My first job, I work at a "fast food" chain restaurant. here are my stories. 

Aug 3, 2016 5:51 AM

alittletime

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i quoted fast food because we use higher quality food, but you can find these in central and western US

It was time consuming. it was very busy too due to having a huge fair nearby. Maybe not much to you guys, but it did suck for me, because we were getting slammed with orders constantly.

My main manager (she will be called female manager on pictures below) is very harsh, manipulative, and doesn't know how to run a store at all. She made me work the first 3 days not in the system, so basically working illegally IIRC. Never got payed for those days as well. My kitchen manager, however, is really chill and understands the people working in the front. I get along with him well.

Not necessarily a bother, but it can be annoying when the customer gets upset at me and asks for my manager when told so.

It's honestly upsetting. we especially run out of ice cream for shakes. And it's honestly annoying. because sometimes that's what people come to this place for (i'll explain why later). But it really just shows how much poor planning the people who run the store do.

This one is the most infuriating one

She worked me 10 days straight on my first week on the job [in California (or other parts of the U.S too, I'm not sure)we can only work six days maximum and then we get a day off] and the higher level manager freaked out about it so he gave me two days off. i didn't say anything though because I didn't know at the time that was illegal and it didn't bother me.

another time, I told her and the higher level manager specifically which days I would be off, yet they still placed me as working for those days. I reminded them, yet still didn't change it. It was a ten day trip, they called me 5 days in a row asking why I wasn't at work. you can see why I don't like her.

I felt sorry for the kids of that mom. If you really are worried about a chain restaurants kind of music, that's sad.

and I don't think any store would be playing "my neck, my back" or any Nicki Minaj songs.

That was the most in tips I ever received in one night. I usually would just pick up the spare change they left. This person was really nice about everything too.

This makes me really sad. People really love our shakes because we use Häagen-Dazs Ice cream and we hand make them (except for the blender, of course). people will bring their kids, all with smiles on their face. But when I have to tell them we're out, i sympathize for them so much. I actually got a tad choked up one night because little girl started to tear up about it.

This was a slap in the face. It wasn't like she's shy. She's a very talkative person and other people tell me she's really outgoing. That night was probably only the second time ive ever seen her face to face (yeah, shouldn't expect much. and no, i'm not a creepy person that texts her everyday and don't get a response, and no, i'm not as bad as the people on r/cringe)

she wasn't even hiding it too

this was a dumbass move. He QUIT a job, so he can APPLY to Ace Hardware.

Connor, if you're reading this, you're a dumbass.

Do you guys want more stories?

This one is actually hilarious. He will ask him dumb questions or just talk to him weird to get a reaction. he got him so pissed off once he threatened to fire him.

Do you guys want any more stories? I have many more, but it's late and I'm tired, will probably do tomorrow.

On the plus side, this will likely colour your interactions with the customer facing public for the better.

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

upvoted to 1000 holla

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Thank

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Working without getting paid for 3 days?! Your fault at that point

10 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Wow a rare glimpse into the secretive world of a burger shack!

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I know! Pretty underground right?

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

it's like game of thrones but with double paddies and treachery sauce!

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

MORE MORE MORE!!

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

My best friend is a regional training manager for smashburger. What store do you work at? Maybe I can get woman manager retrained.

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

San Diego county area. I don't really need to worry about her for much longer since I'm putting my two week in still

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

San Diego area...I may have eaten at your restaurant.

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

This made me laugh because I used to work in a fast food restaurant with my brother, Connor, who got forced to resign for being a dumbass

10 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

I served a 3 and a half year sentence at Burger King. I know this life very well.

10 years ago | Likes 24 Dislikes 1

I just lifted a 7 month sentence of Arby's of my shoulder less then a week ago

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

2 years at Taco Bell. I had a grown man throw a burrito at my back. I was a 16 year old girl.

10 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

a moment of silence for our brothers and sisters in the (work) force

10 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 0

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

Is this Carl's Junior, because it really sounds like it. Like same ice cream, burger joint, amazing ass shakes?

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Sue them for those three days. IRS wil audit then for every one who works there and will pay you what you'd owed

7 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

This post has high schooler written all over it lol. Nigga lemme explain why your imgur model chick acted like she didn't know you >>>1

10 years ago | Likes 17 Dislikes 8

It's because if you're not banging you're in the friend zone. And because you work at a fast food restaurant. High-school jobs hiarchy>2

10 years ago | Likes 11 Dislikes 9

Is this: Lifeguard>Store clerk> fast food worker. You're not gonna land a debutant flipping burgers man

10 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 7

Haha yeah I'm in high school, still sucked though. I still understand what you mean

10 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

As a shy woman, she could just be feeling awkward and nervous and then came off as a bitch. It happens

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

It's ok brah, we all gotta start somewhere. I didn't even really start pulling quality tail until college

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 2

I literally just had some Smash burger today. delicious. haagandas was a direct giveaway xD

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I hate food service. I think half the reasons I went to college was to never deal with that shit again

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Welcome to the service industry dude. It doesn't really get better. You just get colder and paid better.

10 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

You just eventually become that useless manager you hate.

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

incompetent managers make worklife hell, but the good managers are not neccesarily the nice ones. They just do not treat people like shit.

10 years ago | Likes 168 Dislikes 2

exactly. brain koop, if your reading this, you magnificent bastard, you made taco bell graveyard shift worth it. you sir, are an unsung hero

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I'm a chef with a company that I treat like a brotherhood. It's all about hiring qualified people that fit into your team, diversity is key

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

she's more incompetent than good

10 years ago | Likes 44 Dislikes 0

Look mate, I know you're socially shy and all that, but use this job as a training ground for your improvement. You're not gonna be 1/2

10 years ago | Likes 16 Dislikes 1

be in fast food for your whole life, but knowing when to speak up and when to say no are valuable life/employment skills too. 2/2

10 years ago | Likes 18 Dislikes 0

If your job involves managing people, it's about keeping them happy to keep them efficient. Being nice (but not a pushover) IS good mgmnt.

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I had a foreman I didn't get along with too well, but at the same time i acknowledged that he was a good boss.

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

competent managers don't stick around the bottom rung for long

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

You can be a damn good manager and be nice as well. There are loads of combinations, LOADS.

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I'm a nice kitchen manger and my crew is family to me, sometimes I gotta be hard but they are the best and respect me

10 years ago | Likes 16 Dislikes 0

my kitchen manager is just like that. He's honestly the reason why I didn't leave the first week because he was funny as hell

10 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

I know your pain I work for TGI Fridays and you described my life at work

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

went back for the summer, was SO much worse than last year. It’s a terrible experience but an educational one

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

It's not illegal in CA to work 7 days in a row. However, they have to pay you overtime on the 7th day, and double time after 8 hours.

10 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Overtime is considered any hours worked over 40 in a single workweek. Though it's true it's not illegal to work someone 7 days straight

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

There are a few ways to get overtime in CA. More than 8 hours in a day, more than 40 in a week, or more than 7 days in a work week.

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Mostly what I was referring to was it's not double time until 12 hours+. I see where my confusion with your wording was

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

It's also double time after 8 hours on the 7th day in a workweek.

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

PSA to everyone: learn the labor laws for the city/county/state that you work in.

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

They should be in the break room, clear and visible. Usually chains have this, independents are usually shadier.

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Actually that's only 7 days in the same work week. You can do 12 days in a row and not get overtime if it's during 2 different workweeks.

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

1. Yes, thank you. At Home Depot I constantly work 9 days in a row after getting Monday and Tuesday off (our work week starts on Monday)

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

2. From the first week and then having Friday and Saturday off the next week.

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

@OP, I'm sorry you got into a job that is literally the retarded end of the retail spectrum. At least it's not McDonald's. Find a new job!

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I might have to, reasons why I'll explain if I get to part two

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Yes, please do! :)

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

McDonald's if anything would treat you better. They're often held to a higher standard because of how big they are.

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Your job sound so hard. Actually, not really.

10 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 3

It ain't hard, just annoying

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Your comrades in the pizza industry know the feeling.

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Work off the clock? That f'ing bullshit! Don't let people walk all over you OP, you deserve better than that!

10 years ago | Likes 83 Dislikes 0

First job, burger joint, apparently not a very big or organized one. OP is basically ASKING to get walked all over.

10 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 1

I am a little weak when it comes to the schedule, as in i was afraid to say no (social anxiety, I guess)

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

If you have trouble with confrontation, asking for things and or saying no via email is probably easier. Also helps to ahve it in writing

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

if he has any evidence of those worked hours he can contact the DoL in his state (or federal if his state doesn't have one)

10 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

I have myself the excuse that I'm saving up to build a PC, need gas, etc. and I always felt bad for saying no.

10 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 1

Yea but how does working off the clock help any of that? You don't earn anything for off the clock work.

10 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

Oh off the clock lol. I'm going to talk to them about it today as a matter of fact

10 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Be assertive, but not disrespectful. Go get 'em OP!

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Companies take it very seriously, talk to her superior if there's issues.

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

@OP Turn your phone off when you're not at work. You probably have a good idea of when they might call you in; don't be available for them.

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I prefer to let it ring through on my day off; if they call me a /second/ time they couldn't get anyone else and really need me.

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Yeah it's more for his stress than anything.

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

2/3 Source: I had the same sort of anxieties when I started my first job. They can get upset all they want that you won't answer your phone,

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

3/3 But they sure as Hell can't fire you for it.

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

That lifted my spirits :) thank you for Sympathizing with me

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

What does 'The dab' mean?

10 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Thanks! I didn't know either.

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I'd also never heard of that.

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Ooooh, that's what that's called... Now I wish I hadn't asked.

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

So. Where i'm from Even small burger places can make your patties at least medium. 55+ hours istn't THAT much of a work week...

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 1

I think it's in the range of complaint at least. Also, kid is in hs and has other shit to do. I'm in college and work 30 hours on the

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I think it's in the range of complaint at least. Also, kid is in hs and has other shit to do. I'm in college and work 30 hours on the

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

weekend. Even though that's not many I go to class all week and have little free time

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Do plenty of people in America start bitching for a manager if one tiny thing is wrong? Thought it was a myth at first

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

? It isn't one small thing. It's a constant thing that happens, there are plenty more reasons why she needs more training...

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 1

Connor, you dumbass.

10 years ago | Likes 406 Dislikes 2

it reflects badly on me if i do you a favour, recommend you for a job and you bail 4 days after too.

10 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

You total tool.

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Jane you ignorant slut.

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Connor is hardware man, he wasn't meant to be shackled by the chains of f&b. One day he'll be manager of Home Depot's windows department.

10 years ago | Likes 22 Dislikes 0

*assistant to the manager.

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Connor never got the job. Now he is making more money than all of use by asking for change in the middle of the road.

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Funny thing is, when I have like three pennies he always asks for them, has like 300 in coins in his room

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Yeah Connor you dumbass, oh wait...

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

my friend that annoys the manager's name is also Connor, so that makes this better

10 years ago | Likes 63 Dislikes 0

I'm just gonna guess that you're not gonna say the restaurants name. But I have a friend named Connor who got a job at a restaurant and 1/?

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Quit after a couple days because he didn't like it. He said the managers were very manipulative. I'm not sure if it's a weird 2/?

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Coincidence or not but I think funny how I thought of him while reading this.... And yes.... He is a dumbass 3/3

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

What restaurant did that Connor work at? An what location?

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Name the restaurant to confirm

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I'm not a dumbass ;-;

10 years ago | Likes 31 Dislikes 1

Connor, I taught you everything you know...you are one of my greatest graduates. Deal with it

10 years ago | Likes 16 Dislikes 0

I love this exchange.

10 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

and cheese apparently.

10 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

That...I FUCKING love.

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

@OP Did you work at Smash Burger?

10 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

That's the only burger joint I know that uses Häagen-Dazs.

10 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

Yeah that's what I was thinking too! I need food. Like pronto.

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I've never been to one, there's one down the street should I try it? I'm a big fan of culver's and five guys

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Sorry for a late reply. If you like Mushroom and Swiss burgers then try theirs. I love it. Probably my favorite place to get it.

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Nah don't like shrooms

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

If you like bbq burgers, the bbq bacon cheddar is the best. Our haystack onions are super bomb as well. Shakes are my favorite. (Get Oreo)

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

Hey man I tried the bbq bacon cheddar! Got it +mayo and lettuce and a side of fuckin FRANK'S RED HOT SEASONED FRIES WHAT?! Delectable

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Oreo shake next time!

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Ok thanks! sounds great, actually, oreos my favorite flavor shake! Ill give that bbq bacon cheddar a try as well

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

If you get tired of working fast food, go apply at a chain restaurant. You're qualified, and they pay better.

10 years ago | Likes 56 Dislikes 1

i might actually start looking for another job as well for reason I'll post about if people want part two

10 years ago | Likes 10 Dislikes 0

We want it, just post :P

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Look into family owned restaurants in your area. You have the front of house stuff down. being a waiter pays decent If not a food runner too

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

this technically is a chain restaurant, just not good quality enough, but also too high quality for fast food so IDK

10 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

That would be faat casual according to marketplace on npr.

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Fast*

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

if you only get change for tips... i think other chain restaurants that aren't "fast food" may provide you with something more

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Smashburger.

10 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

that's what im thinking

10 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

That's it

10 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

When the restaurant I work at opened up, most of my coworkers were from the Smashburger next door. I've heard some shit, not unlike yours.

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I knew it was Smashburger when you mentioned that they were always running out of stuff for shakes. Lol

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

What chain exactly... I want to try these shakes...

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 1

I confirm smashburger shakes are really good.

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

i don't know exactly where you'll find these, but it's called Smashburger

10 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I live in Charleston, SC and we started getting these. Pretty good, but I can't get over the weird fries.

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Haystack onions where it's at, boi

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Every time I go there they are out of ice cream for the shakes

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

It's a matter of a.) people are always asking for shakes b.) we don't get enough quantities of ice cream

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

You work there and you don't know this? http://locations.smashburger.com/

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 1

Apparently there's one not far from where I used to live. Never gave it a second thought.

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

lol no not really. never bothered to look

10 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

Wow... I would have checked that page before I even started working there...

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 4

lol its a burger joint. you dont really need to the know the companys "projection." pretty much "have you been arrested?" "no." "great!"

10 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 1

It's not like OP is trying to be their spokesperson. I know that's a classic interview thing, but it's really just useless trivia.

10 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0