A$$hole

While working in the previous restaurant there were a lot of situations that required biting of the tongue. Even though it seemed hard to do, the consequences of not doing so could end up with you kicked to the curb. Since I didn't want to lose my job, no matter how tempted I was I would keep my thoughts to myself. This was not the case with my co-worker, we will call him Ben. Ben was a big guy, jock type build with a quick temper. Although Ben and I worked in a very professional environment we would always come across customers who didn't act in such a way.

 One warm summer night Ben was busy working outside on the patio. Since it was a pre-theater time everyone wanted to get in and out before their shows. But no one considers this when they order their three course meal and well done steak. Needless to say this one particular guest was very unhappy when he realized that his 45 minutes wasn't enough to enjoy his meal and impress his much younger and prettier date, pre-operah. Well, Ben did not hold back when explaining this to the guy. The guy however, to cover his embarrassment called Ben an a$$hole and threatened that he better get his food immediately. 

Let's take a minute to give a small background on Ben. He grew up in the hood, in Detroit. Is about 6'4 and used to play collegiate division 1 football. Despite the very uptight and professional environment, despite the fact that Ben was wearing our ridiculous uniform which consisted of a crisp white shirt, vest, tie, long apron, black slacks and shined shoes, despite all this, Ben, needless to say didn't bite his tongue. Ben got in this guys face, leveled down to him, grabbed his collar and said

"You take that back or I'm going to punch you in your pretty f****** face. 

"I'm sorry, I take it back"

"Ok, I'll get your steak" 

This situation, unlike this guys steak, was rare. Had Ben been caught he would be fired immediately, or worse... a Yelp or Zagat article would be written about it. 

Luckily for everyone (especially that guy) no one was harmed.

Ever since this incident I had no problems holding my tongue because I knew if I had a problem I had one big coworker just waiting to finish what he started.