Burger King in Blair MUST CHANGE

The local Burger King franchise in Blair recently was engulfed in a storm of discontent as frustrated customers voice grievances about inconsistent operations, inaccurate orders, and a perceived lack of managerial accountability. The growing chorus of dissatisfied patrons prompted calls to close the establishment and bring in a new fast-food option in its place.

Every day. Every night. Every TIME I drive by Burger King in Blair I ask, “How do they stay open?” There are easily 10 cars at McDonald’s across the street to every one car at Burger King. (That is if there is even ONE car at Burger King!) This has gone on for years. If you live in Blair, you know what I write is probably a generous telling of the tale.

This is not the first time we reported on this situation.

And, if you are one of the owners of the local Burger King, or someone that loves Burger King, don’t misunderstand something about this article: Blair comes first. Burger King second. Many people feel the Burger King in Blair needs a serious facelift and overhaul – not just for new customers, but to remain as part of our great city. We like Burger King, but we LOVE Blair.

We want Burger King to turn it around. We want employees to keep jobs. We want the corner of 10th and Jackson to be a place of prominence and respect for Burger King, their staff, and BLAIR. We don’t blame employees or the management. The complaints about Blair’s Burger King are across multiple staff and manager changes. While many people in Blair are ready to see Burger King move on, we want them to STAY. We are concerned the Blair location is a “loss leader” for the ownership, and Blair may have to watch until it becomes too much of a “loss” and not enough of a “leader.”

Recently, the outcry began anew when a disgruntled customer took to Facebook to express their exasperation, stating, “Blair Burger King needs to go out of business. Yesterday, it closed at 7:05 am and again at 7:40 p.m. I mean, why do they even bother?” Another customer shared their disappointment, recounting an experience with incorrect orders, lamenting, “Ordered 2 for $5.00 Bacon, Egg, and Cheese. The dude even said, ‘bacon, right?’ I get to work and they’re both sausage. I can’t eat sausage. In the trash they went.”

At the heart of the customer dissatisfaction lies the perceived absence of effective management and responsiveness. Various individuals discuss the departure of the former manager, and the challenges in reaching a current manager. One user comments, “You can’t reach a manager at this place, and it just needs to close and be replaced by a more reliable establishment like Raising Cane’s or Popeyes.”

While it is acknowledged that fast-food establishments face difficulties in hiring and retaining staff, customers firmly believe that Burger King Blair has consistently failed to meet their expectations. As one individual astutely points out, “If they cannot find people to work at Burger King, who’s to say they would find people to work at any other place that would be put into that location?”

Here are some poignant quotes highlighting customer dissatisfaction:

1. “Blair Burger King needs to go out of business. Yesterday, closed at 7:05 am and again at 7:40 p.m. I mean, why do they even bother?”
2. “Ordered 2 for $5.00 Bacon, Egg, and Cheese. The dude even said, ‘bacon, right?’ I get to work and they’re both sausage. In the trash they went.”
3. “You can’t reach a manager at this place, and it just needs to close and be replaced by a more reliable establishment like Raising Cane’s or Popeyes.”
4. “If they cannot find people to work at Burger King, who’s to say they would find people to work at any other place that would be put into that location?”
5. “Just go to McDonald’s. Bulldoze BK because you know without a doubt that restaurant hasn’t been cleaned since 1998.”

Among the top complaints raised by customers, the following issues have been consistently voiced:

1. Inconsistent hours, with frequent early closures and unexpected shutdowns, leading to inconvenience and frustration for customers.
2. Incorrect orders, where customers receive items different from what they ordered, resulting in dissatisfaction and wasted food.
3. Difficulties in contacting the manager to address concerns or obtain resolutions, leaving customers feeling unheard and ignored.
4. Concerns over cleanliness and hygiene standards, with claims suggesting inadequate maintenance and cleanliness practices within the restaurant.
5. Allegations of drug dealing within the establishment, raising concerns about safety and integrity.

While some individuals have come to the defense of Burger King, attributing mistakes to human error and acknowledging the financial challenges faced by the franchise, the prevailing sentiment remains that significant improvements are necessary.

Customers also expressed their desire for alternative fast-food options. Suggestions include popular chains such as Raising Cane’s, Chipotle, Qdoba, and Popeyes, which are seen as potential replacements for Burger King Blair.

As the franchise grapples with mounting criticism and increasing demands for change, the future of Blair Burger King hangs in the balance. It remains to be seen whether the management will take decisive action to address the recurring issues, restore customer satisfaction, and rebuild trust within the community.

For corrections, additions, or questions: blairtoday@mail.com