Local Wendy’s and Burger King Locations Lose Customers Over Unsettling Service Practices
In a surprising turn of events, two fast-food chains in the Gladstone area have found themselves facing growing customer dissatisfaction over questionable service practices. Wendy’s, located on Antioch Road, and a nearby Burger King, have both received backlash from frustrated customers who are voicing their concerns about hygiene and employee behavior.
One concerned customer, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed frustration over the lack of proper food handling procedures at the Wendy’s on Antioch. She recounted an incident where an employee, identified as Misty, was seen smoking outside, only to return and immediately handle food on trays without gloves. The customer noted that despite previous issues—such as incorrect drive-thru orders and long waits after payment—this incident was the "last straw."
“I started avoiding the Antioch Wendy’s a year ago because of these kinds of problems,” the customer explained. “But I made the mistake of going back to do something nice for my daughter. And sure enough, the service was still poor, and I saw people handling food with bare hands again. I promised my kids we won’t be going back."
Although the food preparers at Wendy’s wore gloves, the customer pointed out that the person preparing the orders, a different employee, did not. This, combined with the unsettling encounter, has led to a strong decision to avoid the location altogether.
Down the road, another fast-food experience left customers shaken. Harvey Noland shared his experience at a local Burger King, where a drive-thru employee asked him for a cigarette while he was at the window. “It was a bizarre moment,” Noland said. “I couldn't believe it. I thought it was a joke at first, but then the worker asked me for a cigarette. I was shocked.”
Noland wasn’t the only one reporting strange behavior at fast-food windows. Another customer, Ellen shared her experience at the same Burger King, explaining that after handing over her card, the employee at the window asked if she could spare a quarter for transportation. “I just stared at him for almost a minute, not sure if I had heard him correctly. I said ‘no,’ got my card and food, and immediately called the manager. He wasn’t too concerned, just said he would have a word with the employee.”
Both incidents highlight a growing sense of dissatisfaction with customer service in the Gladstone area, as fast-food chains seem to be struggling with maintaining consistent quality and professionalism. For many, these kinds of experiences are causing them to wonder what the future of the retail experience in Gladstone is. This is appropriate considering the seedy tattoo parlors, CBD smoke shops and panhandlers that now frequent the west side of Gladstone. Won't be long till West Gladstone becomes a cesspool of vagrants. Maybe Gladstone can have its own homeless encampments that will make KC Mayor Q-Ball proud.
The question remains: will the management of these locations take customer complaints seriously and make the necessary changes to restore their reputations? Only time will tell, but for now, some former customers are adding Wendy’s and Burger King to their ever-growing “no” list.
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