How long does it usually take for you to get your fast food? Three minutes? Five? Maybe fifteen to twenty on a busy day? That’s the range most of us are used to, especially when grabbing a bite in bustling spots like airports. But have you ever received your food instantly after placing the order? Not three minutes. Not even one. We’re talking about paying and hearing: “Your order is ready, sir,” in the same breath.
That’s exactly what happened to entrepreneur Orkhan Rzayev this past weekend at Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
“I’ve been to nearly 40 countries,” Orkhan said, still buzzing from the moment. “I’ve tried fast food all over the world – from America to Asia. I’ve waited three minutes, five, sometimes even more than twenty. But I’ve never seen anything like this.”
Here’s how it unfolded: Orkhan, craving something quick before his next flight, headed over to Popeyes at the airport. He approached the counter, made his choice, and proceeded to pay. As soon as the payment confirmation beeped, a voice called out: “Your order is ready, sir.”
What? He blinked.
No waiting. No anxious glances toward the kitchen. No number on a receipt being called after an awkward wait. The order was in his hands before he even realized it.
Out of pure curiosity and admiration, Orkhan asked for the names of the employees. The cashier was a polite young woman named Medina. The man handing over the food was Hasan.
So, how did this lightning-fast service happen?
Turns out, Popeyes at Sabiha Gökçen Airport has a smart operational approach. Rather than starting the cooking process only after an order is placed, their team likely keeps their top-selling menu items ready in advance—fresh, hot, and frequently replenished. This way, when a customer selects a popular item, the team can hand it over immediately after payment. It’s not just fast food – it’s preemptive food.
“It may seem small,” Orkhan reflects, “but when you’re at an airport, minutes matter. You could be running to catch a flight or juggling multiple things. That kind of precision and efficiency makes a difference.”
And he would know.
Orkhan Rzayev is no stranger to fast-paced environments. A seasoned entrepreneur, he’s the owner of the US-based global PR agency PR to SKY, the marketing agency Mediamark Digital and founder of the mobile soccer game Eleven Kings. Between managing companies and constant international travel, Orkhan values smart, time-saving systems – especially when they’re powered by real human attentiveness.
So, next time you find yourself at Sabiha Gökçen Airport, hungry and in a hurry, look out for Hasan and Medina at Popeyes. You just might experience the fastest fast food of your life.
