To think this was bang out of order.

[Ryderryder]

In a fast food restaurant which only has about 6 tables. You can normally get a seat as it is very much a scoff and go type of place. Me and my friend join the line when there are a couple of free tables so feel confident that we will get a table as often people get takeaways.
Two young women enter one eating food from a different establishment and takes one of the free tables. Her friend joins the queue and purchases food for herself and joins friend at the table.
Aibu to think this is out of order. I can deal with reserving tables (just) when you intend to purchase food but not in this case.

" So one customer effectively took up four seats."

Oh bollocks did they.

Bags can be moved!

I’m a manager in a quick service restaurant. I wouldn’t have asked the one with food from elsewhere to leave.

Mainly because one of the party had bought food from the establishment they were in and required a table anyway, so it would be occupied whether there was one or two people there.

Also I know it can be hard if you get two people with completely different tastes but you still want to meet up. I don’t think there’s a point in being petty and kicking one out when it really makes no odds and they’re not causing trouble or doing any harm.

I do however ask those to leave who only bring in food from elsewhere and don’t buy anything from us.

Should they eat outside then OP

hard hat firmly on - if we are eating out, dh or i will queue the other will sit at a table for two, people that don't reserve, wander around looking dazed while looking for a table and their food gets cold as a result, sod that !!

Phone the Daily Mail promptly and put on your best sad face.

It's a bit rude, but not the crime of the century.

if we are eating out, dh or i will queue the other will sit at a table for two, people that don't reserve, wander around looking dazed while looking for a table and their food gets cold as a result, sod that !!

This is only a crime on MN. In real life, everyone does it. I have never ever seen a family with more than one adult enter a cafe, and all solemnly queue up together, then look for a table. It's mildly annoying if you're on your own, which I often am, but it's just one of the many ways in which life shits on singletons .

xx we are out on saturday for lunch, will save you a seat with us, 2.30 okay with you ?

Cheers paint - can I get you anything from the bar?

The food from outside is up to the place to deal with.
Others behind could have asked them to move bags. If they wouldn’t then the staff could have intervened.
I often send my dc’s to a table whilst I am queuing.
And even worse I often show up a bit early to a chain pub that serves food to get a table for us all. The staff don’t mind lol as they know the 10 of us will spend a considerable amount.