Not The Only Thing In Need Of Maintenance

Canada, Fast Food, Ignoring & Inattentive, Restaurant, Saskatchewan | Right | December 1, 2010

(We’re closed for maintenance and have shut off all the exterior lights, including those in the drive-thru. We also put a sign on the drive-thru menu stating we’re closed. A car pulls into the drive-thru, and I put on a headset. All of this takes place via the drive-thru speaker.)

Me: “Hi, I’m sorry, but we’re currently closed for maintenance. Our other location down the street will be happy to serve you.”

Customer: “Hey, we just need a minute. Your lights are off, and it’s hard to see the menu.”

Me: “Sorry, I said we’re closed for maintenance. That’s why the lights are off.”

Customer: “Okay, we’re ready.”

Me: “Sorry, I said we’re closed. Our other store just a few blocks down the street will be happy to help.”

(The customer says their order.)

Customer: “Hello? Did you get that?”

Me: *gives up* “Welcome to [Restaurant]. Please listen carefully as our menu options have changed due to the store being closed for maintenance. For service in English, please press one.” *switches to French* “Pour service en Francais, poussez le deux.” *switches to Spanish* “Para el servicio en Español, presione por favor el numero tres.”

(Faint laughter as the rest of the car’s passengers start laughing.)

Customer: “Uh…” *whispers* “What do I do?” *laughter from other passengers* “Uh… one?”

Me: “Thank you for calling [Restaurant]. Our hours of operation are 7:00 am to 3:00 am, except today, because we are closed… due… to… maintenance. Please leave a message after the beep. BEEP!”

(There was a squeal of tires as the car peeled away, the rest of the passengers killing themselves laughing.)

This story is part of our Oblivious Customers roundup!