ADVERTISEMENT

While we sit back, relax and enjoy the slow-passing time at a restaurant table, slowly devouring a savory appetizer, impatiently dreaming of the meal we’re about to be served fresh straight from the kitchen, things can go wrong on the other side of the curtain. Although we’d like to think we are 100 percent sure of the restaurant’s quality, freshness, and hygiene—after all, it’s buzzing with people and you couldn’t trick them, right?—this is not always the case.

In fact, the restaurant industry and especially the very core of it—the holy kitchen—is notorious for keeping its secrets tight shut. The good and the bad ones. From reheated shrimp cocktail to restaurant staff having nicknames for regular customers, to a chef that cooks expensive meals 11 hours a day only to have dino nuggies at home.

Thanks to the subreddit “Kitchen Confidential,” there are a lot of stories to discover about the daily bread and butter of food industry professionals, so we selected the most interesting ones below. Scroll down and after you’re done, be sure to check out more kitchen confidential posts right here!

#3

Seems Accurate

Seems Accurate

TechnicallyRon Report

Add photo comments
POST
pavelkrusstev avatar
Pa4040
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Typically means "you will be overworked and underpaid so that you can achieve the owner's financial expectations while you are given free pizza on Friday (but only if you provide excellent results)".

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

There are many reasons why people love eating out. We like the fun of it, the change of place and atmosphere, the opportunity to see people and meet friends, to dress up and relax, forget about things back home or at work, treat ourselves, or simply save time. All are solid reasons just showing how much we all waited for the restaurants, eateries and cafes to open again after the worldwide lockdowns.

Having said that, we can't ignore the obvious—it’s getting pretty darn expensive to eat out. Restaurant prices have increased by 5.8% since the beginning of 2021, which is the highest 12-month increase since 1982. This is because groceries got more expensive this year, with the overall cost rising by 6.4%, which is the largest 12-month jump since 2008. The numbers are mind-blowing. Just think of it—the cost of beef has risen most, with a 20.9% jump. Overall, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that consumer price inflation for goods across the board has risen by 6.8%.

#4

One Of My Employees Keeps This So Clean, He Did This After A 26k Saturday Night. Show My Guy Darian Some Love He Deserves It And Doesn’t Get Enough

One Of My Employees Keeps This So Clean, He Did This After A 26k Saturday Night. Show My Guy Darian Some Love He Deserves It And Doesn’t Get Enough

RReags228 Report

Add photo comments
POST
generally_happy avatar
similarly
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Only reason Darian doesn't wear a cape is because it'd be an OSHA violation.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#5

I Don't Want That Ham If It's Been Processed, I'm Trying To Eat Healthier

I Don't Want That Ham If It's Been Processed, I'm Trying To Eat Healthier

ButtonKing Report

What does that mean to us? Well, eating nice and well is getting very costly. This applies to both restaurant meals and home dinners, and even breakfast plates. Especially if we’re talking about nutritious and well-balanced diets. It’s no secret that many people are convinced, probably more than ever, that eating cheap and healthy is impossible, and that healthy foods cost an arm and a leg.

To find out how true that is, Bored Panda spoke with Charlie Middleton, a lecturer in Nursing at the University of Dundee. Charlie has a broad area of interests including health inequalities, nutrition, and the early years of life.“One example is how certain foods are marketed as so-called 'superfoods' ( i.e. avocado) and are given higher price tags, but many very nutritious foods are actually very cheap,” she told us. “Another is the way researchers have measured the cost of food... Consider two bars of chocolate, one regular and one with less fat. If we use a price-per-calorie measurement, the lower-fat chocolate bar seems more expensive because it contains fewer calories.”

#7

I’m With The Boomers On This

I’m With The Boomers On This

braidednosehair Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#8

Not As Good As Some I've Seen, But It's Mine And I'm Proud

Not As Good As Some I've Seen, But It's Mine And I'm Proud

AggressiveWallaby76 Report

ADVERTISEMENT

However, the studies comparing prices per unit weight of food from the same food group reveal interesting results. “They show how healthy options are often cheaper—for example, if we think about a source of protein; 200 g of chickpeas versus 200 g of chicken breast. Chickpeas are often priced cheaper than a chicken breast.”

When asked what cheap and nutritious products we should all add to our grocery shopping bag, Charlie said that there are many things. “In general, plant-based products cost less than meat or fish, but tinned products can be cheap and nutritious options if these are a part of your diet. Vegetables in season are often cheaper than others. At this time of the year in the UK, root vegetables are very cheap and affordable. Dried red lentils (for example) are store cupboard ingredients that cost pence and can be kept for years. Frozen vegetables also keep for long periods and remain nutritious.”

#10

I’m On My Last Few Days At The Industrial Bakery I Manage. Our 160qt Mixer, Pete, Broke Down So We Won’t Be Able To Use It. I Did The One Thing I’ve Been Dying To Do For Years Since He Arrived

I’m On My Last Few Days At The Industrial Bakery I Manage. Our 160qt Mixer, Pete, Broke Down So We Won’t Be Able To Use It. I Did The One Thing I’ve Been Dying To Do For Years Since He Arrived

maggieeeee12345 Report

#11

Found On The Facebook

Found On The Facebook

rootinuti611 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#12

Just A Friendly Reminder That It's Ok To Quit Your Job

Just A Friendly Reminder That It's Ok To Quit Your Job

EnDoubleUHammer Report

Some skeptics claim that cheap and healthy meals take ages to prepare and that’s their biggest disadvantage. But Charlie argues the opposite. “Lots of cheap and healthy foods can be cooked in minutes. Tinned tomatoes make a great base for a pasta sauce and cost a lot less than processed sauce. Add seasonal vegetables and legumes to increase the nutrition. Batch cooking for the week ahead, and freezing portions also saves time,” she concluded.

#13

Flipping Burgers

Flipping Burgers

runolgarun Report

Add photo comments
POST
nikadebeer_1 avatar
Nika De Beer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tried it once, now have constant anxiety when I hear the sound of cutlery lol

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#18

She's Been With Me Ten Years, Through Four Head Chefs. Today, She Clicked Her Last Clack

She's Been With Me Ten Years, Through Four Head Chefs. Today, She Clicked Her Last Clack

six7five Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#19

Line Cooks - This Is Probably Old But It’s New To Me. A Friend Just Sent This My Way

Line Cooks - This Is Probably Old But It’s New To Me. A Friend Just Sent This My Way

Merlins_Owl Report

#20

Who Else ?

Who Else ?

Geschiltuitje Report

#21

The Exact Moment I Realized This Is My Kitchen And My Menu! After Years Of Being Told To, I Pulled The Trigger And Dived All In

The Exact Moment I Realized This Is My Kitchen And My Menu! After Years Of Being Told To, I Pulled The Trigger And Dived All In

Valkerieus Report

#22

This One Stung A Little

This One Stung A Little

thegreencrv Report

#24

I Have Gone From Being Drunk In Kitchens, To Recovering Through Them. It’s Been A Wild Journey But I’m Extremely Proud Of Myself. To Anyone Struggling With Addiction, Just Know There Is Hope

I Have Gone From Being Drunk In Kitchens, To Recovering Through Them. It’s Been A Wild Journey But I’m Extremely Proud Of Myself. To Anyone Struggling With Addiction, Just Know There Is Hope

FishTheSlapper Report

Add photo comments
POST
angelakelley avatar
Angela Kelley
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not an easy feat, especially working in the restaurant industry, I applaud your tenacity! I hope you are as healthy & happy as can be.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#25

Strip Club Food Gets Hate But I Took Pride In Everything I Would Do. I Made The Brioche Bread, No Frozen Patties Either. Everything Was Fresh

Strip Club Food Gets Hate But I Took Pride In Everything I Would Do. I Made The Brioche Bread, No Frozen Patties Either. Everything Was Fresh

poo_gnome Report

#27

Soup Du Jour

Soup Du Jour

amyselwyn Report

#28

From Dishie, To “Prep B**ch” And Now I’m Officially On The Line! Can I Get A Heard For The New Promotion?

From Dishie, To “Prep B**ch” And Now I’m Officially On The Line! Can I Get A Heard For The New Promotion?

TheMazel_TovCocktail Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#29

Saw This

Saw This

safewayz Report

Add photo comments
POST
navneethkrishnan09_1 avatar
jmchoto avatar
Jo Choto
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They don't have a choice. Servers are taxed on expected tips, whether they get them or not!

vandahamilton avatar
Oopsydaisy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, not paying people properly is theft. Tax is what gives you the roads you drive to that restaurant on, the footpath you walked to it on, and if you come from a civilised country it gives you universal healthcare. These people can go f**k themselves.

neilbidle avatar
Devil's Advocate
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wait, not only do tips make up for a crap wage in America because restaurant bosses are horrible, but they also get taxed?!

demi_zwaan avatar
nubisknight avatar
Nubis Knight
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wait... you have to TAX your tip in Murica? I'm shocked! In Germany tips are tax free. @_@

andrewrdavis avatar
Andrew R Davis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Technically a gift as defined by the IRS as a transfer of property by one individual to another while receiving nothing, or less than full value, in return in accord with 26 U.S. Code § 2512. If there is any quid pro quo than technically it is not a gift. That being said, the IRS would likely not peruse something like this unless the person were depositing major sums of untaxed cash.

rkbarbo avatar
RK Barbo
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In Montana we don't have to declare tips. The gov automatically taxes us 8% based on our sales. So if a table doesn't tip, we still pay taxes on it.

littlebunnyfufu avatar
Littlebunnyfufu
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You're only required to pay taxes on what you make. Most states will have you declare at least 8% to ensure you're paying taxes. You can keep a tip log (the feds actually would prefer you do this) in order to track your actual income. If you make less than 8% and can provide the tip log as proof, you can declare you made less money and get the money back. No one I've ever known has ever done this because most tipped employees make way more than that 8% of sales. That amount is because they assume there will be times when you get tipped 20% and others where people are jerks and give you 0%. The feds really don't care what Montana tells you to do. They expect you to pay taxes on ALL your earned income.

Load More Replies...
shelley624 avatar
Shelley Barrows
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ok I've read the below comments, the way it works in most states is that you make an amount- for example $4 an hour. You are guaranteed minimum wage, you must declare some % of your total checks by state- 8 % apparently in MT , it's 10% in the NY /NJ area- whether you make it or not, so yes, those tables that stiff you - actually are taking money out of the servers wallet- someone making $4 an hour....you usually do average more than said 10% and must declare ALL tips given to you on a credit card, but in general you should declare a bit higher portion than 10% exactly because the IRS knows it isn't exact - I actually worked with someone who was audited for never declaring anything above the mandated minimum. And yes if it is an automated system we had to declare tips every night at the end of the shift before we clocked out.

wendyneumeyer avatar
Wendy Neumeyer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always tip in cash. Foodservice workers are required by law to report a percentage of their tips as income, and later are taxed on it. If you use a credit or debit card, remember to bring extra cash to tip service staff.

rileyhquinn avatar
Riley Quinn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always tip in cash so it's off-the-record. Makes using Door Dash impossible.

nelso0811 avatar
Ruth Nelson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

From the viewpoint of the lowest paid employees in our society; I AGREE. the Infernal Revenue bases your income tax off what they think your tips should be, not what they actually are.

leighc_ avatar
MyOpinionHasBeenServed
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fast food employees can get away with it. If it's under the table, in cash, there's no real way for the tax man to possibly know you didn't claim tips.

kimwimgoddess avatar
kim morris
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I took the test, to see where on the political spectrum my views lie. I was not surprised Screen-Sho...47-png.jpg Screen-Shot-2022-02-21-at-63612-PM-621424a46ff47-png.jpg

stanflouride avatar
Stannous Flouride
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I regularly put a minimal amount on the tip line of a credit card slip and give my server cash.

betsynovack avatar
Betsy Novack
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The liquor store didn't charge him tax when he stole it. Can you get credit for the expected tax that never gets paid?And is a person taxed before or after splitting the tip with everybody? And what part does the owner have to pay? It's like raising the minimum wage at the same time prices go up for everyone, making the minimum wage basically the same as it was and the profit for the organization increase. It must be a trip having the devious wonder wheels in the heads tuning the show. Just wait. They'll be trying to cask in moolah for unicorn poop.

ps421 avatar
Guy MacGregor
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Taxation.. the contribution to society, thank to which you have healthcare, firemen, school, retirement, roads, etc.? This taxation?

betsynovack avatar
Betsy Novack
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Too bad the Uber wealthy have all those loopholes to avoid taking from those who can't afford parking at theme parks let alone admission and any food. Movies are a luxury for many. And now you've got to pay for cable and either watch the same movie every wee for a year of pay premium or subscribe to stream. Which may set you back for the cost of a tv. The amount of food thrown away at schools, the destruction and crappy stuff made to last less than a year and just the cheap stuff we replace over and over. And I'm sorry but having to include instructions to not operate a blow dryer while showering just kind of makes me feel like we are dumbing down faster than we can keep up with. We will kill each other before the earth does. We kill for sport, for insecurity and think no one who we find fault with was somebody's baby. We allow all our hope hopes and dreams to come with that baby and abandon the aged as having no wisdom and just don't coo over their BMs the way some folks do with baby

Load More Replies...
ii_3 avatar
I I
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

uses the roads and i bet if his house was on fire they'd call the fire brigade and police

kimitomminello avatar
Kimi Tomminello
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Seal up some loopholes for billionaires and we'd have enough money to fix every bridge and road out there and not have to tax tips at all...

Load More Replies...
mistralok avatar
Mistralok
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I tend to agree, but you really don't have to remind a pro.

andreaheverly avatar
Andrea Heverly
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But not reporting is so....let me grab my hubs he works for irs

donotreplytokjk avatar
Otter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hey, an a*****e who tips! Which makes him a better class of a*****e than some, but still an a*****e!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#31

Cook Expensive Meals For 10-11 Hours A Day, Come Home And Eat Dino Nuggies

Cook Expensive Meals For 10-11 Hours A Day, Come Home And Eat Dino Nuggies

anon--a--moose Report

#32

20 Minutes Past Morning Arrival. Only Cook In The Building. Same 3 Have Called Out The Entire Week. Still Gonna Make Killer Food

20 Minutes Past Morning Arrival. Only Cook In The Building. Same 3 Have Called Out The Entire Week. Still Gonna Make Killer Food

mactabulous Report

#33

I've Had This Saved For Over A Year. Finally A Sub That Will Appreciate It

I've Had This Saved For Over A Year. Finally A Sub That Will Appreciate It

katie-m-10315 Report

#35

Head Chef Cutting Bread On The Same Spot. Finally Getting Through The Board

Head Chef Cutting Bread On The Same Spot. Finally Getting Through The Board

elijahhenry113 Report

#36

May This Person Find Their Special Pickle

May This Person Find Their Special Pickle

PedestrianMyDarling Report

#37

I Need Cut Gloves Made Of Tomato Skin

I Need Cut Gloves Made Of Tomato Skin

TrickOGnosis Report

Add photo comments
POST
marcelmichalski_1 avatar
Shark
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ok but why is this so relatable lol (edit: i just realized how creepy this sounds, i was talking about cooking lmao)

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#38

Day 1 Of Our New Dishie, Bless His Innocent Soul

Day 1 Of Our New Dishie, Bless His Innocent Soul

FlipperN37 Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#39

Our Sous Just Walked In

Our Sous Just Walked In

Drisch10 Report

#40

Does My Supplier Hate Me? We Ordered 150 Lbs Of Halibut For The Weekend, We Got One 152lb. Fish. I Wanted A Few Collars Man!

Does My Supplier Hate Me? We Ordered 150 Lbs Of Halibut For The Weekend, We Got One 152lb. Fish. I Wanted A Few Collars Man!

f**ks_equal_zero Report

#42

Taco Bell™ Manager: Serve Spoiled Food Or Be Fired

Taco Bell™ Manager: Serve Spoiled Food Or Be Fired

rothmal Report

#43

A Local Bar In A Small Beach Tourist Town I Live At Made Merch Out Of Some Bad Reviews

A Local Bar In A Small Beach Tourist Town I Live At Made Merch Out Of Some Bad Reviews

SammyYO Report

#44

I Want To Know, Who Was That Client And What Their Nickname?

I Want To Know, Who Was That Client And What Their Nickname?

ElyKreimendahl Report

Add photo comments
POST
douglasturner avatar
Douglas Turner
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Found out they call us The Really Nice Couple. I knew growing up was a mistake.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#45

The Drain At My Job Has Been Clogged For A Week And We've Been Using The Bars Tiny Sink Plus Filling The Sink With Water And Then Emptying It To The Toilet With Buckets,for Full Freaking Week

The Drain At My Job Has Been Clogged For A Week And We've Been Using The Bars Tiny Sink Plus Filling The Sink With Water And Then Emptying It To The Toilet With Buckets,for Full Freaking Week

stev0_Da_Geek Report

Add photo comments
POST
neilbidle avatar
Devil's Advocate
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How hard is it to unclog a sink, I'd have done it myself rather than carry all those buckets of water, would have been quicker!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#46

Found On Instagram. I Love This Note Though And Thought You All Would Appreciate

Found On Instagram. I Love This Note Though And Thought You All Would Appreciate

idgafos2019 Report

Add photo comments
POST
aaaggghhh avatar
aaaggg hhh
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No customer should have to make up the difference on how stingy a sh*tty employer is! That's blackmail! BREAK THE CYCLE!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#47

You Know When The Burger Will Be Way Too Expensive

You Know When The Burger Will Be Way Too Expensive

CookReddit Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#49

Was Handed This Allergy List By A Customer. Things Went Downhill From There

Was Handed This Allergy List By A Customer. Things Went Downhill From There

GravityKeepsMeDown Report

#50

Nfckff

Nfckff

NobodysBody7 Report

Note: this post originally had 111 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.