Restaurant Horror Stories: What You Need to Know

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.

Sending your food back at the restaurant was just not a good idea either. You never know what happens to your food once it leaves your sight.
There was a particular bothersome man who sent his steak back twice one evening. When his server took the steak back to the kitchen that last time, the cook promptly turned around and urinated on it. The cook then sent the steak back out to him. What made this whole scenario so unsettling was the customer later confided to his server that it was the best steak he had ever eaten.

Working in various restaurants has taught me several lessons about the restaurant industry and some good guidelines to follow when dining out. These suggestions are by no means a guarantee, but they should help diminish your chances of food tampering revenge.

An important step you can do to protect yourself is to be respectful and fair to your server.
If you have a restaurant that you frequent, remember to tip well when you are pleased with your service. Many times your server will have inside knowledge on occurrences going on behind the kitchen door that could involve your dining experience. Believe me, they will be more eager to pass this along to someone who shows respect and appreciation.

Also, never make the cook or kitchen crew angry.
I have found it best not to send food back in restaurants. I have seen first hand how things can go awry. If you must send food back, be courteous about it. It is always best not to draw attention to the meal your sending back by behaving badly.

Another good idea is to check the score issued by the local Health Department on their most recent visit to the restaurant.
Many times the Health Deaprtment will recieve complaints on restaurants. They try to investigate all allegations to ensure the health and safety of the public. The Health Department could shed light on issues such as uncleanliness or possible health hazards that they observed while on site.

I am thankful for the eye opening experience I gained working at different restaurants through the years. It has taught me that even the unthinkable is possible. With a little luck, maybe these suggestions will help you protect yourself and keep your next dining experience from turning into a horror story statistic.