KV
Kelli Vaughns
Jan 6, 2026
Lack of professionalism, customer service, ignorance, tacky, uncouth. The fact that taking time to write is humiliating as don’t frequent much.
When go into areas where there are more POC, there seems to be the same culture of ignorance, mistreatment, harassment, bullying.
Don’t EVER have this encounter in suburban or more affluent communities where people tend to be more focused on career, education, activities, giving reason to stay away.
As someone with psychology and business background, genuinely don’t understand the negative interactions and mistreatment.
Could be related to culture and socioeconomic factors, honestly uncertain.
Typically don’t stop in McDonalds for the reasons above, but happened to be traveling and
had some time before leaving DC and searched for “malls in areas” and came upon the shopping center across from this McDonald’s.
Of course it’s not a mall and more of shopping center, but didn’t realize as not from area until arriving.
Upon reaching register, was greeted by unwelcoming young lady that was rude, unprofessional, & talked over which was not warranted given was polite to her.
After placing order & asking for restroom, the young lady did not want to allow access to bathroom although had paid for food.
Could hear young lady talking to manager about allowing into restroom which shouldn’t have been the case as already had paid.
Upon entering the bathroom, was greeted with what appeared to be filth, vagabonds, derelicts appearing to wash at the sink or something.
Not sure, as hurried from bathroom to keep from getting sick.
Whatever they were doing, it was absolutely filthy, disgusting, deplorable.
If these types are allowed in restroom without paying, don’t understand why fully dressed, paying customer’s are prohibited from accessing
Not in business attire due to traveling, but should NOT be issue.
My receipt time stamp says 2:14, but between going to restroom & waiting on food, must have been closer to 2:30ish.
Sat down to eat & check work emails on laptop as thought would be good & safe way to pass time.
The restaurant was pretty empty with a few, non paying marijuana smokers wondering in occasionally to conduct phone calls.
Around 2:50 - know it was around this time because was giving self a few minutes to wrap up emails as wanted to go across the street to see what stores were at location before leaving town.
Around this time could hear another person come in, having loud conversation with manager. Had on headphones, but could still hear the conversation about the manager’s personal, professional life & other derogatory comments.
At one point, a comment was made about “throwing her out.” Wasn’t sure about comment because was sitting there quietly, checking emails, drinking coffee, finishing food.
A few minutes later, “the manager” comes over & tells me have to leave.
In all of my years, I HAVE NEVER had anyone do that as my demeanor is professional, quiet, reserved, don’t bother with people.
Absolutely insulting. What was more insulting is the manager seemed to want to ARGUE with ME & insult my intelligence about MY ability to accurately hear because I had on headphones.
For safety reasons, keep sound off on headphones in certain areas.
The manager, then goes on to explain the spot I was sitting in was a spot the non paying, complaining person he was having a conversation with usually SITS IN.
There were also other open tables & spaces available & this particular person was just looking to create nonsense and trouble, which is on par with community.
He also explained 30 minute loitering limit, but again was paying customer, had not been there a full 30 minutes, not familiar with policy as don’t frequent McDonald’s, & supposed signage was not in visible area.
Although don’t typically eat much fast food due to health & fitness lifestyle choices, this experience further solidifies reasons to stay away from places/communities like this.
Great way to end DC stay, but now know which areas to avoid when in DC area.
Absolute nonsense, unprofessional, & uncouth.