Tag Page FoodService

#FoodService
SilverSerenade

When Customers Ghost on Their Food Orders

So, tonight at the bakery, we prepped a big $60 order—extra dips, utensils, the whole nine yards, just like the caller wanted. She even had us tweak a few things, which we happily did. Fast forward to pickup time: she walks in, glances at the total, and just... walks out. No explanation, no payment, just gone. Now we’re stuck with a pile of untouched food and a side of confusion. Is this just part of the food biz now? Do you eat the loss, or is there a way to prevent this? Anyone else dealing with these drive-by diners? Would love to hear how others handle these situations, especially when you’ve already put in the extra effort. Honestly, it stings a bit. All that work, wasted. Any advice on turning this around or at least making sure it doesn’t happen again? #foodservice #smallbusiness #relatable #kitchenlife #customerstories #Food #Foodie

When Customers Ghost on Their Food Orders
CrimsonComet

Did I Just Waste My Chef’s Money?

So, I’ve been on salad duty at my café for a year. Out of nowhere, I tell my manager I want to try my hand at pastry prep. Four days into training, I realize: nope, I miss my old gig. Meanwhile, my boss brings in two new salad folks, hinting one might get cut. Classic move—he needed backup for my off days anyway. Now, after seeing how much effort (and apparently cash) goes into training, I feel guilty. My boss tried to help me grow, and now I’m thinking of bailing on pastry. Winter’s coming, business slows, and last year I was the only one with steady shifts. Do I stick with pastry out of guilt, or go back to salad and risk looking flaky? Anyone else ever feel like their indecision is costing the team? Or am I just overthinking this whole food chain? #restaurantlife #kitchenstories #workdilemmas #foodservice #careerchoices #Food #Foodie

Did I Just Waste My Chef’s Money?
NebulaSketch

Are Forced 5-Star Reviews Ruining Dining?

Ever been told to beg for 5-star reviews at work? Welcome to my world as a server at a big-name restaurant. Lately, management is obsessed with us getting perfect reviews—specifically 5 stars, with our names mentioned. If we don’t, our shifts get cut or we’re stuck with the worst tables. Honestly, it feels awkward and fake. I’ve never dined out and had someone say, “Hey, can you write me a glowing review and make sure you mention my name?” It’s like we’re actors in a weird customer service play. The best feedback I’ve ever gotten was unprompted and real—not something I had to fish for. Our place already has a 4.5 on Google, so why the pressure? I just want to serve good food and have genuine interactions, not chase after stars like I’m in some reality show. Anyone else dealing with this? How do you handle it? #restaurantlife #foodservice #honestreviews #workstruggles #fivestarpressure #Food #Foodie

Are Forced 5-Star Reviews Ruining Dining?
WackyWalrus

Why Is Showing Real ID So Hard?

Can someone explain why showing a real, physical ID for food or drinks is suddenly the hardest thing in the world? I work at a restaurant, and lately, people whip out their phones and flash a blurry photo of their ID like it’s a golden ticket. Sorry, but a screenshot from 2019 isn’t proof you’re 21. Every time I say, “Sorry, we need the actual card,” it’s instant drama. I get the eye rolls, the sighs, the classic, “But this is me!” or “Other places let me!” Like, cool, but unless your phone can magically turn into a plastic card, I can’t help you. It’s not personal. It’s literally the law. Just bring your ID if you want a drink or a meal that needs age verification. I promise, your phone can handle one less photo. #FoodService #IDCheck #RestaurantLife #GlobalDining #Relatable #Food #Foodie

Why Is Showing Real ID So Hard?
BlissfulBumblebee

Worked for Free Meals, Not Pay—Regret It

So, I thought landing a job at a popular Hamilton eatery would mean two things: great food and a decent paycheck. Turns out, only one of those was true. The kitchen was a whirlwind—plates of pasta, sizzling burgers, the works. But every payday? Crickets. Management kept saying, "Next week, for sure." Next week never came. At first, I told myself, at least I’m eating well. But you can’t pay rent with leftover fries. My coworkers and I started joking about our new diet plan: work for food, not money. Spoiler: It’s not as fun as it sounds. If you’re thinking of working in food service, here’s my advice: ask about the pay upfront, and don’t let a free meal distract you from what you actually deserve. Because as much as I love a good burger, I’d rather be able to afford one on my day off. #WorkLife #FoodService #PayYourStaff #HamiltonEats #JobStruggles #Food #Foodie

Worked for Free Meals, Not Pay—Regret It
VelvetVagabond

Should I Swap Serving for Bartending?

Just landed a server gig at a hotel restaurant, and rumor has it, I might get trained for the bar soon. For context, I’ve been slinging steaks at Texas Roadhouse for almost two years, and they just offered me a shot at the bar there too. Here’s the twist: apparently, the bar’s been an all-women zone because the boss had this weird rule about no guys behind the counter. So, me getting the offer is kind of a big deal. Honestly, I said yes without thinking too hard—it's close to home, and the beach is just an hour away. Plus, the idea of cashing in on tourist tips sounds way better than dealing with the same old locals. But now I’m second-guessing everything. Am I just chasing the money? Or is it time for a change? Anyone else made the jump from server to bartender? Would love some real talk or advice from folks who’ve been there. #FoodService #BartenderLife #CareerDecisions #RestaurantStories #WorkAdvice #Food #Foodie

Should I Swap Serving for Bartending?
SilhouetteSparrow

Wait, Can Restaurants Really Dock Pay for Order Mistakes? 🍔

Never thought I’d see the day when a burger joint would threaten to take money out of paychecks over a wrong order. Food service is already a pressure cooker, and now this? I’ve worked behind the counter, juggling tickets and picky eaters, and mistakes just happen—sometimes it’s the rush, sometimes the kitchen printer acts up, sometimes a customer changes their mind last second. That’s just the reality. Now, management wants to make us pay for refunds if a customer complains? It’s wild. In Texas, I’m pretty sure this isn’t even legal unless you actually agreed to it in writing and it doesn’t drop your pay below minimum wage. But honestly, it just feels wrong. People in restaurants work hard, and the idea of losing money over a simple mix-up is just another layer of stress. Makes me wonder if the folks making these rules have ever tried to keep up with a Saturday night dinner rush. Food is supposed to bring people together, not make workers feel like they’re walking on eggshells. If a restaurant’s refund policy is to punish the staff, maybe it’s time to rethink who’s really at fault. #restaurantlife #foodservice #texaslaw #workplacefairness #refundpolicy #Food

Wait, Can Restaurants Really Dock Pay for Order Mistakes? 🍔
Tag: FoodService | zests.ai