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Correct me if I’m wrong, but the world with eat out-only options on the pandemic menu hasn’t been the same. And there’s nothing quite like surviving the lockdown and treating yourself with a nice dinner at a local restaurant. But on some unfortunate occasions, this idyllic scenario turns sour.

And sometimes it’s not even your fault. You see, when you spot the tail of a big, nasty rat that’s been running errands in a restaurant kitchen, you can expect the soup won’t go down smoothly. But that’s only the tip of the iceberg and things are sometimes even more sinister.

So welcome to hell’s kitchens, the places where Gordon Ramsay would get a heart attack, and where your nightmare material is made. Be sure to scroll on an empty stomach, and check twice before choosing your next eatery.

#1

Only In America Would A Restaurant Display On The Wall That They Don’t Pay Their Staff Enough To Live On

Only In America Would A Restaurant Display On The Wall That They Don’t Pay Their Staff Enough To Live On

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DC
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, they take that - but the slightest regulation of deadly devices designed to be deadly will start furious campaigns about "ThEy TaKe AwAy OuR gUnS111111111111". This misconception of freedom will cause another few major atrocities before finally someone will be able to do something about it.......

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VeryDarkMatter
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

... "because we sure don't pay them enough for a decent living.. hahaha.. tip them so we don't ever have to change this great system of modern slavery .. Thanks alot, yours truly USA" 🤑

DKS 001
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

in other words, in order to make any tips in restaurants, you have to be kind, patient, pretty, and deal with assholes with a smile

Rukkia
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes it is. America believes that it is more important to support businesses than the people who live here and make the businesses work to begin with. Cheers to consumerism.

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Kimberly Greenock
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was in university I worked behind a bar. I made more than my older friends that had already graduated and were working corporate jobs. My friend STILL works in an upscale restaurant. She has a degree and makes 5x as much as she would have in the corporate world. I agree with not always bashing America. We aren't perfect but we all aren't bad people. It gets tiring always hearing how bad Americans are.

Znaya
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't know anything about wait staff or working in a restaurant but why can't they just pay them more? I have friends who worked these jobs and I have always asked them the same question

Valley Girl
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do you mean anywhere? That's how wait staff is paid. They make about 1/4 of the minimum wage and the rest is supposed to come from tips.

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Mark O. Rubio
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You may choose to live under that wet blanket of generalizing all of America by one thing you disagree with. However, the America I see is neighbors helping neighbors, people supporting those they disagree with in one way or another, and opportunity to make many of your own choices. Don't let social media and the news suck the life out of you. We're not perfect, but we have it pretty great.

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Julie C Rose
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’ve thought for a while that if they’re going to do that then every restaurant that wants to make money off tourists should put a sign up. This sign is too cryptic (to those who aren’t familiar with the system) to fulfill that purpose, but it’s the closest I’ve seen any American restaurant come.

Flavia Slag
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Think of this. A good Servers can make 200 to 300 bucks a night. If they up the pay to 15 dollars an hour do you think people will leave a tip? Also these people know what they will be paid when they take the job.

Hilary Crawford
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You make a pretty decent living from tips at most restaurants, even with this pay. I did it for 6 years.

pamela nichols
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They should survive on a livable wages. if you can't afford to pay them maybe you shouldn't be open for business.

backatya
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It isn't up to the customers to pay their wages. If the owner doesn't want to pay they need to look for a better paying job. Otherwise don't cry

Sharon Madsen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Way passed time to do away with our "tipping" culture. Pay a living wage.

Toea Muresan Iulia
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

maybe the idea behind this is if you don't tip the servers the food comes with spit flavour

Robert Bois le Duc
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's like when Walmart puts a box near the registers, asking us to donate food so their employees will have a good Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Teucer T
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The real reason other countries don't do this? Too hard to tax gratuities.

Paul Macdonell
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In South Carolina the servers get $2.30 an hour which just covers their Social Security taxes. So remember that when you leave a tip. You like that steak for thirty bucks ? Then leave a tip so your server can feed their family.

Phillip adams
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To everyone commenting about $15 pay.. I suggest you look at the news other than Facebook or Twitter and see what the current administration is doing about raising the minimum wage to $15... that means EVERYONE including wait staff... because that's a LIVING WAGE. So why tip someone whose paid a living wage?

Leslie Burleson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In the 90's this was a good deal. We made way more than minimum wage waitressing . Nowadays they take away so much from the staff once they hit minimum wage profits in tips .

Matt Petty
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I worked at a place like this. I ended up making *GREAT* money, but the salary was $2.35/hour. At the end of a shift, we'd have to "claim" our tips, and that number had to hit minimum wage. Any money above that could be pocketed and not taxed.

Phillip adams
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So let's understand then, I should tip someone making $15 an hour that occasionally comes around and refills my drink? May or may not have a bad attitude? Or should someone whose major percent of income come from their service performance (attitude, response time, politeness) be tipped? I'm not tipping someone who is paid a "LIVING WAGE" Since obviously they can live off the wage and not tips...

Mike Wilson
Community Member
3 years ago

If waiters made $15 an hour tipping wouldn't be a thing like it is in the US. The thing is they don't get paid that in the US. They don't even get paid minimum wage which is why tipping is important. So your statement makes zero sense. I want to know where these 15 dollar an hour servers you are talking about are because it seems you are just spewing info you pulled out your ass. I got paid 3.25 an hour when I used to wait tables. My paychecks were usually $0 after taxes. Some "living wage" that is!

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Phillip adams
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you haven't opened a small business/ restaurant.. ever made payroll... paid employees, or live outside this country then maybe you shouldn't talk about something you know nothing about? Just sayin....

Signe Manat Hansen
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If feces like this falls out of your mouth every time you open it, maybe you should just keep it shut.

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Candy Rae
Community Member
3 years ago

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And many hair stylists/ barbers, some drivers. USA isnt perfect but i hate how all you do is bust on us. There are worse places you know.

Cip IESAN
Community Member
3 years ago

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In Europe a waiter is often paid the minimum wage, because it's supposed tips are 2/3 of the monthly salary...

H Edwards
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Minimum wage is set by the government and is *supposed* to be enough to live on. If wait staff can't get by on minimum wage then it's that which needs to be raised.

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Paul Werner
Community Member
3 years ago

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At the same time they don't have to take a job that pays like that either

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#2

Buffet At Charles De Gaulle Airport. Paris, France

Buffet At Charles De Gaulle Airport. Paris, France

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Health and safety should be an integral part of a restaurant's operation for multiple reasons. First, it’s the moral and ethical responsibility to protect employees and customers from injury and illness. Second is the regulatory requirements that entail both local food safety regulations and USDA, OSHA, and EPA requirements.

That means that if you’re seeing a rat in the restaurant’s kitchen, it’s way beyond what should be acceptable and you may as well leave the place immediately.

Aside from customers’ and employees' safety, food safety should be the top priority. One of the biggest concerns in any eatery is cross-contamination, which occurs when harmful germs get spread between food, onto surfaces, and equipment.

#3

Local Chinese Restaurant Gets A New Cutting Board

Local Chinese Restaurant Gets A New Cutting Board

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#4

In The Men's Room At My Corporate Place Of Employment

In The Men's Room At My Corporate Place Of Employment

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Centers For Disease Control and Prevention suggests a couple of helpful tips every customer should do before going to eat out. First, check inspection scores and look for certificates that show kitchen managers have completed food safety training. Second, look for safe food-handling practices.

A big part of staying safe is having your eyes open on things around you when you enter the restaurant. If something feels shady, or if you see a potentially hazardous situation, it may be best to skip the place altogether.

#5

I Saw This On A Restaurant Door. After I Ate There

I Saw This On A Restaurant Door. After I Ate There

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Sum Guy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But why does the Oregon department of human services still allow them to be open?

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#7

1 Chicken Over Rice Please

1 Chicken Over Rice Please

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Freyja Cooper
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And he's doing that in the one spot where everyone can see him. Wtf

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#8

A Handful Of Jam Served On A Plate At An Upscale Restaurant

A Handful Of Jam Served On A Plate At An Upscale Restaurant

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Sum Guy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No... just No. doesn't matter how clean your hands are and the fact that you use your hands to prepare the food, but this is a NO

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#9

Restaurant Bans Masks, Gloves And Social Distancing Because “Freedom”

Restaurant Bans Masks, Gloves And Social Distancing Because “Freedom”

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The CDC also suggests ordering food that’s properly cooked in order to avoid food poisoning. “Certain foods, including meat, poultry, and fish, need to be cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful germs that may be present. If a restaurant serves you undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs, send them back to be cooked until they are safe to eat.”

#10

A Restaurant Known For Their Wings In Ne Philadelphia. Pretty Gross....

A Restaurant Known For Their Wings In Ne Philadelphia. Pretty Gross....

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#11

At This Fast Food Place In Town

At This Fast Food Place In Town

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Sum Guy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Rats are very clean, look at them cleaning their hands before going to control the chef from under the hat

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#13

What’s Wrong With People

What’s Wrong With People

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#14

Signs Of A Bad Restaurant

Signs Of A Bad Restaurant

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Another great tip is avoiding lukewarm food, because essentially, cold food has to be served cold and hot food has to be served hot. “Germs that cause food poisoning grow quickly when food is in the danger zone, between 40°F and 140°F,” the CDC states.

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#15

Wtf....a Bolt Was Found In A Bowl Of Chilli. Fairfax Frisch's

Wtf....a Bolt Was Found In A Bowl Of Chilli. Fairfax Frisch's

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#16

Employee Spits In Food For Instagram Likes

Employee Spits In Food For Instagram Likes

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#18

Subway Employee Picking Her Feet Behind The Counter. How Fresh

Subway Employee Picking Her Feet Behind The Counter. How Fresh

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Also, don’t underestimate the knowledge and power of the server. If you feel unsure about an ingredient or the whole meal, let them know and look for a solution.

The CDC recommends asking a server if they use pasteurized eggs if you opt to eat one of the following: Caesar salad dressing, custards, tiramisu, or hollandaise sauce. Remember that raw and undercooked eggs can make us seriously ill unless they have been pasteurized to kill the germs.

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After all, health and safety kitchen rules are common sense, but it's up to the restaurant managers and owners to make sure everyone sticks to them.

#20

Millennials Aren’t Killing Restaurants Like Applebee’s And TGI Friday’s. Food Like This Is

Millennials Aren’t Killing Restaurants Like Applebee’s And TGI Friday’s. Food Like This Is

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nanashi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

where I'm from, we don't really eat cheese (because it's not in our culture and they're mega expensive). but when a restaurant said this dish has a cheese, they meant the cheese slices like this, just slap it on top. not even melted. cold sliced cheese on top of your spaghetti. so to my LOW standard of what is cheese, this one is better because at least they had the effort to bake it? lol

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#21

In A Restaurant That Sells Ice Cream

In A Restaurant That Sells Ice Cream

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#22

Local Restaurant Where I'm From. Who Needs Food Safety Right?

Local Restaurant Where I'm From. Who Needs Food Safety Right?

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Cameron Alford
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

that fat is good protein (dont get offended im not the skinniest person myself)

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#24

I Found This In My Drink At A Restaurant

I Found This In My Drink At A Restaurant

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During the coronavirus pandemic, restaurants around the world have been in between being closed and opened. For those who’re worrying that COVID-19 may be transmitted from food, the CDC states that “currently, there is no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 is spread by handling or eating food.”

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However, it makes sense to follow stringent health and safety practices and limit any chance to your business and employees be exposed to coronavirus as much as possible.

#25

The Restaurant Where The Workers Stand On The Counter (Near The Food Prep Station) Without Shoes On

The Restaurant Where The Workers Stand On The Counter (Near The Food Prep Station) Without Shoes On

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#27

Stay Trashy Burger King

Stay Trashy Burger King

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K Killian
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Patron: One more Whopper please. Employee: (Points to sign) Sir, let's not do this again.

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#29

Local Restaurant Pouring Garbage Into The Sewers

Local Restaurant Pouring Garbage Into The Sewers

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Downunderdude
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is how fat burgs are created. Too mean to put in a grease trap.

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#30

This BBQ Restaurant Serves Their House Sauce In A Shaker And It's Awful

This BBQ Restaurant Serves Their House Sauce In A Shaker And It's Awful

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#31

Signs Of A Bad Restaurant

Signs Of A Bad Restaurant

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#32

The Restaurant I Work In Won't Allow Employees To Eat Inside Since Covid Started, Today They Set Up A Break Table For Us By The Dumpster

The Restaurant I Work In Won't Allow Employees To Eat Inside Since Covid Started, Today They Set Up A Break Table For Us By The Dumpster

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#33

The Customers In This Restaurant Are Savages

The Customers In This Restaurant Are Savages

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#34

A Restaurant In My Town. I Think This Fits Here

A Restaurant In My Town. I Think This Fits Here

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#36

When You Go On A Rare Date With Your Husband To A Well Known Restaurant In Downtown Fullerton And He Gets The Soup Of The Day. Potato With Something Extra. Guess They Ran Out Of Cream

When You Go On A Rare Date With Your Husband To A Well Known Restaurant In Downtown Fullerton And He Gets The Soup Of The Day. Potato With Something Extra. Guess They Ran Out Of Cream

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#37

Receipt At An Already Overpriced Restaurant. When I Asked The Waiter He Just Shrugged And Said "Oh Yeah, We Need To Fix That"

Receipt At An Already Overpriced Restaurant. When I Asked The Waiter He Just Shrugged And Said "Oh Yeah, We Need To Fix That"

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#38

Ordered Steak And Mac And Cheese At A Riverside Restaurant For $30. They Brought Out Kraft Mac And Cheese

Ordered Steak And Mac And Cheese At A Riverside Restaurant For $30. They Brought Out Kraft Mac And Cheese

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#39

The Salad This Restaurant Gave Me

The Salad This Restaurant Gave Me

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Desto
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks like the salad I make at home, because I don't know how to make a salad lol

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#40

And Just Like That, I Won't Be Eating At This Chinese Restaurant Again

And Just Like That, I Won't Be Eating At This Chinese Restaurant Again

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#41

I Think I Found The Secret Ingredient To Those Chicken Sandwiches

I Think I Found The Secret Ingredient To Those Chicken Sandwiches

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Sum Guy
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is why even though macdonalds, KFC food is very unhealthy, I eat there because franchises are usually cleaner and have a stricter quality control than independent restaurants

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#42

These Doorway Curtains At A Sushi Restaurant

These Doorway Curtains At A Sushi Restaurant

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nanashi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

it's just doorway curtains with the fabric warped, right? not someone's pyjama pants?

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#43

Literally Affecting My Decision This Evening

Literally Affecting My Decision This Evening

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#44

This Soap Dispensing Ketchup Bottle I Encountered At A Restaurant

This Soap Dispensing Ketchup Bottle I Encountered At A Restaurant

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#45

The Bathroom In A Restaurant My Fiancé And I Ate At

The Bathroom In A Restaurant My Fiancé And I Ate At

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Desto
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

TBH that does look cool but very disgusting they need to change that mirror

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#46

Paid $16 For This Caesar "Salad" At A Concept Restaurant Last Night

Paid $16 For This Caesar "Salad" At A Concept Restaurant Last Night

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#47

Glad We Ate Before They Started Cleaning On Top Of The Food

Glad We Ate Before They Started Cleaning On Top Of The Food

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Anne
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

End of day cleaning is like this. You clean top to bottom. He's on a step ladder, the other guy is passing with the washing up stuff. This pic is from 2.38 am - a very decent end of day i'd say..

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#48

Restaurants That Serve Cold Butter, Causing The Bread To Break When You Spread It

Restaurants That Serve Cold Butter, Causing The Bread To Break When You Spread It

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haha laser go brrr
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I really don't see the problem. At home, my butter is refrigerated and cold no matter what

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