McDonalds – Emmett Township
15901 11 Mile RoadI felt like I was back in Peoria again. Just out of college, working evenings, and not getting a dinner break. I chose yesterday not to leave my work site when lunch time rolled around. I needed to talk to a co-worker and that took the better part of our break. Needless to say, by the time I started heading back to Kalamazoo, I was really hungry. Not only did I skip lunch, but I hadn’t eaten anything at all. My head wa pounding. Not sure if it’s just me or if it’s typical, but when I don’t eat, I get a headache.
Since it was after 11:00, I knew there wouldn’t be many places open. I was going to stop at Taco Bell in East Lansing, but tacos are hard to eat in the car and I wanted to get home. I passed a couple McDonalds on the way hoping that wouldn’t be my only choice, but I knew it would be. By the time I got to Battle Creek, I had to pull off.
I got off in Battle Creek at the 104 Exit. There’s a Pilot truck stop there that J and I stopped at all the time on our way from Chicago to Lansing. They always seemed to have the cheapest gas for some reason. I knew there was a McDonald’s attached to the gas station so that’s where I went.
I pulled into the lot thinking I had to go through the drive-thru. It was late enough I assumed the inside wouldn’t be open. I went to the back of the building like you do at most drive-thru’s only to find a dead end. You don’t go around the back of the building. The drive thru is more of a U-Shaped drive right next to the McDonalds.
As I was making my way back to the front of the building, I noticed a group of girls going inside the store. I looked in and the counter was still open, so I parked and went inside.
Lucky me, I got behind the group of drunk girls on their way to Firekeepers. After listening to their babble for a while, I finally got up to the counter. I never envy the people who have to work late nights at fast food. I don’t know how they put up with people.
Like I said, I was hungry. I don’t normally do this, but I ordered a large double quarter pounder combo. I got the burger with just cheese which is how I prefer it. I’ll eat the burger with all the condiments, but it’s not my favorite. I didn’t really need the large pop that comes with the combo, but out of habit, I ordered it.
I grabbed my cup and tried to squeeze through to the pop machine. The drunk girls were just hanging out near the counter eating their food out of the bags. By the time I got my large Sprite, my food was done. I squeezed back through to grab the bag and get back on the road.
The thing I like about McDonalds is that it’s easy to eat on the road. I was so hungry I was out of food just a mile or so down the road. I was scraping the bottom of the bag hoping there would be a few more fries. There wasn’t.
I know I always say this, but McDonalds is what it is. I wouldn’t eat it everyday, but it’s a nice option when I’m in a hurry. The food isn’t terrible and you always know what you’re going to get.
Double 1/4 Pounder With Cheese
SW Michigan Dining 
I know it’s tempting but it’s SO bad for you, the environment, the local economy… But I’ll admit to eating it many a time after a drunk night out in college!
About the only time I go to McDonalds are in situations like last night. It’s late and I don’t feel like sitting down for a meal. I wish there was some kind of late night local sandwich place on my way home, but the choices are limited.