I’d like to speak to the manager!!!

I have to say that beyond the salary, the free food, the trip to Argentina, the other benefits, the absolute best thing about my job is that we are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

The holidays have always been one of the worst days of the year to work in hospitality. 

I have a theory, that people who like each other, eat at home.  

People who don’t like each other, eat at restaurants, and let everyone else know how much they dislike each other.

Yes.  I know there are extenuating circumstances. 

But, hands down the big holidays are the worst.  

Angry people.

Bad tippers.

Slow kitchens.

The restaurant starts to run out of the specials about 30 minutes after they open.  

And to be honest, the staff is all a little cranky too because they’d rather be home with their friends and family, and you can’t really blame them.  

And before anyone says it, YES, I know that there are industries where people have to work.  But somehow, the need for open restaurants isn’t as important as say emergency responders and doctors and nurses.  Those people are saving lives.  

I’ll take this time to give a shout out to all the Central Maine Power folks this weekend, who are waist deep in repairs as 250,000 Mainers are without power.

We need them to work.  

We don’t need Applebee’s to be open.  

And for any of my readers, who are dining out this weekend.  

For the love of all things holy, please be nice.  Please be patient.  And please tip more than 20%.  At least make it worth their while to be there.  

Happy Holidays!