Never Joke With The Customers… Ever!, Part 16

Bosses/Owners/Managers, Overheard, Restaurant, This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things, USA, YMMV | Right | September 18, 2025

In the manager’s office, I overhear our manager is on the phone with the owner, trying to defend a recent memo they sent out to “not joke around with the customers.”

Manager: “I understand it sounds harsh, but [Waiter] saw it was the kid’s birthday, and thought it would be funny to give a five-year-old the bill directly and say, ‘Happy birthday.’ The parents were offended.”

Pause.

Manager: “Well, obviously, you and I would think that’s cute, but you haven’t seen our customers.”

Pause.

Manager: “Yes, they are offended by everything.”

Pause.

Manager: “I mean, it’s obvious it’s a joke, but they choose to get offended anyway. That’s the telling part.”

Pause.

Manager: “No, even if the customer jokes first, it’s not wise to tone match. Once, I handed a bill to a customer who laughed and said they didn’t want it. I laughed too and said, ‘it comes with the meal. They complained, and I got fired. That’s how I ended up working for you.”

Pause.

Manager: “Okay, how about you come and work a shift with the customers and crack a joke or two. I’ll abide by your decision after a full shift.”

The owner did not put their money where their mouth was, and the memo remained enforced. Better safe than sorry.