When you’re craving fast food, the last thing you want is to spend ages in the drive-thru line. A recent study by QSR Magazine has shed light on which fast-food chains have the speediest and slowest drive-thru services, as well as the accuracy of orders and the friendliness of staff.

To conduct the study, QSR Magazine made 1,491 drive-thru visits in June and July, covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner hours at fast food restaurants across the United States. They visited an average of 10 different chains and placed orders at approximately 165 restaurants per chain.

Taco Bell emerged as the winner for the third consecutive year, boasting the fastest drive-thru service, with an average wait time of 278.84 seconds. Following closely behind was Carl’s Jr at 303.74 seconds, followed by KFC (303.95 seconds), Arby’s (319.64 seconds), and Dunkin’ (321.10). On the other end of the spectrum, Chick-fil-A had the slowest drive-thru, with an average wait time of over seven minutes per order (436.09 seconds).

Chick-fil-A also had the busiest drive-thru lines, with an average of 3.41 cars queued up for their orders. McDonald’s followed with 2.01 cars, Wendy’s with 1.50, Taco Bell with 0.96, Burger King with 0.92, and Dunkin’ with 0.78 cars waiting in line.

In terms of customer service, Chick-fil-A took the top spot, with 91% of its associates rated as friendly, the only chain with a 0% rating of “not friendly.” Hardee’s and Taco Bell were next in line, both receiving a 79% friendly rating, followed by Arby’s and Carl’s Jr, each with a 76% friendly rating.

Chick-fil-A also boasted the most accurate orders, with 92% of orders being correct. Burger King followed with 90%, McDonald’s with 88%, Wendy’s and KFC with 87%. Notably, order accuracy improved by 7% when there was an Order Confirmation Board, allowing customers to confirm their orders visually. Additionally, order accuracy increased by 11% to 18% when the speaker system was loud and clear enough for customers to hear restaurant staff.

The study suggests that while speed is important, other factors such as order accuracy and menu complexity may influence the drive-thru experience. Nevertheless, quick-service restaurants continue to prioritize reducing wait times as a significant focus.

So, next time you hit the drive-thru, you might want to keep an eye on your stopwatch. But let’s be honest, we’ll probably be scrolling through our social media feeds until the next window beckons.

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The seminar, under the guidance of IFA Deputy Director Operations, Dr. Tahira Siddiq, and following the directives of Islamabad’s Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Irfan Nawaz Memon, saw active participation from approximately 100 individuals. These attendees represented various stakeholders, including those from hotels, restaurants, and other food-related businesses.

Dr. Tahira Siddiq, a prominent figure within the IFA, actively engaged with the seminar’s participants. Her address to the audience emphasized the urgent need to prevent the wastage of food and water, a concern of global importance. She emphasized that the IFA’s primary commitment is to ensure that the citizens of Islamabad have access to clean and high-quality food. Dr. Tahira stressed the importance of strict adherence to IFA’s regulations and warned that stringent actions would be taken against those who disregard the prescribed rules and SOPs.

The IFA’s dedication to food safety is a testament to the authority’s mission to safeguard public health and well-being. By creating and enforcing regulations that ensure food safety, the IFA plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for the residents of Islamabad.

The seminar, held on ‘World Food Day,’ was not only an opportunity to educate and inform stakeholders but also a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration. Distinguished experts from renowned organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Fleming Fund contributed to the event by sharing their insights and knowledge on food safety.

These experts enriched the discourse on food safety and its vital role in our lives. Their contributions shed light on the global significance of food safety and highlighted the need for coordinated efforts to address this critical issue.

Food safety is a matter of concern worldwide, and the Islamabad Food Authority’s proactive approach to addressing this issue serves as an example for other regions. By organizing seminars, engaging with stakeholders, and leveraging expertise from renowned organizations, the IFA is taking substantial steps toward improving food safety practices in Islamabad.

The IFA’s commitment to raising awareness and ensuring the implementation of SOPs sets a commendable precedent for promoting safe food practices. As the authority continues to work diligently in this direction, it paves the way for a safer and healthier food environment for all residents of Islamabad.

Thank you for entrusting us as your source of information. Together, we aim to shape a world where knowledge transcends borders and unites us all. Stay focused, stay informed, and let’s make our world a better place, one story at a time.

Maintaining a healthy diet is a cornerstone of overall well-being and can significantly impact your long-term health. By making informed choices about the food you consume, you can ensure that you’re providing your body with the necessary nutrients to thrive. Here are eight tips to help you eat more healthily and make lasting positive changes to your diet:

1. Balance Your Plate: When crafting your meals, aim for balance. Consider dividing your plate into sections. Half of it should be filled with fruits and vegetables, which are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. One-quarter can be reserved for lean protein sources, like chicken, fish, or plant-based proteins such as beans and tofu. The remaining quarter should consist of whole grains, such as brown rice or quinoa. This balanced approach ensures you receive a variety of nutrients with each meal.

2. Portion Control: Portion sizes play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy weight. Even nutrient-dense foods can lead to weight gain if consumed in excessive amounts. To help control portion sizes, consider using smaller plates, which can create the illusion of a full plate while reducing the actual quantity of food.

3. Choose Whole Foods: Opt for whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible. Whole foods, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, are less likely to contain added sugars, salt, and unhealthy fats. They are rich in essential nutrients that promote health and vitality.

4. Limit Processed Foods: Processed foods, often found in the form of fast food, sugary snacks, and carbonated beverages, can be detrimental to your health due to their high levels of unhealthy fats, sugar, and various additives. Minimize your consumption of these products, and instead, focus on consuming whole, minimally processed foods.

5. Hydrate Properly: Staying well-hydrated is fundamental to good health. Water is essential for digestion, circulation, and temperature regulation. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Limit your intake of sugary drinks and beverages high in caffeine. Herbal teas and infused water can be refreshing and healthier alternatives.

6. Eat Mindfully: Paying close attention to what you eat and how much you eat is a practice known as mindful eating. Avoid distractions such as watching TV or using your phone during meals. Eating mindfully can help you recognize when you’re full and prevent overeating, as you’re more in tune with your body’s hunger and fullness cues.

7. Limit Added Sugars and Salt: Many processed foods and beverages contain hidden sugars and excessive amounts of salt. Read food labels to become aware of what you’re consuming. Reducing your intake of added sugars and sodium can lower the risk of chronic health issues like heart disease and hypertension.

8. Plan and Prepare: Planning your meals and snacks in advance allows you to make healthier choices. When you cook at home, you have full control over the ingredients and portion sizes. Experimenting with new, healthy recipes can be a fun and rewarding experience. Meal planning ensures that you have access to nourishing options, even on busy days.

Remember, healthy eating is not about adhering to strict diets but about adopting sustainable, long-term changes that support your overall well-being. It’s crucial to consult with healthcare professionals or registered dietitians before making significant dietary changes, especially if you have specific health concerns or dietary restrictions. A personalized approach to nutrition can help you achieve your health goals and enjoy a lifetime of vitality.

Traditional staples like corned beef, condensed milk, and spam are more likely to be found in the cupboards of parents or grandparents. These include tinned peaches (27%), tinned sardines (21%), and Bovril (21%).

Some favorites, however, have stood the test of time, with baked beans, biscuits, tinned soup, chopped tomatoes, tinned tuna, and lentils remaining common after 40 years.

The study was conducted in collaboration with Spar to launch its ‘Giving One Million Meals’ project with charity FareShare. Spar is contributing £250,000, with additional support from Coca-Cola and Robinsons. For every £1 donated, FareShare can distribute enough food for four meals to people in need across the UK.

Suzanne Dover, spokesperson for Spar, highlighted the importance of having essential ingredients on hand and noted how these staples have evolved over the years.

The study also found that 18% of respondents believe they have five to ten items in their cupboards that are long past their use-by date, and 61% believe they have spices, tins, or bags of food that are up to four years old.

Around 83% of respondents save and use leftover cooked food rather than throwing it away. Additionally, 49% have donated to food banks and charities, with 19% increasing their donations to food banks in recent years to help with the cost-of-living crisis.

Polly Bianchi, director of fundraising at FareShare, expressed gratitude for the donation from Spar and partners, as it will significantly contribute to their work in distributing surplus food to those in need, especially during the approaching winter months. FareShare supports a network of 8,500 charities across the UK that provide meals and support to people impacted by the cost of living crisis.

Thank you for entrusting us as your source of information. Together, we aim to shape a world where knowledge transcends borders and unites us all. Stay focused, stay informed, and let’s make our world a better place, one story at a time.

Shopping List
– 3 cloves garlic
– 1 small butternut squash
– 2 lemons
– 200g fresh spinach
– 10g fresh basil
– 1 aubergine
– 200g cherry tomatoes
– 20g fresh basil
– 1 small broccoli
– 250g mascarpone
– 50g hard Italian cheese
– 280g extra firm tofu
– 50g black olives
– 2 tbsp capers
– 500g pre-cooked gnocchi
– 150g couscous
– 200g orzo
– Olive oil
– 1 vegetable stock cube

Now, let’s dive into the recipes:

Roast Broccoli and Orzo Traybake

Serves: 2

Ingredients:
– 4 tbsp olive oil
– 1 small broccoli
– 200g orzo
– 2 cloves garlic
– 1 vegetable stock cube
– 100g mascarpone
– 1 lemon

Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 220°C and boil some water in a kettle.
2. Cut small florets from the stalk of a small broccoli. Mince the stalk.
3. Toss the prepped broccoli with 2 tbsp of oil and a pinch of salt in a roasting tray, then roast for 10-12 minutes until golden in places.
4. Add 200g of orzo to the tray after removing the broccoli. Grate in 2 cloves of garlic.
5. Crumble over 1 vegetable stock cube and pour in 500ml of boiling water. Stir, cover tightly with foil, and bake for 12-15 minutes until the orzo is nearly soft.
6. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-6 minutes until the orzo is soft and all the liquid is absorbed.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Add blobs of mascarpone, zest from 1 lemon, lemon juice, and remaining 2 tbsp of oil. Serve.

One-Tray Tofu Caponata-Style Couscous

Serves: 2

Ingredients:
– 280g extra firm tofu
– 1 aubergine
– 5 tbsp olive oil
– 200g cherry tomatoes
– 20g fresh basil
– 1 clove garlic
– 150g couscous
– 50g black olives
– 2 tbsp capers

Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 220°C.
2. Cut the tofu and aubergine into bite-sized chunks.
3. Toss the tofu and aubergine with 3 tbsp of oil and roast for 10-12 minutes until golden in places.
4. Blend 200g of cherry tomatoes, 20g of basil, 1 clove of garlic, 2 tbsp of oil, and a pinch of salt to create a cherry tomato broth.
5. Add 150g of couscous to the tray and pour in the cherry tomato broth.
6. Cover the tray tightly with foil and bake for 8-10 minutes until the couscous is soft.
7. Slice 50g of pitted olives. Add them to the tray once the couscous is ready.
8. Serve!

Creamy Roast Squash Gnocchi Traybake

Serves: 2

Ingredients:
– 1 small butternut squash
– 3 tbsp olive oil
– 150g mascarpone
– 1 lemon
– 500g pre-cooked gnocchi
– 200g fresh spinach
– 50g hard Italian cheese
– 10g fresh basil

Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 220°C.
2. Peel, deseed, and cut a small butternut squash into bite-sized chunks.
3. Toss the squash with 3 tbsp of oil and roast for 20-25 minutes until soft and golden.
4. Add 150g of mascarpone to the tray. Grate the zest from 1 lemon and add lemon juice. Mash everything together.
5. Add 500g of gnocchi and 200g of spinach to the tray. Mix well.
6. Grate 50g of hard Italian cheese over the top.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and bubbling.
8. Top with leaves from 10g of basil and serve straight from the tray.

We hope you enjoy these one-pan recipes that not only minimize washing up but also maximize flavor and ease. Happy cooking!

Thank you for entrusting us as your source of information. Together, we aim to shape a world where knowledge transcends borders and unites us all. Stay focused, stay informed, and let’s make our world a better place, one story at a time.