Working in the food industry is demanding, fast-paced and totally worth it. Anyone working in the beloved food industry can probably relate to at least one of these daily occurrences. I've had plenty of experience serving at the Bob Evans restaurant. Every shift, I have a new story to tell, but what would the job be without these interesting experiences?
1. The three course dinner.
As soon as your customer says, "I'll have the three course," you know your night is about to be a sh*t show.
2. The fact that you have to up charge for a piece of pie with the three course dinner.
It never made sense to me that a three course dinner included bread, a soup/salad, main entree, and a desert. But, if you would like a piece of pie for that desert, it's going to cost more.
3. "Water with lemon."
Any server working at any restaurant absolutely loves going to greet a table, only for a customer to yell, "water with lemon," without even getting to introduce themselves first. But yes, I will get right on that water with lemon.
4. Having to wait for the EXACT MINUTE you are scheduled to clock in.
If you're scheduled for 6 p.m., you are waiting until 6 p.m. to swipe your card and clock in. 6:03? You're too late, go get a manager to clock you in.
5. Having to wear a bun to work.
Not a ponytail, not a french braid; you are required to look like a man wearing your hair in a bun.
6. When a party of 10 orders all water
That's just annoying, and it takes about $20 off the bill that you bust your ass for.
7. Sorry, but we have WILD BERRY, not raspberry.
“I'll have a raspberry iced tea.“
“Sorry, is wild berry okay?”
8. The sweet tea drinkers.
If you have a sweet tea drinker at the table, be ready to get them about seven refills.
9. Having “joiners” at a table who don’t actually “join" for another 45 minutes.
You think it's just a two-top, then there are two more “joiners” who end up not actually “joining” for another 45 minutes, so you almost forget about the table.
10. Chocolate milk is not bottomless
Chocolate milk refills are not free. Please control your child.
11. Awkward couples
I love the fact that couples go out to eat, but if you could at least stop holding hands across the table while I’m trying to set your food down…
12. No ice
"Water, no ice." I mean, okay, no problem, that's just weird, though.
13. Waiting 30 minutes for a customer to order.
Its fine. We’re only in the middle of our dinner rush. It’s personally my favorite when the table says they’re ready and then blankly stares at the menu.
14. Credit card tips.
A lot of servers get their credit card tips at the end of their shift… no, Bob Evans servers have to wait until the next paycheck.
15. “Is that what I ordered?"
It's exactly what I wrote down, so yes, this is exactly what you ordered
16. Running out of everything on truck night.
Welcome to Bob Evans, we are out of macaroni and cheese, milk, pot roast, turkey, eggs, blueberries, sausage patties, and tomatoes.
18. Going to a table during prayer
It's always awkward when you're about to go talk to a table but realize that they're praying.
19. The coffee mugs on the table are not yours to take home.
Enough said.
20. "Hot tea with lemon."
Just smile and nod.
21. "Hot water, I have my own tea bag."
Now that's just obnoxious, in my opinion.
22. When the customer talks on the phone while ordering.
It's a great way to make your server feel awkward. Like, you can't put them on hold or something while you order your food and eat?
23. Why do we take the honey and jelly caddies off the table?
Bob Evans is most famous for their breakfasts, which you can eat all day, but if you'd like jelly or honey with your breakfast, you're going to have to ask for it after 2 p.m.
24. When customers call over the manager without asking you.
If you want to talk to the manager, just ask. Also, I offered to have your food remade, your check discounted, and about 12 other things, so I'm not sure what you're about to tell the manager.
25. When customers complain about their food after they licked the plate clean.
No, sorry, I don't think I can give you a refund for that.