Would You Like Fries...And A Beer With That? Fast Food Restaurants Add Alcohol To The Menu

   By drodriguez  Jul 05, 2011
16

You may be in for a surprise the next time you stop in for a burger at your local fast food spot and find beer and wine has been added to the menu. Fast food chains like Burger King, Sonic, and Starbucks are a few of the restaurants that have added alcohol to their menus.

So far, the beer and wine options are only available at a few select locations, but are expected to become more widespread if customers keep ordering. A recent report from USA Today talks about some of the pros and cons of the beverage additions.

Restaurant consulting firm, Technomic’s president Ron Paul believes the move to serving beer and wine in these restaurants can be very beneficial for business owners as well as customers. Paul says, "For consumers, it's basically about having it your way — even if it's having a beer with your burger."

Others find that having alcohol on the menu can only lead to dangerous situations. Since people come and go so quickly at these types of restaurants, the effects of drinking fast and getting into a car may pose more risks. Michele Simon, research and policy director of an alcohol industry watchdog group, explains, “You don't want someone downing a quick beer, then getting into their cars and driving off. It's a delicate balance of risk and reward.”

Do you think fast food restaurants should add alcohol to their menus?

 

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amandastacy by amandastacy | McMinnville, TN
Jul 17, 2011

Alot of fast food workers are not of the age to handle and sell beer, at busy times that would be a huge hassle for everyone.

Beaniesmom by Beaniesmom | Brandon, FL
Jul 14, 2011

I don't think it is necessary to drink EVERYWHERE. These places are geared towards kids. It's more a kids hangout than a restaurant where the family goes to enjoy a burger, in my opinion. They are always near schools, that is who they want to attract. Ever been around a Chuckie Cheese's when the parents weave out and drive the kiddies home? They are teaching your children it is ok to drink, and when the kids think they are old enough to go have a few, they will return to the bars you took them to as a kid, to play the video games and drink. I wonder how much could you get from BK after your 18 year old hits a tree?

Beaniesmom by Beaniesmom | Brandon, FL
Jul 14, 2011

Honestly, do we need to drink EVERYWHERE? If you can't down that burger without beer go to a bar and get one of those good burgers.... they have video games there for the kiddies too, because they want them to feel like it is ok to go to bars, so that when they get old enought (or think they are old enough) to drink they will come back to the bar they use to go to as a kid. Go to Chuckie Cheeses and watch the responsible parents weave out of those places, and then drive the kiddies home... How much money do you think will to be paid out by Burger King when someone's 18 year old hit a tree on the way home.... I just can't believe it is that important to have a beer with those gross burgers...

frymom3 by frymom3 | HAMILTON, TX
Jul 12, 2011

Im sure a lot of people would think that beer would taste good with a big mac...but wouldn't that be sending the wrong message to our children....and don't get me started on the drive thru! Aren't a lot of the fast food places by churches and schools? I think this is a bad idea all togeather! If you want to drink do it a a bar, or a sit down restaurants! Or better yet...your own home!

Tmcantwell by Tmcantwell | NEW YORK, NY
Jul 11, 2011

seems like a reasonable idea to drink with your meal, even at a fast food joint.

Britnev by Britnev | Clearwater, FL
Jul 07, 2011

I don't think you are going to find people sitting in one of these restaurants and drinking until they are drunk. The majority will be parents enjoying a beer with their meal whether they are eating out with the kids or just themselves. Nothing wrong with that and nothing abnormal to what they probably do anywhere else. Of course they are not going to sell beer at the drive thru window - please!! I think it is about time that these type restaurants got with the times and understand that most adults drink responsibly and just want to enjoy a beverage with their meal.

basilandcatnip by basilandcatnip | GARLAND, TX
Jul 06, 2011

Brings up a lot of questions. How old will employees required to be? TABC certifications? etc.

stepsal by stepsal | ROSEDALE, MD
Jul 06, 2011

I don't really see a problem as long as they aren't serving the beer at the drive thru. I mean I think it is a bit excessive, but if people are going to drink, they are going to drink...whether they go to McDonalds, to a liquor store, or to the bar.

Beaniesmom by Beaniesmom | Brandon, FL
Jul 06, 2011

Will the beer be available at the Drive thru window?

jean60 by jean60 | swannanoa, NC
Jul 05, 2011

i think that is the most horrible thing! when they start serving beer there we will not go there!

SpeakingForYou by SpeakingForYou | JONESBORO, AR
Jul 05, 2011

I don't really like the idea of this. Alot of the fast food restaurants are where teens can afford to go. Although they are not of legal age to purchase alcohol, I would rather not see it served it there.

m3f1229 by m3f1229 | EXTON, PA
Jul 05, 2011

jessicamac---I know a good number of people agree with you about a beer going great with a big mac. They can do what I have seen done around here-buy your big mac-bring it home-have a beer with it-sit back and relax--knowing you do not have to drive anywhere else. ;)

m3f1229 by m3f1229 | EXTON, PA
Jul 05, 2011

Fast food restaurants do not need to supply alcohol. I love a beer or wine once in a while but really-fast food is supposed to mean in and out fast. When you have a alcoholic drink it takes (on average) 30 mins for you to feel the effects. How many people will order wine or beer and then drive home or onto where ever they are going. I saw it will only be offered inside (Burger King & Starbucks) or on the patio (Sonic). I thought our society was supposed to be sending the message to our younger generation to cut back and be responsible. Ryan Dunn and his friend just died a few weeks ago due to alcohol and driving after he was in a restaurant-(drank but did not eat). I do not see this availability will really increase revenue--only people getting jobs will help that.

jessicamac by jessicamac | MAPLEWOOD, NJ
Jul 05, 2011

I think a beer would taste great with a Big Mac.

didama by didama | MAPLEWOOD, NJ
Jul 05, 2011

QSR testing alcohol? Given drive thru nature of these restaurants, you'd think alcohol would be off the menu. Interesting.