
Whenever you’re beaten, Patricia, you fail to reply to the comments that actually matter. I think we’ve established that you have no valid arguments left.

Sad, isn’t it?

Brenton on 7th September, 2009 at 11:25 am
I Need to implement a new rule, that this isn’t a discussion board, it’s for comments.. Pat, Brenton and co, this is turning into a novel..

Pat, you’ve definitely had your say.. no more filling up my inbox please

Ben May on 7th September, 2009 at 11:30 am
Fair enough Ben. I think you’re right. This is becoming a novel, and it is going around and around in circles. This has never been more evident than in Brenton’s last post where he justifies his staff handling food with their bare unwashed hands after handling money, because the customer also handled the same money with their bare hands. How can you argue with “logic” like that? You can’t? So what’s the point even trying. Thanks for the interesting thread anyway Ben. Cheers.

Patricia on 7th September, 2009 at 4:22 pm
IS THAT BETTER???? Sorry for the inconvenience…..anyway, Patricia, Ben has a point but Ill let you know what he really means…just read my previous post under “pissed off” and you will understand.

Kylie on 8th September, 2009 at 12:46 am
by the way, this is my last post, unless you request a reply or feel the need

Kylie on 8th September, 2009 at 12:51 am
Following this thread was a bit like reading the Chronicle.
To quote the bard, “Much ado about nothing”.

Jonangel on 8th September, 2009 at 8:25 am
Perhaps Patricia could use a little Shakespeare in her life, Jonangel. Although her ability to write a lot about nothing would sure do well for her if she wanted to work for the Chronicle.

Brenton on 8th September, 2009 at 9:42 pm
For anyone who is interested, they are advertising for a store manager for this store. It looks like the definitely are changing the structure, because the position description clearly states they want a person who is willing ot be a HANDS ON person and who will personally supervise and run the store. This should be a pleasant change. See the link below for details.

http://herveybayhungryjacks.wordpress.com/

Patricia Meat on 13th September, 2009 at 8:39 am
christ this is still going…

you people need to move along now..

seriously.

Ben – stop stirring..

lolz

Richard on 19th September, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Richard, I think you will find that certain people back in the 40′s criticised a young girl named Annelies Frank, saying she should “move on”, and complained that her writings were “getting nowhere”. Maybe they were right, or maybe they were wrong. I guess history will tell. But seriously, it’s hard to have any respect for anyone who’s only claim to fame is to complain and criticise others, and not offer anything constructive themselves.

Patricia on 20th September, 2009 at 10:21 am
Seem as how you seem to have alot of spare time to be writing all these comments Patricia, perhaps the answer to all your problems is staring you in the face!
Why don’t YOU go for the managers job at hungry Jacks?
You seem to have your finger on the pulse of every problem in the store, you not afraid to speak your mind andget people organized. I think you’re a shoe-in!
On an off-note, who is Annelies Frank?
I’ve never heard of her.

twisty on 22nd September, 2009 at 11:16 am
That’s a swell idea Twisty. However, the management of the outlet have made it quite clear on this blog that I would NOT be welcome – in fact, they even went so far as to call me “fat” and “lazy” without even setting eyes on me (I am neither, BTW). But that said, if they do go ahead with their plans to get rid of all the dead wood and start afresh, maybe there will be a place for me. As for Ms Frank, perhaps you might know her as Anne Frank. I believe her father published her diary a few years back. You could perhaps “google” her name, or drop into a library and see if they have any info on her.

Patricia on 24th September, 2009 at 9:54 am
You are more than welcome to come and speak to me about your issues, Patricia. Just set a time and date! You seem to lack a bit of commitment, though, since I’ve asked you to meet me on several occasions and yet you’ve never accepted.

Brenton on 24th September, 2009 at 1:41 pm
im very careful

kuljinder on 9th October, 2009 at 5:29 pm
one of my manager is fat.. HJ policies didnt say anything about you can not become a manager because you are fat or lazy..
in my area, the HJs store are better, faster, more friendly and more hygiene compare to Maccas store.. so, you can not give any comment that offend all HJ crews accross the nation, even though HJ at Hervey Bay might be not as good as other HJ store..
one more thing, if the crews did any mistake with your order (doesnt matter in Maccas or HJ) u have to come back and tell them, otherwise how can we fix the order for you? we do not know who you are, your address or you contact number..

ody on 4th November, 2009 at 11:30 am
Hey, have you ever have a mold burger, have you ever been waited for 30 mins before service, and waited for another 10 mins before menu ready…. I have it is McDonald.

KK on 9th January, 2010 at 4:27 pm
HUNGREY JACKS FOR THE WINNNNNNNNNNNN> TAKES MORE TIME BECAUSE BETTER QUALITY AND HAVE TO FLAME GRILL BURGER.

HUNGREY JACKS FAN on 28th April, 2010 at 12:30 pm
I agree with Hungrey Jacks Fan. They do take more time, and the quality of their food poisoning is much better than Macca’s. But I love his loyalty to his employer – despite not being able to spell Hungry proper.

Patricia on 10th May, 2010 at 6:53 am
Nice to see you back, Pat

Ben May on 10th May, 2010 at 7:23 am