They Can’t Say You Didn’t Warn Them

I’ve been directing a show at a local community theater. As is tradition, the cast and crew all go out for a celebratory meal together after opening night. We select a twenty-four-hour steak-burger and milkshake place. 

Growing up, I was always taught that when a huge group of people is going out to a fast food restaurant, it’s courteous to call and “warn” them ahead of time. So, while everyone is changing out of their costumes, I call ahead.

Worker: “[Restaurant], can I help you?”

Me: “Hello, I just wanted to let you all know that we’ve got a group of around twenty-five that will be coming to eat in about thirty minutes.”

Worker: “We don’t do reservations.”

Me: “I know. I just wanted to let you know we’re coming since we’re a large group.”

Worker: “We can’t take reservations for groups. You have to come and wait for a table.”

Me: “Yes, I know we’ll have to wait. I just wanted to give you a heads-up since there are so many people.”

Worker: “Uh-huh?”

She doesn’t say anything else for several seconds.

Me: “So… we’ll be there in about half an hour.”

More silence.

Me: “Uh… thank you. Goodbye…?”

With that, I hung up the phone. Fortunately, our server at the restaurant was a lot more communicative!