26 Service Industry Memes Fresh Off the Flat Top for Burnt Out Bartenders and Waitresses

Lana DeGaetano • "Show me to me please."

Aug 25, 2024 10:00 AM EDT

As a fellow person in the workforce who has their fair share of service industry horror stories, these memes are definitely an "if you know, you know" type of deal.

Service workers, particularly in the restaurant industry, face off with berserk Karens, ill-mannered children, and copious amounts of people begging for your attention 24/7, all the while braving the dreaded evening/closing shift at their eatery.

The ticket printer haunts me to this day; the low hum of the machine conjuring the unreasonable order (with at least five modifications) and the loud "ch ch ch" sound of a foot-long ticket making its way into the kitchen. Let us not forget that even during a busy rush, we're still expected to complete our side work so the opening employees don't have to deal with it. Listen, there is pretty good money in the service industry (depending on where you go), and the potential to make meaningful friendships with like-minded coworkers is definitely a plus. Sometimes, having to take a group photo of 12-top during a busy brunch shift or brewing a fresh pot of coffee for one customer might outweigh the pros.

This one goes out to my waitresses, bartenders, and cooks in the service industry: you can always rely on a 25% tip from me. Scroll for some much-needed laughs while you're braving the closing shift.