This is a public service announcement for all of you drive-thru abusers from the rest of us (who quietly hate you). The point of the drive-thru is to receive quick and speedy service. More times than not, the drive-thru does not meet this expectation because of all the high maintenance abusers out there. Not everyone belongs in the drive-thru line. The following is a guideline to help you decide whether you belong there:

* You must know what you are going to order before you get to the speaker. The menu is a distraction to get you to order more than what you came for… don’t fall for it.

* You are limited to one special instruction per order. For instance “cheeseburger, no pickles” is fine where “cheeseburger, no pickles, extra mayo” is not acceptable. (Note: One special instruction per order… not per sandwich!)

* The more you are ordering, the more simple your ordering should be.

* In general, your order should be verbalized in 30 seconds or less… any more than this means you need special attention inside.

* Do not wait for them to say, “Is that all?” between each item.

* You may not ask questions.

* You may not change your order.

* You must have your money ready when you approach the window. They tell you your total ahead of time for a reason!

* You may not pay with a credit card. (Come on… if you don’t have $5 on you… perhaps you should be at home eating Ramen noodles instead.)

* You must pay attention and keep your car within 2 feet of the car in front of you at all times. This is not the time to clean out your car or balance your checkbook.

* After receiving your order, PULL AHEAD. Do not make us all wait while you put your straw in your drink and rearrange your cd collection.

Following these simple guidelines will help keep that line moving quickly… and will keep random drive-thru customers from secretly loathing your existence. *winks*