The Customer Is Worth The Wait

(I go into my job at a barbecue restaurant for the night shift and as soon as I walk in we are slammed with orders and getting caterings out. The air-conditioning gets sucked up by the vents in the kitchen so it is roughly 90 degrees while working with very hot food. I have two customers waiting about 20 minutes and normally that’s when people think the wait is ridiculous and leave.)

Me: “I’m so sorry, ma’am; I’ll be right with you! Let me just finish this up.”

Customer #1: “Oh, no, don’t worry about it. I’d rather wait here than somewhere else.”

(I got her taken care of after another moment before turning to Customer #2.)

Me: “Sorry about that, sir; let me take your order now.”

Customer #2: “I’m fine; take care of those orders first. I’m in no rush.”

(He had seen my large pick up order customer walk in and knew I was finishing it up while taking and making other orders. So I manage to get the other two orders complete before going back to take the gentleman’s order, who has now been waiting over 30 minutes without complaining.)

Me: “I’m so sorry about the wait. Let me get you taken care of now.”

(It is really hot so I have been sweating a little while completing the other orders.)

Customer #2: “Are you sure? Do you need to take a breather first?”

Me: “No, I’m fine, really. But, here. I know it’s hot so please take a drink.”

Customer #2: “Oh, wow, thanks! Do you need a drink, though? I can get you one.”

Me: “No, I’ll grab one in a minute. Thank you, though!”

(Customer #2 earned himself a 10% discount on his order for both the wait and how nice he had been the entire time. We had a few more insane times that night with all surprisingly nice customers but he really stuck out to me with his patience and kindness.)