I grew up in Southern California, and Carl's Jr. was one of my favorite fast food chains. Their burgers actually tasted like a burger, their toppings were always fresh, and their iced tea is one of the best.
So when I heard one was opening in IF, I was excited. Now if only we could get a Chipotle, and a good Greek place....
I waited about a month before going there, to let the crowds die down and to let the new employees get into a rhythm. Last night was my first visit, and I wasn't really impressed.
The drive thru speaker is already cracking like it's years old. The person taking my order kept trying to cut me off (I had my girlfriend with me) and it took forever to go over the order 2/3/4 times before SHE felt comfortable she got it right... The cash register at the drive thru was malfunctioning, so it took a while for her to take my payment, and then I didn't get a receipt.
Don't get me wrong, the food was fantastic and tasty as always. What I'd like to complain about is not only a problem at this Carl's, but an issue at almost any fast food chain: Presentation.
Look at the 'official' picture of a Western Bacon Cheeseburger, from the Carl's Jr. website. This is similar to what you see on commercials from other burger places. Big pieces, clean presentation. Perfection.
Would you like to see what came in my wrapper?
Squished, drippy, and just plain sad-looking.
Granted, it all goes down the same, but I've been to enough good restaurants to appreciate the presentation of food. I cook myself (from time to time) and I take pride in a good plating appearance.
Carl's? Welcome to Idaho Falls. It's good to have you here. Now please stop sitting on my burger before giving it to me. I'd like it to look like a burger before I eat it, not a glob of bunnish chaos.
Maybe if they put in a fraction of the effort used to photograph this food into making and packaging it, things would be better. See how much goes into taking a photo of food like the one above?
