I'll be the first to admit that Knott's has probably some of the worst operations when it comes to food services and rides. It was like that in the 90's and in the 00's. I agree that should change, but that is the way it has been for a long time.
I think given today's crowds, it's easy to forget that for decades, Knott's was always viewed as the "step-child" park and basically looked down upon. It was a running gag in the 80s and 90s that Knott's
never had a crowd. Even the summers during that time were nothing like they are now.... you were basically able to walk on to nearly every ride and food line with little to no wait in the middle of July.
But lately, Knott's had gotten smart and marketed to the people who are priced out/frustrated by Disney by adding lots of entertainment and food events to keep people returning, and now they're a victim of their own success.
In the 80s and 90s, and even early 00s, having a food operation service literally one guest at a time (guest orders, pays, waits for food, leaves, service next guest) wasn't really an issue when there were maybe only 1-2 guests in line. But that same exact operation now is insufferable when there's 15-20 people in line. (I'm thinking about places like Calico Taters, Strictly on a Stick, Funnel Cakes, etc.)
I do feel their move to cafeteria style (Boardwalk BBQ, Prop Pizza, Casa California) are a response to that... and I do find them to be the much faster places to get food. And they should make those other, slower locations, should turn into mobile order only.