I work at a fast food restaurant. My coworker is taking orders outside. She approaches a car to take his order. Note that masks and social distancing are required at our restaurant and are followed appropriately.
Coworker: “What can I get for you today, sir?”
Customer: “I NEED YOU TO STEP BACK.”
My coworker steps back a little to give him some space.
Customer: “THAT’S NOT SIX FEET!”
She steps back as far as possible, apologizing to him.
Coworker: “I’m sorry sir, how can I help you?”
Customer: “YOU ARE STILL TOO CLOSE. You are DISRESPECTING all the DEAD PEOPLE! Stay away!”
My coworker starts to tear up after being yelled at, and having no other options, she completes his order and he drives to the window. At the window, the customer yells at the employee there.
Customer: “Where is my receipt? I NEED my receipt!”
The employee at the window tries to hand him the receipt when the customer suddenly shouts to STAY BACK. The employee can’t physically hand him the receipt without leaning forward. She decides to put his receipt in the bag and hands him his food on a tray.
Customer: “I WANT TO TALK TO YOUR MANAGER!”
One of my managers, who is really tough and doesn’t take people’s crap, comes to the window. She’s already heard what’s going on.
Manager: “Sir, I need you to calm down. We are following the proper protocols and are staying six feet apart. We wear masks and sanitize properly.”
Customer: “WELL, YOUR EMPLOYEE HATES DEAD PEOPLE! People are DYING because she gets too close! I don’t even want to come back here!”
Manager: “Okay, sir, I need you to leave the drive-thru. You are upsetting my employees.”
He continues to yell about being a “paying customer” and how he deserves “special treatment.”
Manager: “If you don’t leave now, I will take your food back and refund your money! I need you to leave!”
Customer: “DON’T DISRESPECT DEAD PEOPLE!”
He finally drives off. My manager checks on my employee that took his order. She is crying and terribly upset.
Manager: “You didn’t do anything wrong. You were being safe. Take ten minutes to calm down; you will be okay.”
Don’t be rude to fast food workers! We are doing our best to serve you during a crazy time.
