I worked at McDonald’s drive-thrus – my little-known tips can get you free hash browns and cheaper burgers
A FORMER McDonald’s worker has shared her little-known tips that can get you free hash browns and cheaper burgers.
Emily Johnson spent two years working at the fast food chain’s restaurants in Salford and Grimbsy while at university.
Now, writing for , she has shared the budget burger chain’s top secrets.
She said: "I think there are many common misconceptions about what goes on behind the scenes at the world-famous burger chain and people have come to me with questions about working there.
"McDonald's in the UK is usually split into franchises, all with different rules and goals.
“I have worked at two different franchises so this information is likely common to most but may not apply to all."
Prices have been soaring across the board in recent months, from petrol to energy bills and the cost of your groceries.
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And it's happening at your favourite fast food restaurants too.
But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t deals to be had.
Her first top tip is a sneaky way to transform a double cheeseburger into a Big Mac on the cheap.
Emily explained: "Customers ask for a double cheeseburger dressed as a Big Mac.
“All the additions of lettuce and Big Mac sauce are free, you get the same amount of meat, and it is also half the price."
She also claimed some restaurants may hand out free hash browns if you arrive at the right time of day.
When asked what happens to breakfast food after 11am, Emily explained: "It goes in the bin, unfortunately, but we would try to be as accurate as possible when cooking what we thought we would need.
"At Grimsby, if you turn up between 11am and 11.05am they will often offer you the leftover hash browns and McMuffins for free if there are some leftovers."
It comes as McDonald’s is scrapping its front counter as part of a major shake-up of its restaurants that could mean you get served quicker.
The fast food giant will refurbish 200 of its UK sites in 2022, rolling out the new design to 800 of its 1,465 branches in total over the next four years.
The burger chain will get rid of its staffed counter, saying around 50% of McDonald's sales are now made either through its app or using touch screens.
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It will create "specific areas for different sales channels", a move it said should mean fast food fans get their meals quicker.
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The shake-up will result in fewer people congregating around the touch screens and help to shorten queues, it said.
The Sun has contacted McDonald's for comment.