Yeah, this is a departure from what we normally discuss on these trip planning forums, but one more comment about fast food servers. Unlike a server in a traditional restaurant or tavern, because of an alarming lack of interest on the part of entry-level workers to work in fast-food establishments--just about every starting employee earns considerably more than minimum wage.
In fact, new hires at McDonald's, Burger King, and few others make more per hour than US Federal Wildland firefighters. The skill set required to fight wildland fire far exceeds the fitness requirements of the average worker at fast food restaurants + one heck of of a lot technical knowledge about fires, fire behavior and equipment.
So, that's a crazy thing.
I don't have any first-hand knowledge about workers at fast-food restaurants as I generally don't eat at them -- with the exception of Jersey Mikes or other fresh sandwich chains. At those places, 100% of the time my experience is that the staff is friendly, courteous and efficient.
Craig, sorry you found other conditions at the places you and your family ate at.
And, now back to planning road trips!
Mark