Culture

Burger King Has It THEIR WAY In Vegas

by vegaswatchdogdotcom | January 4, 2009 at 12:19 pm

282 views | 28 Recommendations | 10 comments

Las Vegas, NV

No longer can you "Have It All Your Way" at Burger King, unless you have a quarter. Just another sign of the times in which we live.

On Saturday while on my way to the Palms Resort, I decided to pop into a Burger King a few blocks west on Flamingo Road for a little lunch. I received the normal customer service and proceded to gulp down the sandwich and drink. Of course, like most patrons I was in a hurry and wanted to make a pit stop before getting back on the road.

"Surprise...Surprise!" As I pushed on the door to the little boy's room, I noticed a new metal attachment had been placed above the door handle. Oh, no...this cannot be what I think it is. Ah...but it was.

Yes, now the BK crew has added for your fun and adventure a coin operated device on the door to their restroom. But since there was no written statement about who this device was there for, I immediately sought out the manager.

Very quickly and without any explanation I was told that if I wished to use their facility, I just had to insert a quarter into the slot and the door would open.

"But, I am a customer and I just finished purchasing and eating right here in your fine establishment."

The same line was repeated about inserting a quarter in the slot and the door would open.

Yes, I know that pay toilets have been the rage in Europe and Australia for many years and are widely accepted. Most American bus stations have fees for their restrooms. BUT now the fast food places are going to lock out the customers? And during a time when the economy is way off track?

So, all of you tourists who may be visiting Vegas in 2009, please make a note that Burger King in our city has begun this new venture which may actually help bail them out of any future financial troubles. Of course, if this doesn't work, they can always apply for a government bailout when customers decide to patronize other establishments who are not quite so demanding in such detail.

Understand that Burger King always seeks to provide a bargain and now they have a new addition to their dollar value menu. A Jr. Whopper: $1.00 ___ A 16 oz soft drink: $1.00 ___ An order of small fries: $1.00 ___ Four Trips To Their Necessity Closet: $1.00

President Elect Obama constantly talked during his campaign about CHANGE. What a shame we did not realize he might have been suggesting what we will need to have with us the next time we visit a Burger King.

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mtammas

at 13:20 on January 4th, 2009

As you say, pay potties are widely used in other parts of the world. I hope this isn't something that catches on in North America. I see it as another attack of the poor and homeless - the people that many commercial enterprises like Burger King, see as a blight on their premises. Aren't hard times supposed to bring out our compassion?

Amy Judd

at 13:53 on January 4th, 2009

I'm surprised by this - seems like a ridiculous idea..

Terri Potratz

at 14:28 on January 4th, 2009

Pay toilets are one thing in public spaces, in parks and on streets - but I agree, when you're a paying customer in a service establishment I think you've earned yourself the right to use the facilities for free!

CJaye

at 15:56 on January 4th, 2009

If you remember back in the day in the US in ancient times there were pay toilets everywhere. As children we use to climb under the door to go to the bathroom at rest stops. I just hope this doesn't catch. Burger King will lose a lot of mothers with children for sure.

eastvanray

at 17:57 on January 4th, 2009

One word.....boycott! Do not reward them for this insult. Vote with your wallets. They will change this dumb policy when sales suffer.

harringtola

at 18:27 on January 4th, 2009

I do remember the pay toilet era of my youth. I wonder if the Las Vegas thing has anything to do with water. In that case though, fast food restaurants would not be the place I would expect to find this change introduced.

Blue Crush

at 20:24 on January 4th, 2009

Insane! It's not fair to the transients, let alone the paying customers.

Pythiian1

at 21:46 on January 4th, 2009

It's a silly business decision that will backfire on them especially, if say, McDonald starts to advertise that it has free toilet facility for its customers.