Re: Steak and Shake closing 57 locations
Posted: September 16th, 2023, 11:55 pm
Had the opportunity to go to some of these kiosk Steak N Shakes.
These fools have effectively killed Steak N Shake.
The first one had a "locally owned N operated" sign posted. Building exterior was dirty, damaged shutters, etc. Inside floor so sticky. Kiosk was filthy. Once at table the floor under the table looked dirtier than a park or rest stop bathroom. Received order. Employee dumped it in the "online pick up" tub and walked away. Burger in single wrap tissue and fries dumped into bag. Burger steaming hot, tasted great. Fries okay. All employees in uniforms at this one. There were at least 9 employees in the back. Drive through had steady 3 or 4 cars. Inside had just a few customers.
Second one which was close to first one appeared to still be corporate. At this one, one employee was in street clothes and had she not been cooking, I would have doubted she worked there. Ordered shake at this one. Came out within a few minutes, employee gave me shake, straw, spoon, and was pleasant. This one seemed clean and better maintained..
Third one was interesting. Completely deserted inside but somewhat steadily one or two cars driving through. Again had the "locally owned N operated" sign posted. Food was again excellent. At this one the employees were all in neatly pressed/ironed dark colored button down dress shirts and the male employees were wearing ties. Not sure what was going on with that. Looked like they worked at a bank or something. Stayed inside for about 40 minutes and saw 3 other customers inside but none ate there all took to go. Location was clean as could be.
Fourth and final location redeemed coupon for free shake. Sat in front of it for 10 minutes and saw only one other customer. Nobody using drive through. Went in and made order. Only had 2 employees. Still corporate location. They had a brochure holder between two kiosks "own your own Steak N Shake" full of brochures pushing the $10k units "nationwide." Shake excellent. Wasn't real clean inside. Super sticky floor.
So it appears this chain... they have completely pissed off customers with kiosks. Cleanliness is a problem and upkeep is a problem at these corporate or corporate franchise partner units.
The kiosk is extremely easy to use but has limited customization options. The kiosk is the fastest and easiest fast food kiosk I've encountered, partially due to how limited the menu has gotten. They really need to allocate an employee to cashier, hand out orders, and clean the dining area and kiosks..
So food was great and came out pretty quick every time.
Other thing is no locations had any window ads advertising menu items etc. They always used to.
Also no more Steak N Shake stuffed hamburger Sizzle, stuffed Milkshake Shaker, or stuffed fry waitress toys in the claw machines. Just generic stuffed toys.
These fools have effectively killed Steak N Shake.
The first one had a "locally owned N operated" sign posted. Building exterior was dirty, damaged shutters, etc. Inside floor so sticky. Kiosk was filthy. Once at table the floor under the table looked dirtier than a park or rest stop bathroom. Received order. Employee dumped it in the "online pick up" tub and walked away. Burger in single wrap tissue and fries dumped into bag. Burger steaming hot, tasted great. Fries okay. All employees in uniforms at this one. There were at least 9 employees in the back. Drive through had steady 3 or 4 cars. Inside had just a few customers.
Second one which was close to first one appeared to still be corporate. At this one, one employee was in street clothes and had she not been cooking, I would have doubted she worked there. Ordered shake at this one. Came out within a few minutes, employee gave me shake, straw, spoon, and was pleasant. This one seemed clean and better maintained..
Third one was interesting. Completely deserted inside but somewhat steadily one or two cars driving through. Again had the "locally owned N operated" sign posted. Food was again excellent. At this one the employees were all in neatly pressed/ironed dark colored button down dress shirts and the male employees were wearing ties. Not sure what was going on with that. Looked like they worked at a bank or something. Stayed inside for about 40 minutes and saw 3 other customers inside but none ate there all took to go. Location was clean as could be.
Fourth and final location redeemed coupon for free shake. Sat in front of it for 10 minutes and saw only one other customer. Nobody using drive through. Went in and made order. Only had 2 employees. Still corporate location. They had a brochure holder between two kiosks "own your own Steak N Shake" full of brochures pushing the $10k units "nationwide." Shake excellent. Wasn't real clean inside. Super sticky floor.
So it appears this chain... they have completely pissed off customers with kiosks. Cleanliness is a problem and upkeep is a problem at these corporate or corporate franchise partner units.
The kiosk is extremely easy to use but has limited customization options. The kiosk is the fastest and easiest fast food kiosk I've encountered, partially due to how limited the menu has gotten. They really need to allocate an employee to cashier, hand out orders, and clean the dining area and kiosks..
So food was great and came out pretty quick every time.
Other thing is no locations had any window ads advertising menu items etc. They always used to.
Also no more Steak N Shake stuffed hamburger Sizzle, stuffed Milkshake Shaker, or stuffed fry waitress toys in the claw machines. Just generic stuffed toys.