Tons of high school and college students have serving jobs, no the hourly pay isn't great but the tips are worth it. We all have things a little different depending on where we serve but we all share some common thoughts.
1. Are you kidding me, I got stiffed?
People, I understand that sometimes your serve may not be the best you have ever had but please take into consideration all the other tables we are also serving while serving you. Even a dollar is better than nothing.
2. Why would anyone want kids?
Don't get me wrong, I love kids, I would never want to have them but I do love them. They are loud, messy, hyper, did I say messy? I never thought one body could make a mess that big.
3. How do adults make a mess this big?
Okay the kids I understand, they don't know better. You're an adult, you do know better! Some of my most messy tables have been groups of adults and I mean like thirties and older.
4. Please don't order a shake.
If you didn't know, if you work at Steak N' Shake and you work the 3rd shift you have to make your own shakes. It is messy and sticky and just gross. I can not count the number of times in the last week I have splashed myself with syrup, ice cream, fudge, or something else.
5. Why did I ever eat this?
I have always been picky about food, always, and I will say that the way the food is prepared is perfect and don't completely to a T but seeing all of it prepared makes it much less appealing.
6. I am never eating this again...
Like I said, I am picky. After seeing all of the food raw....nope...count me out!
7. Or out, period!
Once you know what goes on behind the scenes it makes eating out hard when your constantly thinking of everything going on before you actually get your food. Okay, I am a little germaphobic...but my point still stands.
8. I am tipping WAY more from now on.
I have always been someone who leaves a decent tip but holy cow, these girls (and guys) go through a lot.
9. Shit, I have to make tea.
It doesn't sound so bad right? No. Cleaning out the tea machine, making new, sweetening the sweet tea. Nope. No thanks.
10. Ketchup is so disgusting.
Anyone who has had to fill a ketchup bottle will agree. Hell, anyone who has ever had ketchup on their hands will agree!
11. What is all over me that is sticky?
I hate having my hands sticky and between making shakes, sodas, bussing tables...sticky always happens.
12. Why are there never the same number of knives as there are forks?
Nine and a half out of ten times when I or anyone else I work with rolls silverware they have way more forks than knives. There are the same number in every pack we open, we roll each with one for and one knife...I don't know how it doesn't add up...but it is annoying.
13. I did not mean to hit that.
I have hit the wrong button a lot, however I have only rang in the wrong thing twice...fingers crossed. Either way though, it happens.
14. Why don't I have my sides?
I am loud, if you have ever talked to me you know that. I know I call down my sides loud enough to hear.
15. Whoops, I forgot to call that.
I have forgot to call down my fried foods before (i.e. chicken tenders, onion rings, spicy chicken) and then gotten crap from the back line about it. It happens.
16. Stop hitting on me, you're 45.
Yeah, flirting typically gets you a better tip but at some point it just gets really creepy.
17. WTF
I think this one explains itself.
18. Not them/him/her again.
Yes, we all have customers we really don't like serving for one reason or another. We smile and pretend like we like you.
19. I just want to eat.
Honestly, there are days where I just want three minuets to scarf down a protein bar.
20. Damn, you're hot.
Yes, yes a very attractive person just walked though the door and I will fight you for that table.