The Churro Man Auditioning To Be The New NAR Villain

Jerk, Kiosk, USA, Zoo | Right | August 3, 2025

I was covering a break at one of our zoo’s snack carts yesterday, the kind that sells soft pretzels, sodas, and churros. The churros are simple: pop them in the toaster oven for six minutes and they’re ready to go.

It was decently busy, and someone had just cleared out the last of the ready churros. I hadn’t had a chance to start a new batch yet when the next family stepped up.

Customer: “Hi! Can we get six churros?”

Me: “Sorry, I’m out at the moment, but I’ve got more going in the oven. They’ll be ready in about six minutes.”

They were disappointed but understood. I told them they could come back later once they were ready. As I got the next batch started, I heard a new voice pipe up.

New Guy: *Irritated.* “Why isn’t there a sign saying you’re out?”

Me: “I’m making more right now. They’ll be ready in a few minutes.”

To be clear, I had not sold anyone churros yet. I figured that was that.

Spoiler: it wasn’t.

This guy didn’t leave. He just sidled a few feet to the side and started muttering with the previous family. I didn’t notice at first because the visibility inside the cart is half blocked by a giant Dippin’ Dots poster. But after a couple of customers, I realized he was still standing off to the side… actively discouraging people from getting in my line.

New Guy: *To other guests.* “She’s out of churros. Don’t bother. Just order something else and wait with us. We’re first.”

Mind you, he never bought anything. Never asked to wait. Never got permission to linger in front of my cart like a snack goblin.

Finally, the toaster oven dinged. I pull out a fresh batch, coat them in cinnamon sugar, and start loading the warmer. I was going to be nice and wave him and the earlier family over. But before I could, the actual next person in line walked up and ordered a churro.

I start serving her, and that’s when the guy completely loses it.

New Guy: *Storming up.* “NO! GIVE ME MY CHURROS NOW! I’VE BEEN WAITING OVER HERE!”

Me: *Calmly.* “I didn’t tell you that you could wait there, and I haven’t sold you anything. I have plenty of churros. Now, if it’s okay with the next person in line, you can go after her.”

He either misheard me or just didn’t like not getting his way, because he huffed, swore under his breath, and stormed off. I served the kind lady at the window and then offered the actual patient family the next shot at churros, which they appreciated.

A few minutes later, my coworker returned from her break. I told her the story, and she said I was being way too nice.

Fair.

I went off to take my own break and informed the MOD (Manager on Duty), just in case. Right as I’m opening my mouth to explain, the radio crackles:

Cashier: *Over radio.* “Uh, someone’s here asking for the name of the churro girl. He wants to file a complaint.”

The MOD gives me the classic “What did you do now?” look, and we head out together. As soon as I explain that I never denied him service, I just wouldn’t let him cut the line or commandeer my cart. The MOD nods and says:

MOD: “Sounds like you did exactly the right thing.”

I later found out the cashier refused to give him my name, and he left… still without buying a churro.

The cherry on top? She shared her tips with me that day and gave me an extra-big cut “for surviving The Churro Man.”