I've been working at the same place for four years now and it amazes me what customers will say and do in the foodservice industry. These past few weeks I have encountered some very strange conversations/statements that I just need to share with the internet.
1.“Are the spud (potato) chips a large dish?”
A woman asked me this and I just don't know what made her think that we served chips as the main course. Even after explaining that they were just potato chips she really didn't understand and she continued to try and order it. I CAN'T MAKE THIS UP.
2. “You serve Riesling?”
An elderly man came in a responded with this gem when I asked him what I could get him to drink. He was disappointed when I let him know that we don't have a liquor license.
3. “No thanks, I brought my own from home”
When I put down the food at the table along with silverware, I was surprised when the woman at the table pulled out a Ziploc bag with her own set. It's fewer dishes for me but I'm just confused if she brings the bag around everywhere in case she decides to eat out?
4. “Ya like nuts? Yeah I like nuts”
I cannot even begin to explain why this is so hysterical to me. Basically, a coworker of mine was taking a teenage boys order and he ordered something with walnuts in it and in the most interesting voice she just goes, "ya like nuts?", and then the boy just so nonchalantly go "yeah I like nuts". Again, it doesn't sound as funny as it was.
5. “Ants man, they will run up on you”
This is just something I heard one bro say to his other bro and it makes me laugh every time I think about it. Where did the conversation begin? How did they get there?
6. “Can I get some soda water? Do you have something like La Croix?”
THIS SERIOUSLY WAS ASKED OF ME. I don't know what was more ridiculous, him asking me for it or the reaction he had when I told him we had no La Croix?
7. “Did you put the crown royal in here?”
WHY DO PEOPLE THINK WE HAVE A LIQUOR LICENSE BUT ALSO DO I LOOK LIKE A BARTENDER?
I'm sure anyone who has worked in food can relate to hearing crazy things from the customers and overhearing awkward dates and conversations that are too serious to be having over lunch. It's a wild ride, but it makes the shifts go by faster if you have something to laugh about.