Seven Things Fast Food workers Want You to Know

Things have changed since I started working at Domino's about six weeks ago. I'm lucky--I've never worked past 11:00, and I have my mornings free to do school. Not everyone who works here is as lucky as I am--some of them work two jobs, and others have families to support. Understanding a few things really helps you appreciate the people you love most in life--that is, the people who make your pizzas. Who doesn't love them?

1. I want what's best for you. I'll try to give you the best deal possible on your order. And if we screw things up, I'll either replace your meal or give you a credit for next time. I probably wasn't the person who made your pizza; don't be mad at me because we put pepperoni on all of your pizza and you only wanted it on half. Be nice to me because I'm the one who will fix things for you.
2. Have you ever wondered what happens if you cancel your order? We eat it ourselves. While I'm eternally grateful for the people who forget to pick up their carry-out orders, especially if there are desserts involved, I'm pretty sure the managers are pretty upset. So please: if you need to, set an alarm on your phone. You get your pizza, we get paid, and everyone's happy. Even if I'm still a little hungry.
3. The world runs more smoothly when you order online, especially during the rush hour. The people who work at fast food places don't just stand around and wait for you to order. We fold boxes, sweep floors, wash dishes, and prepare food items. Online orders mean we spend less time on the phone and more time making sure your pizza is made perfectly.
4. If you do order over the phone, or even in person, I will repeat everything you say. It's not because I'm a copycat. I just want to make sure I've gotten your order right. And if you order over the phone, I might not be able to hear you clearly, so I might have you spell your name and address.
5. Thank you for speaking English. My Spanish isn't the best, either, but between the both of us, we'll make something work. (Especially if you know the names of the toppings in English--I can never remember the Spanish word for "bacon.") We actually have a bilingual menu if you need it.
6. The people who take care of your carry-out order appreciate tips, too. Minimum wage doesn't go very far. A $1 or "keep-the-thirty-five-cents-change" tip tells me you're thoughtful. A $2 tip means you're especially kind, and anything $3 or more really makes my day. My paycheck goes straight into my savings account--or, in the case of many fast food workers, straight towards unpaid bills. Tips can be spent on anything from snacks to gas to the new pair of shoes we desperately need. (But if you have to choose, delivery drivers need the tips more than we do.)
7. Please be nice to us. We probably aren't here because we've dreamed of making pizzas since we were kids. Heck, no one wants to be washing dishes at two in the morning just to make $7.25 an hour. And even if we're having a bad day, or we're super tired, we have to plaster a smile on our faces and listen to you complain because we don't deliver to your house. 

---