Let me start by saying that I have been guilty of every single one of these. They are some of the most frustrating parts of my current job.
I currently work on campus as a Student Supervisor at Top Dog here at JMU. I have been there for over two and a half years and let me say, I've seen a lot. As what may be considered a seasoned employee, I have compiled this list of 11 things that customers do that make the serving process more difficult.
Please take these with a grain of salt. Most of us really enjoy working in this environment and only want to give you the best. In order to do that, we need to work together. So, here are 11 things that food service workers wished you knew.
1. After I've swiped you card, it's a done deal. No "take-backsies."
As I ask you what you would like, I punch your order into the computer and prepare to swipe your student meal card. If I don't hear you and I swipe your card incorrectly, then I will do everything in my power to correct my mistake. However, if you see me swipe your card and suddenly decide to change part or all of your order, please understand that I cannot give you your money back and that you will have to pay again.
2. If you spill something, say something.
Don't just shuffle away and pretend nothing happened. Someone could slip and fall from your mess and then I get in trouble. I have no problem cleaning up your mess. We all make mistakes and as long as I know about it, we can all just move on.
3. If I'm helping another customer, either find another employee or wait your turn.
Yes, I understand that you want a plastic bag. However, I am in the middle of this gentleman's order and I'm not going to make him wait for you. Just give me a minute and I (or any of my three coworkers) would be happy to help you.
4. Speak up while ordering.
Between the length of the counter between us, the cooking happening behind me, and all of the talking happening behind you, I can't understand mouse-speak and will probably get your order wrong on accident.
5. If I ask you how you are, say something.
You don't even have to ask me how I'm doing (although I would like that as well...) just acknowledge my courtesy. If I ask how you are and you return with a blank stare and, "I'd like a double cheeseburger with American cheese...," then my desire to help you goes down the drain. Did you even hear what I said? I'm just trying to be nice.
6. Please, be nice.
We all have bad days, but that doesn't mean you get to treat others like it. I know you're hungry and just want to sit down, eat, and not think about anything else, but the one thing standing in between you and your food is me. I didn't flunk you in a class, I didn't vandalize your bike, and I didn't steal your credit card. Honestly, most of us would rather be home anyway because we're, you know, at work. We still smile and ask you how your day is and get you your food for you and say, "Have a nice day!" and mean it.
7. Do not walk away while your food is being made.
We might have run out of what you wanted before the cashier knew about it. Or, we might finish making it more quickly than you anticipated and have it hot and ready for you. Either way, if you aren't there, then your food doesn't get made or gets cold and the line gets held up because you didn't pick up your food.
Bonus: If you walked away, please do not interrupt us to ask if we've called your name/number. If you were here, you'd have your food. We'll get back to it soon enough.
8. When a row of people order the same thing...
...I cry a little. Not really, but it's pretty frustrating sometimes. This one is no one's fault, of course. Sometimes you just really want a philly cheese steak sandwich just like the six people in front of you, and the four behind you. None of you knew that meant one person standing in front of a hot grill individually making that same meal fresh for two hours straight each with different cheeses, toppings, side items, and special requests. But, it's my job and I still smile and say, "Have a nice day!" and mean it.
9. If you are sick, do no cough on or near your hands, payment method, or cashier.
This is a food establishment with food items being served by and to otherwise healthy people. If you cough on your student card right before you give it to me, the absolute least you could do is apologize and not get offended when I go wash my hands right afterwards. Seriously, that's gross.
10. Put. Your. Phone and Headphones. Down.
If it wasn't for #11, this would be hands down my biggest pet peeve about working in food service. There is nothing like trying to get the attention of someone who is sucked into their electronics. Just take a moment and think about how you would feel if you were trying to answer a professor's question in class but you had to repeat yourself three times because he didn't hear you through his earbuds. What if you were trying to ask your professor a question but she was too busy texting or on Facebook to hear you the first two times so you practically yelled at her? Just stop it, please.
Side note: most of the other problems can and usually occur because of this. Just think about that.
11. If there is no one at the register you're standing at, you should probably move to another register.
I cannot tell you how many times I have stood at one register just staring at the accumulating line at the opposite register wondering why they thought that empty register with no cashier behind it would be helpful. If you would just turn your head not 90 degrees and look at me at my register and the line in front of it and use the brain that got you into college, then you would realize your mistake. Just because the register is there does not immediately mean you can order from it. People go on breaks or don't show up to work. Not all registers are always open all of the time.
If we all just work together, we can make food service a lot more enjoyable for everyone.
Disclaimer: This is the opinion of one individual student food service worker and does not reflect the views or opinions of the company as a whole. These are my words and my words only.
