Reflections

Does The Food You Buy At Fast Food Places Match The Advertisements?

Posted by on Aug 25, 2010 | 8 Comments

While surfing the Internet yesterday, I stopped by a Web site that had an article titled ‘Fast Food – Ads vs Reality.’ The author of the article took the time and energy to compare what the fast food chains show in their advertisements and what he was actually served. I don’t think any of us would be surprised that the advertised photographs do not actually match the food that is served. While the advertised photographs show what appears to be a slowly crafted treat that was carefully put together by caring hands, the reality is that the food is, well, put together fast.

I am going to use Burger King as an example on how food can vary from franchise to franchise.Where I live, our local Burger King puts together a Whopper like what is pictured below:

Le Whopper

On Monday my wife and I drove from our home to visit our kids in another state. We stopped at a Burger King located in another town (actually another state we were driving through), where we have previously eaten. This Burger King actually presented us with a Whopper that resembles its advertising photograph. In addition, the Burger King we stopped at is immaculately clean. The employees were polite and one actually brought our food to our table.

So while we can agree that normally the fast food we receive will not resemble the advertising photographs, there are exceptions.

What has your experience been?

Comments welcome.

Source – ALPHAILA blog – more photos available

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/theoracle/ the oracle

    Of course it doesn’t. Have you ever compared what you get at Subway versus what is shown on television? It is not even close – on television the sandwich is bursting with ingredients barely able to be contained by the bread.

    Have you ever seen the movie “Falling Down” with Michael Douglas? I think the Burger King scene was priceless – and completely true.

  • Pizzor2000

    You found a Burger King that actually has decent service and friendly staff? I didn’t know such a thing existed!

    I think the Whoppers from my hometown BK are somewhere in-between. They’re not quite as flat as the “actual” Whopper in the picture, but they’re still not as plump as the ones on the advertisements.

  • D

    Why would you ever hire a 20-22 year old to be a manager of anything is beyond me. Plus…these “managers” hire the scummiest kids with tattoos/piercings from among their friends. No wonder you have the type of service/experience that is so prevalent these days.

    What makes it even worse…these restaurants refuse to hire/talk to those above this age range. Looking for a PT job to supplement my income…not one will talk to someone my age – 49. That’s to flip burgers/make pizza/sandwiches. Guess they don’t want someone around who will bother them when they mess up & doesn’t like to be abused/harassed.

  • Buffet
    • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

      Thanks Buffet.

  • k

    Lol, that whopper pic. No matter how it looks, BK serves my favorite fast-food burger. McD’s is no competition.

    • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

      I agree. The whopper is my favorite burger as well.

  • http://comcast tom

    Wow, you hit it dead on. They looked like that on the way out too. Has anyone ever done a report with photos of the value meals at these locations. I ordered drive thru at the McDonalds in Phoenixville PA one night on my way home. A mile down the road I was able to dip into the bag only to find that the Extra value meal I paid for had a half of a container of french fries. I took a picture of it. You can see my speedometer in the picture. I was doing 30 when I found the theft in the bag. I could have gotten more fries off of the 1.00 value menu. I called corporate, they contacted the manager, he contacted me, I was working and couldnt talk at the time. He gave me his cell number, he didnt answer when I called so I left a message and he never called back. then I resent the message to corporate with a copy of the picture and never heard back from them. Dont eat at the McDonalds in Phoenixville PA. They are theifs. BTW, no the fries didnt fall out of the holder. There were only 4 fries in the bottom of the bag. They suck.