Truth be told as a freshman in college, I loathed the thought of working in the restaurant business. In high school, a short-lived experience at a bakery with minimum wage left little appeal for similar positions. But as 2010 rounded out the final days, any job seemed necessary. Ideal jobs were too far away without a car or to travel by bus. Craigslist advertised a need for local folks willing to work anywhere from 20-30 hours in a restaurant. As a last resort in a pure desperation, I called a place known as Spice Cafe. The lady told me to come in to have an interview a couple days later.
Better to be safe than sorry, I printed a dozen resumes to distribute to businesses downtown just in case it did not work out. As I arrived at the restaurant, I marveled at the simple features it held. White walls, futuristic angular chairs and the definition of Size on the wall. This was not what I expected. Regret settled in as I thought about turning away. What if my experiences in the past were not enough? What if the hours became full-time and I could not handle it? Before more doubt swayed me, the owner approached my table and introduced herself. After an hour she hired me and wrote downshifts needed. I left giddy as can be and ready to start!
The trial period was crazy and the first day was absolutely awful! Thrown into the crowd while relaying from food runner to cashier during the lunch rush killed me. This was madness! My orders were wrong because I forgot to type in food allergies to let the kitchen know and the salad plate I delivered went to someone who already ate. At the end of the shift, I knew she was going to fire me. There was no doubt about it. I would not want me as a server.
Boy, was I wrong! I came back for each shift ready for the hungry downtown lawyers and business partners cramming at the door. The key now was to know the items on the menu if a customer became deeply confused and double checking each order typed into the Point of Sale System. Overtime, little me with no knowledge of restaurant service became a head waitress at the fast-paced Asian fusion joint where seats filled so quickly that patrons stood against the walls to eat. Things were falling into place!
Every single day was a blessing because I met the coolest people from all walks of life who became regulars and friends outside of work. It was also a curse because as anyone in the industry knows, food service is not for the faint of heart. Drama brewed a "cuppa" and then some all the time. Cooks would not show up for no reason at all. Servers called out "sick" when their Instagram and Facebook pictures showed they took leave at the beach. Customers turned enemies when an order was completely messed up big time. All of the crew nurtured personalities from A to Z that it made communicating more complicated than math.
Friends laugh when I recount the tales of the job. Most people would not even go into the field. In retrospect, it was one of the best damn jobs ever! Even though we did not make it in the declining economy, everyone came out stronger. Sure, I did not leave with all the folks I first worked with. Some people left by life's design and others did not quite fit, but I learned valuable lessons from all.
The gig is tough and as individuals, it is so terribly hard to manage the day at times. As a family? We got along how families do. Voiced opinions if something was not fair. Failed to get along when circumstances became overwhelming. Made fantastic family-style meals on a slow, rainy day. Played guessing games about wrestling and sales. Watched YouTube videos and laughed uncontrollably.
I am so thankful for Jacq, the owner, and manager who gave me a chance and taught me all she knew. I am so thankful for the servers and cooks who are my friends still to this day. To my family at Spize Cafe! I will always miss you!
