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It's hard to work in a restaurant and not become a cynic. I mean, have you seen Kitchen Nightmares? Owners doing drugs on the premises; stealing their own stock from business partners and family members; taking tips from hardworking staff to stuff their own pockets; chefs having to pay suppliers themselves as accounts are closed; customers bringing their own bells for when they need the server's attention; bailiffs appearing on the premises... The list goes on. I'm not saying every establishment is toxic. Just that you never know what's happening behind the counter. However, there's a perfect place to learn — a subreddit called r/KitchenConfidential. It has 378k members, constantly making honest and funny posts about the industry, and they paint quite the picture!

#1

Felt This

Felt This

lidelser Report

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Jo Johannsen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh, don't be ridiculous, everyone knows feathers from the Great Auk are much better.

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#2

Every Freakin Time! At My House Anyway

Every Freakin Time! At My House Anyway

El_Pichi808 , twitter.com Report

As you can tell from the pictures, working in a restaurant can be really demanding. But nowadays, the whole industry is stressed. And it's mostly due to the pandemic.

The National Restaurant Association said restaurant and food-service sales were $240 billion below its 2020 pre-covid forecasts. Over 110,000 eating and drinking establishments closed last year, either temporarily or for good. The association hopes 2021 will be a year of rebuilding, with trends like off-premise dining and delivery continuing to gain importance as consumer preferences shift.

The report, which surveyed 6,000 operators and 1,000 adults, said restaurant and food-service sales came in at $659 billion last year — that’s $240 billion lower than its pre-pandemic projections for the year of $899 billion in total sales.

#4

Lost My Job As A Receptionist Due To Covid And Got A Job As A Dishwasher To Make Ends Meet

Lost My Job As A Receptionist Due To Covid And Got A Job As A Dishwasher To Make Ends Meet

Today, during rush hour, the chef guided me into making these because he was swamped. I know it's not much, but I'm proud. I've discovered a passion. He's helping me pick out a government culinary school.

Phoenix_girl1911 Report

#5

Promoted A Dishwasher To Prep Cook, She Worked Her Ass Off, Promoted Her To Line Cook, Continued To Crush It. Tomorrow I’m Giving Her, Her First Knife Of Her Own For Her Hard Work

Promoted A Dishwasher To Prep Cook, She Worked Her Ass Off, Promoted Her To Line Cook, Continued To Crush It. Tomorrow I’m Giving Her, Her First Knife Of Her Own For Her Hard Work

redleader5ive Report

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"If one looks at the industry in terms of actual sales volume level at the end of 2020, it was down at 2014 levels. In other words, the industry has been set back six years of sales growth," Hudson Riehle, senior vice president of research at the National Restaurant Association, said as the trade group released its annual analysis.

But there has been a silver lining. Riehle noted that the Covid crisis prompted operators to get creative with new forays into technology and delivery, and many are hoping the second half of 2021 will bring an opportunity for a rebound as consumers have missed dining out.

#7

This Made It So Much Easier To Cook For This Customer

This Made It So Much Easier To Cook For This Customer

troasfacekilla Report

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

That's a great idea! I also call ahead to see if I can be accommodated. Had some wonderful no galic/ onion meals

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#8

Chef Cut Himself So Badly Yesterday He Had To Go To The Hospital And Take The Day Off. We Set Up His Station This Morning With His Safety In Mind

Chef Cut Himself So Badly Yesterday He Had To Go To The Hospital And Take The Day Off. We Set Up His Station This Morning With His Safety In Mind

MuscleMilkHotel Report

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

I've met enough chefs to know he's gonna find a way to make those scissors do /damage/ when he comes back 😂

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#9

7 Months Ago I Quit My S**tty Fast Food Job To Wash Dishes In The Local Steakhouse. Today They Put Me On Salads. Dreams Do Come True

7 Months Ago I Quit My S**tty Fast Food Job To Wash Dishes In The Local Steakhouse. Today They Put Me On Salads. Dreams Do Come True

HobocoreHero Report

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

Good on you! And good luck - you can climb further up the ladder!! 💜

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"It's important to think of 2021 as the year of transition," he said. "Recovery for the industry will definitely take time."

The group is projecting a bounce back in food and beverage sales in 2021 to $731.5 billion, still far below where things stood before Covid hit the industry.

#10

New Kid Said He Wanted Some More Hours, Told Him To Go Clean The Grill. I Did Not Expect This When I Walked Back Over There.... Kids Gonna Get Some More Hours

New Kid Said He Wanted Some More Hours, Told Him To Go Clean The Grill. I Did Not Expect This When I Walked Back Over There.... Kids Gonna Get Some More Hours

Shaggy2ropes Report

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#11

I Stole This Picture For Karma

I Stole This Picture For Karma

DSOxES Report

#12

How Do You Really Feel?

How Do You Really Feel?

hacimrants Report

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Caro Caro
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Uhm, it can be fun but I totally get this. Everytime I want to open a drawer .... He's right there standing in front of it. If possible I'll let him stir something.

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#13

Everyone Pitched In To Buy A Nice Knife For Him. He Always Gives It His All And Is The Sweetest Person!

Everyone Pitched In To Buy A Nice Knife For Him. He Always Gives It His All And Is The Sweetest Person!

MrBuhgles Report

However, consumers continue to embrace takeout and delivery and the delta variant threatens to make dining in less of an option. So struggling establishments are transforming into pop-up restaurants.

They can take a variety of forms, from a ramen maker appearing for one night only at an established bar to a taco maker on a street corner. Cheaper to operate than regular restaurants because they have less overhead and staffing costs, pop-ups allow chefs and owners to keep working and making a living during the early part of the pandemic when dining rooms were closed and the economy was teetering — they've helped bring buzz to existing restaurants that host them. And some have even morphed into permanent new businesses.

#14

My Dad Just Sent This To Me Asking “Is This True?”

My Dad Just Sent This To Me Asking “Is This True?”

This picture really hit home with me.
I cook over 1k plates a week for people to enjoy dinner with their families and friends. And this is how i usually eat dinner. Like this or hunched over a garbage can. So if you have a chef in your life keep this picture in mind and maybe cook them a meal, sit down with them and have a nice dinner. Something like this may seem small to others but it means a lot to people like us.

geeetaylor Report

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Vicky Z
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This really depends on the place you are working and it's not only in restaurants! I have eaten lunches like these working in hotels but I've also eaten properly at a table with colleagues! It depends how shitty is the place you work

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#16

Anthony Bourdain Stopped By My Mom’s Kitchen While Filming When I Was A Kid. She Mentioned That We Tried To Go To His Book Signing The Night Before But Couldn’t. So He Grabbed An Envelope Out Of The Trash And Signed It For Me

Anthony Bourdain Stopped By My Mom’s Kitchen While Filming When I Was A Kid. She Mentioned That We Tried To Go To His Book Signing The Night Before But Couldn’t. So He Grabbed An Envelope Out Of The Trash And Signed It For Me

MisforMayonnaise Report

The flexibility of the take-out and delivery options helped Alex Thaboua meet those challenges. Thaboua is co-owner of Electric Burrito, which began as a pop-up at Mister Paradise bar in New York in 2020. A permanent location opened in May and is focused on take-out and delivery, so even if there is another lockdown, the restaurant will be able to operate, he said.

#18

Shots Have Been Fired

Shots Have Been Fired

reddit.com Report

#19

Restaurant Food Is Low Risk For Transmitting Covid-19

Restaurant Food Is Low Risk For Transmitting Covid-19

salty___bae Report

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Must Be Bored Again
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was a teen, my best friend and I both work at an ice cream store. We always worked the closing shift together. After the front doors were locked, we would each get as far away from each other as possible in the small space of our building, then using the long plastic milkshake spoons, we would launch toppings, specifically nuts and cherries trying to hit each other while taking cover behind display cases. It wasn't anything but some silly fun. Yes, we wasted small amounts of toppings but we were the ones who had to clean the store before we could go home and we would never leave the mess for anyone else to have to clean it up.

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#20

Thank You For Your Service

Thank You For Your Service

YourAverageGod Report

#21

Always Remember Where You Came From. 9 Years Ago On My First Day In The Kitchen As A Dishwasher vs. Where I Am Today. Never Underestimate Yourself

Always Remember Where You Came From. 9 Years Ago On My First Day In The Kitchen As A Dishwasher vs. Where I Am Today. Never Underestimate Yourself

zacharyxkeaton Report

“This flexibility was something we found very important during our pop-up stages, when the world was getting locked down and heavy restrictions were being placed on businesses,” he told Associated Press. “We’ve designed our operations in a way that we can continue to operate with a lean team, with every safety precaution taken, to be able to serve guests in both a to-go and delivery capacity.”

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It's places like this that help keep your mood positive.

#22

All Restaurants Should Do This, Almost Makes Me Want To Ask For An Application. 8 Upvotes And I’ll Buy Boh A Drink

All Restaurants Should Do This, Almost Makes Me Want To Ask For An Application. 8 Upvotes And I’ll Buy Boh A Drink

justkindadrunk Report

#23

Does It Need A Title?

Does It Need A Title?

quintc80 Report

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

Makes me wonder why people would even bother to become a chef in the US.

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#24

Karen Brings Her Own Bell For When She Needs Her Servers Attention

Karen Brings Her Own Bell For When She Needs Her Servers Attention

Freefugee Report

#26

Watching My Online Graduation During Prep, Hopefully They Read My Name Before Service Starts

Watching My Online Graduation During Prep, Hopefully They Read My Name Before Service Starts

doodimkillinit Report

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Andy Acceber
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is such a statement. I feel like I should find this photo in an acclaimed periodical or something. Congrats on your graduation! Congrats on your job! Congrats on sticking with it and making it through!

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#27

Can I Do My Prep In The Walk-N?

Can I Do My Prep In The Walk-N?

Food_Kitchen Report

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

And the next meme photo on the running meme is of nurses doing heavy lifting in plastic gowns and heavy-duty face covers.

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#28

Truth

Truth

AspChef , twitter.com Report

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

True though. Trade jobs like cooking are one of the few industries that will hire convics.

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#30

I Mean He Ain’t Wrong

I Mean He Ain’t Wrong

reddit.com Report

#31

Good Luck To All Of Our Kitchen Comrades Who Have To Work Tonight/Tomorrow Night In The USA

Good Luck To All Of Our Kitchen Comrades Who Have To Work Tonight/Tomorrow Night In The USA

slideguy1013 Report

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anthony tintori
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I make it a point not to patronize any business when it is open on a national holiday.

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#32

I Love Seeing Signs Of Restaurants Not Opening Because They Won't Pay

I Love Seeing Signs Of Restaurants Not Opening Because They Won't Pay

OpWillDlvr Report

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Andy Acceber
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The signs are great. It firmly lets me know which businesses to avoid in the future. If you don't treat your employees right, I have no interest in spending money at your establishment.

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#33

Do You Guys Have Banned Music?

Do You Guys Have Banned Music?

drspooky24 Report

#35

Sorry Chef

Sorry Chef

DaemonTm , twitter.com Report

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Laura Mende (Human)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mom (62yrs) had a bicycle accident, hurt her wrist in a bad way. Bleed A LOT. Couldn't move her hand properly. So I took her to the hospital, nothing so serious, only sprained, but the pain was intense. My Mom works in the kitchen of a student's dormitory. My turn to call her boss, a bloody fu****g old hag. She said: "And it's REALLY not possible that your mom come in?? This does not go well with my plans..." IS THIS SO BI***????

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#37

My Mouth Dropped When I Read This. Every Resturant Should Do This. [veggie Galaxy In Boston]

My Mouth Dropped When I Read This. Every Resturant Should Do This. [veggie Galaxy In Boston]

ohmytodd Report

#39

Wonderful Weather We’re Having Huh?

Wonderful Weather We’re Having Huh?

Skywasis Report

#40

Better Than A High School Reunion

Better Than A High School Reunion

RobbyCan81 Report

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Vicky Z
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If i get to choose the coworkers yes but if it's all of them hell no!

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#41

Friend Sent Me This, Thought Of You Boys. Wash Ya Damn Hands And Stay Safe Out There

Friend Sent Me This, Thought Of You Boys. Wash Ya Damn Hands And Stay Safe Out There

boyinblack2001 , twitter.com Report

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#42

Every Damn Time...

Every Damn Time...

Neat_Party Report

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Andy Acceber
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Heck, I appreciated that. I made almost no money without tips. If I braved the weather, I'm not complaining when customers do too.

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#43

Well It’s Official, We Cut Ourselves On The Same Day So Now We’re Married By Kitchen Law

Well It’s Official, We Cut Ourselves On The Same Day So Now We’re Married By Kitchen Law

Flour_Boy Report

#44

I Mean

I Mean

PHON3-BOi , twitter.com Report

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

100% agree... sometimes the chef within you just doesn't wanna come out! 😅

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#45

Currently Work In It, Worked As A Line Cook For Years. This Similarity Occured To Me The Other Day

Currently Work In It, Worked As A Line Cook For Years. This Similarity Occured To Me The Other Day

Skimb0 Report

#47

Polishing Myself With A Towel When I Get Out And Rolling Myself Up In My Bed

Polishing Myself With A Towel When I Get Out And Rolling Myself Up In My Bed

PoPJaY , twitter.com Report

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Richard Grady
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fork in the garbage disposal* Ding-da-da-ding-da-ding-da-ding-ding

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#48

Closed At 10, And Then This Happens

Closed At 10, And Then This Happens

UnforeseeableFuture Report

#49

What's Your State Or Regional Garbage Food That's Great? Here's Mine

What's Your State Or Regional Garbage Food That's Great? Here's Mine

kylethemurphy Report

#50

Currently Work In It, Worked As A Line Cook For Years. This Similarity Occured To Me The Other Day

Currently Work In It, Worked As A Line Cook For Years. This Similarity Occured To Me The Other Day

reddit.com Report

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