McDonald's in West Orange

Recently rebuilt and fully updated down to the interactive order tablets, I decided to give the “new” McDonald’s a test drive. While the food hasn’t changed much from its core offerings and tastes, the packaging and in-store appearance has been overhauled to reflect a more modern look and feel. Visiting the location on Northfield Ave in West Orange, I was curious to see how it would fare against other “new” stores. Having just drove the entire country back and forth, I stopped a number of times at remodeled McDonalds. Here’s the thing, I’m not a McDonalds fan as much as a loyal occasional guest. I like to see how these large brands maintain and reinvent themselves in the face of so many other great options. The experience here in West Orange was excellent. Music was fun and upbeat and the store itself looks fantastic. Lots of Instagrammable looks for pictures. There was a good sized crowd here and I wound up talking with an older gentleman who was working on his computer. There are plenty of outlets and the chairs are comfortable. Yes, they are comfortable. I actually wrote that! In the past the stores were designed to maximize speed and efficiency, but seeing how Starbucks has monopolized the ‘living room’ feel of a business McDonalds’ is clearly making it known that yes, you can hang out here, drink coffee, and spend a few hours getting work done. The older guy I talked to mentioned that he works here regularly now and enjoys the coffee. I’m in agreement on the coffee too, it’s very good for the price. I’m rating the in-store experience at 5 stars. The employees were quick and friendly, the store was comfortable, and the overall feel was relaxed and upbeat. The ability to order on a tablet in the from is a great feature too. The only reason I’m giving the overall rating a 4 is because the food, while good, is not 5 star as far as fast food goes. That distinction goes to another restaurant that I won’t name as it’s my personal opinion. Nice job on the remodel!

Where do I start with this particular McDonald’s? I guess I’ll start with the staff. Last time I was there I asked for ice cream and they said the machine is broken ( it’s always broken) and laughed in my face. There fries are often stale and it looks rotten. I don’t feel like it’s even safe for people to eat here. The bread is always cold for the burgers and sandwiches and it seems like they heat it up in the morning and have it pre-bagged because it’s never warm. Below I will insert picture of this NASTY McDonald’s. Service Take out Meal type Lunch Price per person $1–10

I ordered from ubereats and everything I ordered tasted as if it sat all day and I was gave an order that’s been on the shelf for hours.. cold and stale on arrival Both order of fries arrived the same way cold and stale The nuggets cold and stale as if I’m eating an eraser Service Delivery Meal type Lunch Price per person $20–30 Food: 1 Service: 1

Understaffed and the manager dismissive of customers, her name is Erica according to a staff member whom I had to request several times to give me the name for that woman. We told her we were waiting for our meal for over 30 minutes. It wasn't a big order, just 7 things. 2 Mcchicken,3 fries, 20pc nuggets and 1 soda. They can't even produce this. Orders are taking in general too long for a few items for everyone. Erica is the worst staff member there, I highly doubt that's her actual name because the staff there were very reluctant to provide her name. Service Take out Meal type Dinner Price per person $10–20 Food: 2 Service: 1 Atmosphere: 1

The people who run this McD’s do a great job…good food and service…clean restaurant. However, I had to take off two stars for atmosphere because just enough of the people who eat here are mindless zombies who don’t know how a dual lane drive thru works. Service Take out Meal type Lunch Price per person $10–20 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 3

I purchased a coffee at the drive-thru and asked if they would put my previous coffee cup in the trash. Quickly, the young male rejected this request. And there were no trash cans after leaving the drive thru window. Service Take out Meal type Other Price per person $1–10 Food: 1 Service: 1 Atmosphere: 5

Save yourself the trip, this place will do anything to rip you off, nobody speaks English and everyone has an attitude, I waited 10 minutes to make my order with no line in the drive thru, then got an entirely wrong order, when I asked them to correct it they had the biggest attitude, there's other mc Donald's in the area that will treat you correctly, this place is terrible! Food: 2 Service: 1 Atmosphere: 1