MH
Martin Hamer
Jan 12, 2026
I’ve enjoyed more than my fair share of burgers over the past 71 years, and McDonald’s has certainly been part of that journey many, many times. Over the years, I’ve learned that not all locations are created equal. Some burgers arrive looking like they were slapped together in a hurry, barely resembling a complete meal and sometimes, the top of the bun has arrived upside down. On several occasions, the fries have clearly been cooked in old, rancid oil—something you can often smell before you even walk through the door.
I’ve also noticed that older staff members tend to deliver more consistent customer service and food quality, though of course every restaurant is different.
Yesterday—Saturday, January 11th, 2026—I stopped at the McDonald’s across from the Days Inn in Camrose, Alberta, and ordered a Quarter Pounder with Cheese meal. To my surprise and genuine delight, it was excellent. The burger patty looked and tasted like real quality: juicy, flavourful, and neither greasy nor dried out. There was no hint of rancid oil in the air, and the fries were crisp, clean, and free of the usual dark spots or hard, inedible pieces. They tasted every bit as good as they looked.
What stood out just as much was the customer service. It was warm, attentive, and far from the rushed “here you go” attitude that has become all too common at many locations throughout North America.
I understand how challenging it is to consistently deliver top quality food and service in such a competitive industry. But yesterday, this team truly impressed me. Thank you for a genuinely enjoyable experience. I will be back frequently even though I live two hours away.