Sorry…been a minute.
Anyways real quick. Hawaii and its people get the reputation for being laid back. Sometimes I just think that is code for stupid. Big difference. I am going to start making comparisons about local vs normal in the future for those that care. For today the topic is ordering at a fast food restaurant.
I like to frequent Zippy’s out here in Hawaii. It’s fast food but of a little better quality. Plus you can get almost anything you want from sushi to burgers to pasta and there is even a bakery. Good stuff at a decent price. After work tonight I pop in and the line is pretty long. I am already pissed, well because I am always pissed, but also because I see, in all too typical local fashion, one register open while 4 other local employees stand behind counter doing NOTHING! But that is standard and to be expected. But what gets me real pissed is the fact that these people have no clue how to even order food.
When I am in line I read the menu so when I get up there I know exactly what I want and what to say. My money/debit card is in hand and ready to pay/swipe. Seriously the entire transaction takes under a minute depending on the the employee who usually has to ring it in 5 times before getting it right. Done. But then there is local style. Stand in line for 5 minutes, don’t even glance at menu until you get to register, stand there staring with mouth open baffled by menu options, when called out finally make choice but ask 15 questions about sides and substitutions that are not even allowed, everyone is speaking English but NOBODY can understand each other (whole other topic) so it all has to be repeated 3 times per person, finally confirm order, after they get the total fumble around in their pocket for cash and change, drop coins on floor, pick up coins and finally pay. Often this is followed by standing in same spot waiting for food even though there is a whole other separate waiting or holding area for people picking up the food. They finally get out of my way so I can order. Move to holding area where again nobody understands the several versions of English so every time a number is called everyone rushes counter thinking it’s their food. I grab my food while swearing out loud kick the door open and leave. God it’s f*cking irritating!
Two things: everyone speaking english but not understanding each other is Hawaii summed up in eight words.
And dropping coins all over the floor? YES, all the time. Standing there beginning to read the menu upon approaching the register? Also very true. Along those lines, drive thrus are the same thing – I don’t know how many times I’ve pulled up behind somebody just staring at the first menu board. Seriously, you’ve been to Jack in the Box enough times already that I think you know what they have. Now hurry the fuck up with your orders.
Ever see Falling Down with Michael Douglas? That’s Mark at age 50 ordering a double burger and a whammy shake…then shooting up the place with his mac 10 when it doesn’t look like the juicy delicious picture on the wall.