I enjoyed your story! My favorite fast food place is In-N-Out or a little dive burger joint that was near my wife’s and my first apartment called Rocky Mountain Burgers. The food was cheap and decent, but they had a juke box someone with impeccable 80s and 90s indie rock knowledge has curated.
Thanks, Jason! Oh man, Rocky Mountain Burgers sounds like my kind of place. My wife and I were in the city yesterday and I ate the best burger I’ve had in a long long time...I’ll be thinking about it for days. The place was called Black Iron Burgers. Yum! Sometimes there’s nothing better than a burger. 🍔
Sadly, it seemed more like reality than fiction. 🤣
I rarely eat fast food anymore. I live about a mile from a Chick-fil-A. It is insanely popular at lunch time. But I only have it a couple of times per year. Usually when my parents visit from Michigan (where Chick-fil-A is rare and a long drive for them) and they want it. I do like their waffle fries and lemonade. 🤓
I’ve seen so many incidents like this one that I’ve lost count. 🤣 Going out anywhere these days will give me ideas for stories.
Chick-fil-A during lunchtime in the south is absolutely bonkers. I’ve witnessed it a time or two while visiting family, ha. Cars are lined up like they’re in line to see The Rolling Stones perform!
Yeah, it’s crazy. But they have the drive-thru down to a science. People come out and take your order at your car and then bring your order to your car. It is quite amazing how effective they are.
I thought it was dark humor, I loved the woman with an oxygen tube needing a cigarette. I like 5 guys for burgers and Chick-fil-A too. Good Job, thanks.
Thanks for reading, Scott! I was definitely trying to land somewhere in that realm. I’m happy you enjoyed it. And great call with 5 Guys! They make some really good burgers.
I thought this story was a glimpse into a lonely man's life, and how he needed to go into a brightly lit place and engage someone, anyone, in a conversation that he could control by being ornery and confrontational. The two old women observing his behavior are not at a fancy restaurant, and not in the best of health, but they at least have each other for companionship. I really like this one, Justin. I can see the restaurant and the people in it. On a lighter note, Chick-fil-A is my absolute favorite, too. You can buy the sauce in any grocery store now!!!
"I thought this story was a glimpse into a lonely man's life, and how he needed to go into a brightly lit place and engage someone, anyone, in a conversation that he could control by being ornery and confrontational." Right you are, Andrea. I know three people that your description fits exactly. I avoid them.
Andrea, I absolutely love this take. He does seem lonely to me, too, and he most likely is dealing with some other issues as well. But you know, it never crossed my mind that maybe he was just in need of human contact - even if it was confrontational. Your perspective hasn’t changed at all after all these years, has it? You really do see the best in everyone. Thank you for reading and commenting!
And yes! We bought some of the sauce not too long ago. We tried to savor it and pretend like we weren’t addicted to it. It’s gone now. 😢 Some days I think about buying more, but know I should probably refrain. 🤣
Good short story. I have actually heard of incidents like that happening before. And what's sad is that I can understand the man being upset and asking the worker if they know their job. But his behavior is unnecessary also. Because I'm a horror story lover, I can see dark undertones in this story that could lead to a scene of horror. As for my favorite fast food, it would have to be Taco Bell. My least favorite would be Wendy's.
I work nights and was eating a lot of fast food. Mostly Sonic not because it's my favorite but just because it's convenient to me. MorningStar farms makes a non-meat chicken patty they are fantastic. You can buy the Chick-fil-A sauce at the grocery store and buns. I make those and they replace Chick-fil-A for me.
Steve...don’t think differently of me, but I’ve never in my life had Sonic! I’ve always wanted to, though. I don’t think we have many around us.
Yes, we have bought the Chick-fil-A sauce a time or two. It’s so ridiculously tasty! Good idea to make your own sandwiches - probably saves a few bucks!
People be crazy. If you told me this was a true story I would absolutely believe you. McDonald's fries and coffee. Burger King chicken sandwich. Wendy's or 5 guys burgers. 🍟☕🍔 We don't have Chick-fil-A around here!
I love your list! I forgot all about Five Guys...that’s a favorite for me, too. No Chick-fil-A near me, either! I mean, I could drive an hour for it, but then I’d probably be lumped into the “crazy people” category. (Or am I already there?!)
My sister works at McDonald's and with the stories she tells, I imagine this is something that might actually happen! As far as fast food goes, my favorite is Wendy's. I also like Chick-fil-A but there's not one close to me. I'll pass on Burger King every single time.
Haha there is no doubt in my mind that this kind of stuff happens all the time. Wendy’s - good call! Back in my college days it was a go-to for me. And yes, same, no Chick-fil-A in my neck of the woods either. (It’s probably to my benefit, ha!)
I see a metaphor here for people today who are angry all the time, a constant state of being. When they can't find anything legitimate to yell about, they will argue about even the most insignificant thing. I see people around them willing to shrug and say, "Oh well, it is what it is, that's life today." I don't know... maybe I need another cup of coffee.... You have me thinking.
I definitely think this is a part of it, Sharron. Some people truly are angry all the time. (I think it’s the ones who are constantly connected to social media, news, etc.) There’s so much negativity everywhere all the time. This man could very likely be in this predicament.
Also, I always need another cup of coffee. One is never enough. 🤣 ☕️
I thought it was a funny slice-of-life. My favorite fast food chain is called Ted’s. It’s a hot dog restaurant mostly in Western New York and they have the best hot dogs in the country.
Oh my gosh! I don’t think I’ve ever heard of it, but it reminds me of one of my all-time favorite places, located in central New York: Voss’s. They’re a BBQ/hot dog place only open in the warmer months. I used to love their chili dogs.
For me, it went from somewhat foreboding (there seemed to be an underlying threat in the guy's behavior and tone) to humorous. Loved the two ladies. You captured all three personalities through their words and the pared-down descriptions. I half expected one of the women to head over to the trash and retrieve the pastries!
Re: the fast food. . . I haven't been to one in decades, but I used to LOVE McDonald's sundaes.
Thanks so much for commenting, Ricki! I’m happy you enjoyed the characters so much. They were fun to write. The two women were totally unplanned as I was writing the piece, but I figured it would make sense to have someone else observing the incident. And haha! Now that would have been a really great way to end the story! 🤣
Yes I thought the story had both. Not sure how to interpret it except to say it sounded like another example of customers acting entitled.
My favorite ff used to be Burger King but poor management has ruined it for me. I don’t eat ff much these days, but I’d agree with your choice. I especially like their salads and peppermint shakes at the holidays.
Thanks for reading, Kim! I agree. I think the guy probably had some mental health issues (or something going on), but these types of incidents seem to be all too common these days.
My grandparents used to take my brother and me to Burger King when we were kids. I loved it! To this day it reminds me of them. 😄
I enjoyed your story! My favorite fast food place is In-N-Out or a little dive burger joint that was near my wife’s and my first apartment called Rocky Mountain Burgers. The food was cheap and decent, but they had a juke box someone with impeccable 80s and 90s indie rock knowledge has curated.
Thanks, Jason! Oh man, Rocky Mountain Burgers sounds like my kind of place. My wife and I were in the city yesterday and I ate the best burger I’ve had in a long long time...I’ll be thinking about it for days. The place was called Black Iron Burgers. Yum! Sometimes there’s nothing better than a burger. 🍔
Sadly, it seemed more like reality than fiction. 🤣
I rarely eat fast food anymore. I live about a mile from a Chick-fil-A. It is insanely popular at lunch time. But I only have it a couple of times per year. Usually when my parents visit from Michigan (where Chick-fil-A is rare and a long drive for them) and they want it. I do like their waffle fries and lemonade. 🤓
I’ve seen so many incidents like this one that I’ve lost count. 🤣 Going out anywhere these days will give me ideas for stories.
Chick-fil-A during lunchtime in the south is absolutely bonkers. I’ve witnessed it a time or two while visiting family, ha. Cars are lined up like they’re in line to see The Rolling Stones perform!
With that said, the sauce is divine. 😅
Yeah, it’s crazy. But they have the drive-thru down to a science. People come out and take your order at your car and then bring your order to your car. It is quite amazing how effective they are.
I thought it was dark humor, I loved the woman with an oxygen tube needing a cigarette. I like 5 guys for burgers and Chick-fil-A too. Good Job, thanks.
Thanks for reading, Scott! I was definitely trying to land somewhere in that realm. I’m happy you enjoyed it. And great call with 5 Guys! They make some really good burgers.
I thought this story was a glimpse into a lonely man's life, and how he needed to go into a brightly lit place and engage someone, anyone, in a conversation that he could control by being ornery and confrontational. The two old women observing his behavior are not at a fancy restaurant, and not in the best of health, but they at least have each other for companionship. I really like this one, Justin. I can see the restaurant and the people in it. On a lighter note, Chick-fil-A is my absolute favorite, too. You can buy the sauce in any grocery store now!!!
"I thought this story was a glimpse into a lonely man's life, and how he needed to go into a brightly lit place and engage someone, anyone, in a conversation that he could control by being ornery and confrontational." Right you are, Andrea. I know three people that your description fits exactly. I avoid them.
Andrea, I absolutely love this take. He does seem lonely to me, too, and he most likely is dealing with some other issues as well. But you know, it never crossed my mind that maybe he was just in need of human contact - even if it was confrontational. Your perspective hasn’t changed at all after all these years, has it? You really do see the best in everyone. Thank you for reading and commenting!
And yes! We bought some of the sauce not too long ago. We tried to savor it and pretend like we weren’t addicted to it. It’s gone now. 😢 Some days I think about buying more, but know I should probably refrain. 🤣
Good short story. I have actually heard of incidents like that happening before. And what's sad is that I can understand the man being upset and asking the worker if they know their job. But his behavior is unnecessary also. Because I'm a horror story lover, I can see dark undertones in this story that could lead to a scene of horror. As for my favorite fast food, it would have to be Taco Bell. My least favorite would be Wendy's.
Thanks, Pennie. I’m happy you liked the story. Yeah, sadly these incidents are all too common these days. Taco Bell - a solid choice! 🌮 😀
I work nights and was eating a lot of fast food. Mostly Sonic not because it's my favorite but just because it's convenient to me. MorningStar farms makes a non-meat chicken patty they are fantastic. You can buy the Chick-fil-A sauce at the grocery store and buns. I make those and they replace Chick-fil-A for me.
Steve...don’t think differently of me, but I’ve never in my life had Sonic! I’ve always wanted to, though. I don’t think we have many around us.
Yes, we have bought the Chick-fil-A sauce a time or two. It’s so ridiculously tasty! Good idea to make your own sandwiches - probably saves a few bucks!
Thank you for reading. 😄
What you never had Sonic? That changes everything about how I think and feel about you. Why am I reading you? just kidding.
🤣🤣
People be crazy. If you told me this was a true story I would absolutely believe you. McDonald's fries and coffee. Burger King chicken sandwich. Wendy's or 5 guys burgers. 🍟☕🍔 We don't have Chick-fil-A around here!
People truly be crazy! 🤣
I love your list! I forgot all about Five Guys...that’s a favorite for me, too. No Chick-fil-A near me, either! I mean, I could drive an hour for it, but then I’d probably be lumped into the “crazy people” category. (Or am I already there?!)
My sister works at McDonald's and with the stories she tells, I imagine this is something that might actually happen! As far as fast food goes, my favorite is Wendy's. I also like Chick-fil-A but there's not one close to me. I'll pass on Burger King every single time.
Haha there is no doubt in my mind that this kind of stuff happens all the time. Wendy’s - good call! Back in my college days it was a go-to for me. And yes, same, no Chick-fil-A in my neck of the woods either. (It’s probably to my benefit, ha!)
Thank you for reading!
I see a metaphor here for people today who are angry all the time, a constant state of being. When they can't find anything legitimate to yell about, they will argue about even the most insignificant thing. I see people around them willing to shrug and say, "Oh well, it is what it is, that's life today." I don't know... maybe I need another cup of coffee.... You have me thinking.
I definitely think this is a part of it, Sharron. Some people truly are angry all the time. (I think it’s the ones who are constantly connected to social media, news, etc.) There’s so much negativity everywhere all the time. This man could very likely be in this predicament.
Also, I always need another cup of coffee. One is never enough. 🤣 ☕️
Thank you for reading!
I wouldn't miss it. You have a fan here.
I thought it was a funny slice-of-life. My favorite fast food chain is called Ted’s. It’s a hot dog restaurant mostly in Western New York and they have the best hot dogs in the country.
Oh my gosh! I don’t think I’ve ever heard of it, but it reminds me of one of my all-time favorite places, located in central New York: Voss’s. They’re a BBQ/hot dog place only open in the warmer months. I used to love their chili dogs.
For me, it went from somewhat foreboding (there seemed to be an underlying threat in the guy's behavior and tone) to humorous. Loved the two ladies. You captured all three personalities through their words and the pared-down descriptions. I half expected one of the women to head over to the trash and retrieve the pastries!
Re: the fast food. . . I haven't been to one in decades, but I used to LOVE McDonald's sundaes.
Thanks so much for commenting, Ricki! I’m happy you enjoyed the characters so much. They were fun to write. The two women were totally unplanned as I was writing the piece, but I figured it would make sense to have someone else observing the incident. And haha! Now that would have been a really great way to end the story! 🤣
Yes I thought the story had both. Not sure how to interpret it except to say it sounded like another example of customers acting entitled.
My favorite ff used to be Burger King but poor management has ruined it for me. I don’t eat ff much these days, but I’d agree with your choice. I especially like their salads and peppermint shakes at the holidays.
Thanks for reading, Kim! I agree. I think the guy probably had some mental health issues (or something going on), but these types of incidents seem to be all too common these days.
My grandparents used to take my brother and me to Burger King when we were kids. I loved it! To this day it reminds me of them. 😄