Smarter Wrappers

Lately I've noticed that certain fast food places like Arby's have the actual assembly instructions for their sandwiches on the inside of the wrappers. Simple and effective, in case the workers forget the recipe.

I've also been observing the new McDonald's system, which is similar to the old BK and Wendy's systems. Sandwiches are assembled as they are ordered, with your choice of ingredients. The workers have to watch a TV screen to determine which sandwiches get what ingredients.

I'd like to see a high speed dual-sided non-toxic ink jet printer spit out the wrappers as the sandwiches are ordered. The workers benefit by not having to stare at the TV screen, and we the customers benefit by having our actual order specification printed on the reverse side of the wrapper.

The stores could also benefit by letting the computer custom-print wrapper art instead of buying pre-printed stock. The chains could also put custom art on the wrappers depending on holidays, promotions, coupons, etc. It would also help the front counter staff from picking up your custom burger and sending it out the drive-thru by accident.

Ever get a sack of food for a group of people and then have to partially unwrap everything to figure out who had the no-onions and who had the extra-mayo? This would make life a little easier...