On Notice

There’s a tired piece of corruption that unscrupulous restaurant owners and managers love foisting on hardworking waiters – tip stealing. Simply put, some managers insist on getting “tipped out” at the end of the night like a bus person or bartender. It’s almost...

Gladiator

Beth and I are in the kitchen drinking coffee. The lunch shift’s drawing to a close. The restaurant’s almost empty. Beth can’t wait to go home. “I’ve worked like six doubles in a row,” she says. “I can’t take it anymore.” “I’m here twelve days straight,” I reply. “I...

Funeral

“So how’s the party going?” I ask Beth, one of our waitresses. “Not bad considering,” she replies shrugging. “So who was the deceased?” I ask. “Did you find out?” “Their grandma,” Beth says. “She was like 90.” “An old soul whose time had come,” I say. ( whose ) “I...

Angels & Demons

It’s early Saturday night and one of my customers is throwing a fit. The problem probably started when he threw food at the woman sitting next to him. The situation’s out of control. Plates and utensils litter the floor. The lady’s covered with food. She yells...

Daddy’s Little Girl

It’s a hot muggy Friday night and the Bistro’s crowded. The central air system struggles to hold down the temperature. I guess we won’t be selling cappuccinos tonight. The hostess takes a smoke break. As I’m watching the entrance a foxy brunette walks through the...