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Working in the food service industry isn’t all fun and games. It’s grueling, repetitive work that isn’t always rewarded as generously as it should be. And very often, as a server or chef, you’ll also end up emotionally exhausted after dealing with people and stressful situations all day long. Some customers are great, sure. But there will always be at least a handful of less empathetic ones who will make you question your choice of career.

To show you some of the challenges these hard-working employees face, our team at Bored Panda has collected some of their top posts and vents about what they constantly deal with. Scroll down to take a look. If you’ve ever worked at a restaurant, you might find these takes incredibly relatable!

Bored Panda reached out to Jaime-Alexis Fowler, the founder and executive director of the non-profit organization ‘Empower Work,' for some advice on handling negative emotions and stress in customer-facing roles. Read on to see what she told us.

"It can be really hard to be in customer-facing roles, especially as negative behavior has increased. We're all people doing our best to provide the best support that we can. Sometimes, that gets lost amidst the demands and pressures. We see folks reach out to the Empower Work text line regularly who are dealing with frustrating customer interactions or lack of support from management to deal with them," Fowler told Bored Panda in an email.

"We encourage folks to find ways that work for them to manage the stress. For some, that might be creating structures to their day, like breathing exercises to let go of situations as they transition from work."

Fowler said that for some employees, other ways to manage all of that work-related stress might include taking some time off... or even finding another job entirely.

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    #3

    The Uselessness Of Signs

    The Uselessness Of Signs

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    Howl's sleeping castle
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My ex was like this. The sign would say 'close' and he would be like 'whats the harm in asking'

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    Still, others might benefit from small shifts in their daily schedule, like changing their commute to "walk off some of the stress."

    "We all handle stressors differently. What's important is finding a space or support to work through the approaches that work for you," Fowler told us.

    We asked her for some advice for managers on how they can support their staff who have to face dissatisfied customers.

    According to Fowler, the first and foremost that they ought to do is have structures and processes in place for how to handle customers and escalation paths if needed.

    She said that part of those approaches should include the assurance that in hard situations, management will support their staff. If you face challenges at work, including with customer interactions, you can visit the 'Empower Work' website or contact their text line for support via 510-674-1414.

    #4

    The True Stupidity Of Earth

    The True Stupidity Of Earth

    Ashley_Dill Report

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    The food service industry is absolutely gargantuan in the United States. It encompasses everything related to food prepared outside of one’s home, from full-service and quick-service (e.g., fast food) restaurants to catering, cafes, private chefs, and more. Statista reports that the largest share of employment in the US food service industry came from waiters and waitresses in 2022. On the other side of the scale, private cooks made up the smallest share of employment that year.

    In 2022, the American food service and drinking place industry as a whole reached earnings of a jaw-dropping $975.9 billion. That’s just shy of a trillion!

    In 2023, that trillion-dollar mark was breached, with the sales in the industry reaching an eye-watering $1.09 trillion, supporting 13.2 million employees. Statista notes that there were over 2.1 million servers in the US in 2022, and more than 2.2 million in 2023.

    #7

    As A Person Who Worked In Retail, All I Can Say Is Very Accurate

    As A Person Who Worked In Retail, All I Can Say Is Very Accurate

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    #8

    Every Time, All While Saying "Sorry, Sorry, Sorry"

    Every Time, All While Saying "Sorry, Sorry, Sorry"

    MuireannO_C Report

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    PFD
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But if they *don't* do the walk it feels so damn rude. Even though it makes no difference at all to the re-mopping. Like show some damned respect

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    With the size of the industry in mind, it only makes sense to take the workplace issues that the employees in this market face very seriously. Good managers ought to care about their staff’s welfare. Meanwhile, good business leaders know that motivated, well-compensanted, and properly supported employees are loyal and get better results.

    Online food delivery is also massive and continues to get ever more popular. The US has the second-biggest online food delivery market after China. In 2023, the size of this market in the US stood at around $270 billion. Grocery delivery brought in $182.9 billion while meal delivery was worth $86.9 billion in revenue.

    WebstaurantStore reports that nearly 750k restaurants were operating in the US in 2023. An overwhelming number of them—9 out of 10—were small businesses with fewer than 50 staff members. Meanwhile, 7 out of 10 restaurants were single-unit operations. Most American adults (63%) have worked in the restaurant industry at some point in their lives.

    #10

    And Salt

    And Salt

    mariana057 Report

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    Boredest Panda
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When life gives you a cut anywhere remotely near your hands, hope really hard that it doesn’t also give you lemons.

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    #11

    She Knows What's What

    She Knows What's What

    AOC Report

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    Kyra Heiker
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Those are the same people who call Kamala Harris a fascist and then say that the Democrats should not be calling anyone fascists. Hypocrites the lot of them.

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    #12

    The Honest Truth

    The Honest Truth

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    E.
    Community Member
    2 months ago

    This comment has been deleted.

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    The sad reality is that many servers have to deal with rudeness, disrespect, and entitled behavior on a constant basis. One server and popular content creator, Quinn, previously opened up to Bored Panda about how a customer came in, started filming him, and set up a game for him to play for his tips.

    He said that many employees don’t stand up for themselves because they’re scared of getting fired if some of their customers were to complain about them.

    #13

    Can't Get Any More Accurate Than That

    Can't Get Any More Accurate Than That

    life_iscraZZy Report

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    Kyra Heiker
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is so insane to me, that is what managers are for. I have never once had to look for someone to cover my shift here in Germany.

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    #14

    It Makes You More Patient With Stupid People And Also Makes You Way Less Irritable When Places Are Running Behind/Messing Things Up

    It Makes You More Patient With Stupid People And Also Makes You Way Less Irritable When Places Are Running Behind/Messing Things Up

    kirstynhippe Report

    #15

    There’s Multitasking And Then There’s Multitasking

    There’s Multitasking And Then There’s Multitasking

    corollablunt Report

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    Sand Ers
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’ve had a lot of office jobs. I never had one where I had much of a clue what was going on, or got anything done on day one. Even when it was a move to the same role at a different company.

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    “We can’t change how people think, however, if servers realized their job is just a job and stood up for themselves more often and had managers who backed their servers up more often instead of allowing such behavior from these guests, I think we’d see a massive improvement in the workplace of restaurants,” the server told us in an earlier interview.

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    #16

    At Least He Took It Well

    At Least He Took It Well

    __BigO__ Report

    #17

    If You Have Ever Picked Up One Of These With Your Bare Hands, You Don't Need To Worry About What's In The Vaccine

    If You Have Ever Picked Up One Of These With Your Bare Hands, You Don't Need To Worry About What's In The Vaccine

    desertcart.co.zw , PickleBrine89 Report

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    Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ugh I hate Ergo-Mats. Just buy good non skid shoes. Had a server once who broke her ankle in teh dish pit because she refused to wear anything besides her oh so fashionable Nikes.

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    #18

    They Are So Bad At Reading The Room

    They Are So Bad At Reading The Room

    theereal_one , 6foot6yata Report

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    Bonesko
    Community Member
    2 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    BECAUSE YOU GO THERE ON HOLIDAYS! I personally don't mind working holidays, I usually make good tips, I get leftovers 🤤, and I'm not too crazy about holidays. But when I'm taking a guests order on Thanksgiving and they say something like 'aw, it's a shame you have to work today', it drives me nuts. Just come in, be courteous, and tip them well! 😁

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    “Servers are people and just because they’re in the industry doesn’t mean they’re beneath you. In fact, some A-list celebrities used to be servers: Chris Pratt, Chris Rock, Lady Gaga, Jon Hamm, Jennifer Aniston. A lot of important people used to be in the service industry, not just celebrities, people in science, people in our justice system, and doctors. Just treat them for who they are—PEOPLE.”

    #20

    Silly. You're Supposed To Balance It On Your Head

    Silly. You're Supposed To Balance It On Your Head

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    #21

    I Showed This To The 56-Year-Old Who Sitting Next To Me And His Response Was “I Don’t Understand What That Means”

    I Showed This To The 56-Year-Old Who Sitting Next To Me And His Response Was “I Don’t Understand What That Means”

    REALBURTIIS Report

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    Toasted Applesauce
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ms. Lisa celebrated when I got my license and then about 10 minutes later told me that she wanted to marry Steve Perry.

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    Not all rude customers are alike. Some folks are decent but they’ve had an awful day, and they snap (even though they shouldn't). Others are used to always getting their way, so they resort to bullying and manipulation.

    Servers with lots of experience can often instinctively tell who’s who, and how to deal with each category of people.

    #23

    Nothing Like When The Doors Are Already Locked And They Start Aggressively Tugging On The Doors From The Outside Though

    Nothing Like When The Doors Are Already Locked And They Start Aggressively Tugging On The Doors From The Outside Though

    katiekml Report

    #24

    Mine Was Mr. Pickles Because I Asked For Extra Pickles On My Sub

    Mine Was Mr. Pickles Because I Asked For Extra Pickles On My Sub

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    Jennifer Smith
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My husband goes everyday to Wawa to get a soda. They call him pop guy because that’s what he calls soda. Anyways, my son got a job there and they didn’t know “pop guy” was his dad. While my son was working my husband went to get his soda but also bought a candy bar and threw at our son on his way out. Sons coworkers look at him like WTF and son told them that his dad. They were shocked. “Pop guy is your dad?!?” A legend was made that day

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    Often, unhappy customers just want to be heard and their criticism shouldn’t be taken personally. A dash of empathy and some active listening from the server’s side can work wonders in these situations.

    It can be a ton of help if your manager roleplays with you and walks you through some potential scenarios with rude customers. Meanwhile, managers should always be available to support their newer staff members and step in if they have trouble handling negative and entitled people.

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    #25

    "I’m Scheduled Until 8, So I’ll Probably Be Off Around 10"

    "I’m Scheduled Until 8, So I’ll Probably Be Off Around 10"

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    Child of the Stars
    Community Member
    2 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My ex-husband manages one of the most popular local restaurants in our area. His days off are Tuesday and Wednesday. He has a friend who regularly comes into town on the weekends and for several years would text me (when my ex and I were still married) to see if my husband had the weekend off. He texted me because (surprise!) my husband WAS ALWAYS WORKING WHEN HE WOULD COME UP. Dude never got it through his head that he was either going to have to come up mid-week or stay overnight on Friday or Saturday in order to see my husband.

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    #26

    Newbies vs. Old Vets

    Newbies vs. Old Vets

    cowboydeanwinchester Report

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    Toasted Applesauce
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How does 86 cherries mean no cherries? Sincerely, a confused high schooler who works in an ice cream place and would definitely give this guy 86 cherries

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    #27

    I Mean He Ain’t Wrong

    I Mean He Ain’t Wrong

    cleaverandblade Report

    Have you ever worked in the food service industry, dear Pandas? Do you have a lot of experience as a server, chef, or bartender? What are the weirdest situations you’ve ever been in with customers?

    What advice would you give anyone who’s completely new to working at a restaurant? We’d love to hear all about your job stories, so if you’re taking a coffee break, share your experiences in the comments at the bottom of this list.

    #28

    As A Server, I Promise You We Noticed Everyone That Makes Our Restaurant Their First Date Spot

    As A Server, I Promise You We Noticed Everyone That Makes Our Restaurant Their First Date Spot

    PhilosophyTube Report

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    Glen Ellyn
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not a surprise, actually. In my experience, servers have to be observant so they can take proper care of their customers.

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    #29

    The Reasonable Requests

    The Reasonable Requests

    lucia_attanasio Report

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    #30

    The List Of Allergies A Table Handed Us On NYE (The Set Menu Was Surf & Turf)

    The List Of Allergies A Table Handed Us On NYE (The Set Menu Was Surf & Turf)

    Public service announcement: "If you have life-threatening dietary restrictions please check the menu beforehand and contact the restaurant to ensure accommodations can be made. Thank you".

    yaremaa_ Report

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    Ben Ballard
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    With that list of allergies, take the hint. Mother nature has decided your branch of the gene pool is defunct and is trying to take you out like Agent 47.

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    #31

    Using Your Coworkers As Free Therapists

    Using Your Coworkers As Free Therapists

    kylieamurphy Report

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    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know better than to vent to anyone at my work. Never know who's a spy, who's a narc, who's a gossip, and who's the real manager's pet.

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    #34

    It Really Is

    It Really Is

    JustSarahJay Report

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    Hetal Vyas
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And pick up the story at the same point you were interrupted at

    #35

    Changing One Of Those Bad Boys In A Lunch Rush Is An Extreme Sport

    Changing One Of Those Bad Boys In A Lunch Rush Is An Extreme Sport

    beatsbyleet Report

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    Bonesko
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I did not have a good day. I had to change out four of these bitches at work today 🥵

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    #36

    Bit Harsh

    Bit Harsh

    _Pray_For_Mojo_ Report

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    Bonesko
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was at a table and customer told me 'this taste so good' and I replied 'you to!' 🤦

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    #37

    The Least Welcome Version Of Small Talk

    The Least Welcome Version Of Small Talk

    taylor_mccowenx Report

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    Glen Ellyn
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Since you asked, I'd rather be anywhere but here." 😉🤭

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    #40

    Not To Mention We Had A Solid 50 Other People Ordering Food

    Not To Mention We Had A Solid 50 Other People Ordering Food

    MeghanPectol Report

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    Bonesko
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If your a party of 12 or more make a reservation! Call the restaurant and see if they can accommodate you. There's alot to set up for a large parties

    Fran
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And ask for a preorder!!!!! Especially if you want your food by a certain time 🤦. This is why I hate people

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    TheBlueBitterfly
    Community Member
    2 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Having worked at a McDonalds at the entrance to the turnpike (limited access toll highway, but we weren't ON the turnpike, so we had turnpike traffic and regular traffic, plus we had bus, camper, and big rig truck parking, nothing makes you hate life more than the drive through person (who could see the back lot) yelling "Three busses!" And then they turned out to be college skiers. An hour before close. Rich, arrogant, ill-mannered kids who treated us lowly mcdonalds workers like absolute trash.

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    LittleWombat
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Tip would've been automatically added by the restaurant for a large party. Most restaurants automatically add a tip if there are 6 or more people in a group around here (Chicago area)

    Marie BellaDonna
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What, and lose money??/s Seriously though, even if they wanted to, most of the time they can't. The company NEVER turns down an opportunity to make even one more penny of profit. If there's money to be made, it MUST be made-and to hell with anything else, their managers and employees included. The manager could even lose their job for turning the party away.

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    Cydney Golden
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don't most restaurants automatically add a percentage for the tip with large groups? They should if they don't.

    Wolf princess quinn
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wealthy ppl are the same as the tight a*s christians and catholics. Fake fake fake

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    #41

    That’s Today’s Society For You

    That’s Today’s Society For You

    growupdan Report

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    Ben Ballard
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Charge them twice... When they object, tell your manager this exact thing.... It went out of the kitchen OK, got to the table OK, was OK itself, the customer ordered it and then sent it back with nothing wrong with it. They should pay for it AND the repeat order.

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    #42

    The Staff Have Got Enough To Do And We Clear Our Own Mess

    The Staff Have Got Enough To Do And We Clear Our Own Mess

    MGallIBF Report

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    Glen Ellyn
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So irritating, especially when the bin is probably ten steps away from their table.

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    #43

    Hahahah, Why Do I Relate To This Back On My Old Sales Days

    Hahahah, Why Do I Relate To This Back On My Old Sales Days

    nickhansonMN Report

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    StarCrossedFriday
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Never say ‘sorry for the wait’. Instead, try ‘thank you for your patience’.

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    #44

    Better Not To Know What Is Happening Behind The Scenes

    Better Not To Know What Is Happening Behind The Scenes

    callmeAl_ Report

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    #45

    Accurate

    Accurate

    emmajaynefrost1 Report

    #46

    Simple Timetable

    Simple Timetable

    its_planty Report

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    nuberiffic
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Then why tell customers you're open til that time? Just have an orders cut off time.

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    #47

    The Intense Heat

    The Intense Heat

    harriet_wrightx Report

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    Nicole Weymann
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I once went out with a group of a dozen. We had a copy of the menu distibuted to everyone beforehand, collected the orders and posted them in advance for the restaurants convenience and to speed things up. I, having waitressed before, took a picture of the order for future reference. Said refence happened when the plates arrived at the table, because at least four people couldn't remember what they had ordered. Duh.

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    #48

    Opening The Box Was The Hardest Thing For Me

    Opening The Box Was The Hardest Thing For Me

    omarichozen Report

    #49

    I Always Say Sorry I Left My 3rd Arm At Home Today

    I Always Say Sorry I Left My 3rd Arm At Home Today

    _raqueeelllll Report

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    geezeronthehill
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My favorite restaurant always brings out the entire order on a cart. They choose to have fewer tables to make this work, but the wait staff seems happier for it. Prices are near the high end, but I don't care.

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    #50

    I Work In An Upscale Seafood Restaurant And Get Order Like This All Day

    I Work In An Upscale Seafood Restaurant And Get Order Like This All Day

    We only had 58 covers today and I've already seen 3 different tickets like this. Almost every station contains fish. I don't understand the logic of choosing to go to a seafood restaurant with a severe allergy like this.

    PBR4Lunch Report

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    Lost Panda
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not saying all the time, but a good portion could just be that they don't like fish... I've known more than a few people that said they did that a time or two

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    #51

    How To Really Train Someone

    How To Really Train Someone

    ssoulofserenity Report

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    #52

    And It's Never The Teens Or Kids Who Will Argue And Be Rude It's Always The Parents

    And It's Never The Teens Or Kids Who Will Argue And Be Rude It's Always The Parents

    lauren_furno Report

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    Darius S. (he/him) cis/grey
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    move the decimal over one and double it. 20% tip. .. ex. $35.00 = 3.50 x 2 = $7.00 tip . Round up for good service if you can. Please consider tip in cost of meal when deciding if you can afford meal. Employers are allowed to pay well below minimum wage if tipping is traditional in the industry.

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    #53

    Yup. That's The Struggle Of Being A Short-Order Cook

    Yup. That's The Struggle Of Being A Short-Order Cook

    galaxygoodvibes Report

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    Frunkadunk
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I worked with a kitchen that would LOSE THEIR MINDS if a customer asked for ranch. Like, put it on the expo line and I'll do it myself. Why are y'all gatekeeping the ranch back there if you hate dishing it out???

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    #54

    Those Wonderful Greetings

    Those Wonderful Greetings

    Southphillyzeem Report

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    TheLocalRedneck
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The audacity of the customers to come in right before we close in three hours

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    #55

    The Struggle Is Real

    The Struggle Is Real

    DavisRiar Report

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    PHOTOBOB
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You mean like, I see the special is ham and swiss on rye. I would like that but can I have turkey instead of ham. American cheese. And on a Kaiser? I don't understand why you cannot give me the special price. It is basically the same sandwich.

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    #56

    The More You Know

    The More You Know

    jordandaballa24 Report

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    Child of the Stars
    Community Member
    2 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Also, as someone who lives in a university town: move in week, parents weekend, and graduation weekend. It's also a tourist town. The week between Christmas and New Year's is referred to as Hell Week.

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    #57

    Asked For These To Be Sliced In Half For Hot Dogs... Didn't Know I Needed To Specify

    Asked For These To Be Sliced In Half For Hot Dogs... Didn't Know I Needed To Specify

    chuckz0rz Report

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    Andy Pandy
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You got what you asked for, cut the hot dogs in half and charge double for appetizers

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    #58

    Guess I’ll Have To Struggle Along Without Their One Weekly Latte Purchase

    Guess I’ll Have To Struggle Along Without Their One Weekly Latte Purchase

    cyfy_ Report

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    Hphizzle
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh no. Whatever will we do. I just don’t think we’ll be able to go on without that customer.

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    #59

    That Is How

    That Is How

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    sturmwesen
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I loved the family table between shifts. I got to eat stuff I would never eat otherwise, like boar or carp filet.

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    #60

    If You're Having A Bad Morning. I Just Spilled 4 Liters Of Extra Reduced Down Lobster Stock We Badly Needed. And It Was The First Thing I Touched. It'll Be Alright, Folks

    If You're Having A Bad Morning. I Just Spilled 4 Liters Of Extra Reduced Down Lobster Stock We Badly Needed. And It Was The First Thing I Touched. It'll Be Alright, Folks

    Guyzor-94 Report

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    Bob Brooce
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    At least it was reduced down. If it was regular you'd be all puffy and warm.

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    #61

    Anything For Better Tips

    Anything For Better Tips

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    Elle Lian
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As a server, I always appreciated these customers. They weren’t being rude or demanding a lot of my time. They just wanted to laugh. I’ll take that positivity because I know in one hour I’m going to have two people try to sit themselves during a rush even though the sign says, “Please wait to be seated,” and then I’ll have at least one other customer complain that they haven’t got their sixth tea refill when I’m trying to take care of being double sat with a five-top and a seven-top. Please tell me your cheesy jokes. As long as you’re pleasant, I’ll take it.

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    #62

    Time Works Different There

    Time Works Different There

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    Glen Ellyn
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yep, entitled people especially, grossly exaggerate the time they've waited for whatever. I know it can SEEM that long, but it's not anywhere close to that long.

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    #63

    What Actually Goes Down

    What Actually Goes Down

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    #64

    Had To Get It Off My Chest

    Had To Get It Off My Chest

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    Sharkie
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In Europe they won't let you in. Most of the restaurants and shops will start closing 10-30 minutes before closing time, deny entry for late-comers and usually let you finish if you are already eating or just need to pay, but they will inform you they are close and literally throw you out or call the police if you are rude and you take your time.

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    #65

    I Watched It And It Was Accurate

    I Watched It And It Was Accurate

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    #66

    Have To Slow It Down

    Have To Slow It Down

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    Marie BellaDonna
    Community Member
    1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not at the job I have now, thankfully. It's amazing. But my last job, hell yeah. All the time!

    #67

    This Is Where The Real Tea Gets Spilled

    This Is Where The Real Tea Gets Spilled

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    Child of the Stars
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I loved rolling silverware on a closing shift. We'd save it for last, and when everything else was done, the servers and bartender would all sit at the bar and bust out the silverware together. 9/10 times, we were also pre-gaming for the bar we were going to after work.

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    #68

    Only One Worst Scenario Would Be All Cash That All Needs Change

    Only One Worst Scenario Would Be All Cash That All Needs Change

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    Kyra Heiker
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'll take cash thanks. Here in Germany we have a big wallets for the money that we can take care of cash payments right at the table.

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    #70

    They’re All Trying To Decide Which Appetizer To Get. I Don't Know What You Have To Say Until The Boss Confirms The Final Answer

    They’re All Trying To Decide Which Appetizer To Get. I Don't Know What You Have To Say Until The Boss Confirms The Final Answer

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    #71

    Sorry This Happened To You

    Sorry This Happened To You

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    Charles McChristy
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My last table gave me $3 on $50 after I busted my a$$ for them. Tourists from Texas visiting Florida SMH

    #72

    Yes, And You Have 0.7 Or Less Seconds To Complete Their Order With Perfection, Or You Will Be Immediately Thrown Into A Vat Of Acid In The Back

    Yes, And You Have 0.7 Or Less Seconds To Complete Their Order With Perfection, Or You Will Be Immediately Thrown Into A Vat Of Acid In The Back

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    #73

    Whole Table Of Boomers Just Sitting An Hour After Closing

    Whole Table Of Boomers Just Sitting An Hour After Closing

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    #74

    The Nicknames

    The Nicknames

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    Montanavanna
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My favorite customer nickname was floppy bacon. He knew we called him that and could laugh about it. Those customers are the best.

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    #75

    The Customer Is Not Always Right

    The Customer Is Not Always Right

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    #76

    I Was Hungry A Lot But Caffeine Is My Favorite Appetite Suppressant

    I Was Hungry A Lot But Caffeine Is My Favorite Appetite Suppressant

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    Toasted Applesauce
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was already skinny and somehow lost 10 pounds in 2 months working in an ice cream shop.

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    #77

    When They Say “It's Their Job” I Genuinely Start Tweaking

    When They Say “It's Their Job” I Genuinely Start Tweaking

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    LNB87
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And then there's me with resting b$#@ face... who also doesn't know what to do with their hands, so I cross my arms.. and realize 10 mins later that I'm glaring menacingly at everyone while thinking about kittens and butterflies

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    #78

    Definitely Know That Annoying Person

    Definitely Know That Annoying Person

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    Lost Panda
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Way back when I was a young 'un we had a manager finally snap and tell the Bubble Bass "If we always get your order wrong, why do you keep coming back? You know what, don't come back" It was nice to see

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    #79

    Not To Be Dramatic But

    Not To Be Dramatic But

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    Child of the Stars
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like most of these, but this is a "suffering Olympics" one. "You don't know tired until you're a parent." "You don't know pain until you have chronic pain." And so on and so forth. Stop comparing life frustrations.

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    #80

    Customer Always Right

    Customer Always Right

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    #81

    I Feel Like There 100% Should Be Laws About This

    I Feel Like There 100% Should Be Laws About This

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    #82

    Pretty Sure The Smoke Breaks Are Listed Under "Essential Duties"

    Pretty Sure The Smoke Breaks Are Listed Under "Essential Duties"

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    Child of the Stars
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nicotine, alcohol, and illicit substances. I'm 11 years sober, and when it was time for me to go back to work when my son went to kindergarten, I swore food service would only happen if we were on the verge of homelessness and starvation.

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    #83

    I Am Tired Of Working In Food Service

    I Am Tired Of Working In Food Service

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    #84

    I Was Offered A Margherita, Canadian Bacon Sauerkraut, And Sausage Pizza

    I Was Offered A Margherita, Canadian Bacon Sauerkraut, And Sausage Pizza

    lamictalspo Report

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    mysterious(he/they, maybe?)
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Every place I've worked food service I've gotten a free meal on shift? Also, I've been offered cookies and croissants, which I will absolutely take.

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    #85

    This Actually Looks Really Cool 

    This Actually Looks Really Cool 

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    #86

    Made Me Giggle. Coworker Tried To Offer His Shift And Other Coworker Offered To Take It... A Day Later

    Made Me Giggle. Coworker Tried To Offer His Shift And Other Coworker Offered To Take It... A Day Later

    whipplecream Report

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    #87

    Manager Took A Walk-In Party Of 100 With No Warning To The Kitchen

    Manager Took A Walk-In Party Of 100 With No Warning To The Kitchen

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    Damned_Cat
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Reminds me of the time we went to a chain BBQ restaurant for lunch and were told they only had sausages and wings to serve because the manager took a last-minute catering order that used up all of their other food.

    #88

    I Work As A Server. This Is One Page Of My Notepad Working There. I'm Only Half Sure On Most Of It. I Tend To Write Faster Than I Think

    I Work As A Server. This Is One Page Of My Notepad Working There. I'm Only Half Sure On Most Of It. I Tend To Write Faster Than I Think

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    #89

    I Totally Agree With You

    I Totally Agree With You

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    Alyssa Phillips
    Community Member
    2 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would actually love going back and being a server again. IF I didn't need the money. Like, just for funsies when I retire.

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    #91

    Temptations Everywhere

    Temptations Everywhere

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