Restaurant Horror Stories: What You Need to Know

A Behind the Scenes Look at Repulsive Events Occuring at One Restaurant and Suggestions that May Lend Some Protection

I worked at a popular restaurant chain some years ago. People just flocked in and could not get enough of the reasonable priced fare and abundant salad bar. While working there, I have seen first hand, issues such as food tampering, lack of hygiene, and unimaginable acts. For the faint of heart, these accounts may have you doubt your next evening out. However, there are a few ideas to consider that may minimize your risk of some of the events mentioned below.

On one evening, as we prepared the restaurant for closing there was a nice size rat running amuck.
He ran on top of the ice cream machine. While he was being pursued, he fell into the mix that was draining from the machine. The rat drowned in the melted ice cream mix. The store Manager would not let the employees throw the mix away and forbid them to tell anyone that the rat had perished in it. He was more worried about the financial loss of the ice cream mix than the health and safety of employees or customers.

The ice cream was served the next day just as if nothing had happened. As the everyday customers requested ice cream, we would quietly tell them it was not a good idea.

One server that I worked with at the restaurant made a particular Manager his coffee every morning. This was not an act of kindness.
As she prepared to make the store Manager his coffee, she would gather the rat droppings from the drawer and add them into the ground coffee before she brewed it. She served it up with the sweetest smile that seemed to convey trust and sunshine. The first time she told me this, I was flabbergasted. The store manager never had a clue.

The restaurant manager was not the only victim to this type of food tampering. She often made her special blend of coffee for customers who she felt did not tip accordingly.