Let me start by saying that I am a fan of McDonald’s, despite a recent horrible experience. I love their food, desserts, and especially their dollar large drinks! However, I strongly advise you to avoid stopping by the Haleiwa McDonald’s on your trip to the North Shore. Trust me, it’s better to skip that idea and head straight to 7 Eleven! There’s a 9 out of 10 chance of getting your car towed if you don’t heed this advice – and I am not joking about that!
My Unfortunate Experience
This weekend, I took my friends, who were visiting from out of town, to see the North Shore. We stopped by McDonald’s to grab some drinks. While we were inside, they decided to eat at the satellite Giovanni’s Shrimp truck across the street. Since I’m allergic to shrimp, I opted to have my meal at McDonald’s. After ordering my Double Quarter-Pounder meal, I stepped outside to watch my friends cross the street. The inside of McDonald’s was crowded, so I found it more comfortable to eat outside.
About halfway through my meal, a six-foot-tall local Asian man approached me with an iPad and asked if any of the cars on his device belonged to me. I replied with a “no.” He then asked which car was mine, and when I described it, he informed me that he had towed it hours ago. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I had only been inside McDonald’s for about five minutes!
I explained my steps to the man, stating that I had received my food, stepped outside to avoid the congestion, and then returned to McDonald’s to dine. To my surprise, he responded by saying, “You weren’t an ‘active’ diner, that’s why your car got towed.” Apparently, waiting for your food is not considered “active dining.” Isn’t that ridiculous?
When I asked to speak to the manager, the man claimed to be the manager himself, adding that he ran the whole place. He even went as far as to accuse me of trespassing on private property and threatened to call the police on me. Of course, it turned out that he was just an employee of the tow company.
When I approached the real manager, a kind elderly lady, the situation became even more unpleasant. The employee got close to my face, telling me that I was harassing the management, which was not true. I was simply expressing my disappointment with the poor customer service.
To make matters worse, when I arrived at the location where my car had been towed, I discovered it wasn’t at a legitimate place of business but parked in someone’s yard. And not just anyone’s yard, but that of our local politician Donavan Dela Cruz. To my surprise, there was an ATM on his property for cash-only payments. How absurd!
The entire incident cost me $190, which is the price I paid for an Extra Value Meal. When I arrived, there were other McDonald’s customers who had also had their cars towed. Like me, they still had their $1 soda in hand.
What can I say other than STAY AWAY!
I tried reaching out to the franchise owner, but received no response. I even left a Yelp review to warn others, but my complaint is not unique. There are numerous similar complaints from customers who have had similar experiences.
FAQs
Q: Is this a common occurrence at McDonald’s in Haleiwa?
A: Yes, there have been multiple complaints from customers who have had their cars towed while visiting this particular McDonald’s location.
Q: Should I avoid all McDonald’s in Haleiwa?
A: It’s difficult to say for certain, but it may be safer to choose another location or exercise caution when parking at any McDonald’s in Haleiwa.
Q: Can I get a refund for the towing fees?
A: Unfortunately, it is unlikely that McDonald’s will refund any towing fees incurred as a result of parking at their Haleiwa location.
Q: What alternatives are available nearby?
A: If you’re looking for a quick bite or a refreshing drink, consider visiting other nearby establishments like 7 Eleven or local food trucks.
Conclusion
Based on my personal experience and the experiences of others, it is advisable to avoid the Haleiwa McDonald’s if you don’t want to risk having your car towed. While this incident may not reflect the overall quality of McDonald’s as a brand, it is essential to be aware of the issues at this specific location. For a hassle-free trip, it’s best to consider other dining options nearby. Remember to do your research and read reviews before making any decisions when it comes to parking at fast-food establishments.