The restaurant has toilets, it's got ladies, gents and disabled/baby change. These are for customer use only, not anyone who walks off the street and needs the loo.
Occasionally we let people use them, if they're nice, but when they walk in and just assume they have the right to - we don't, well, I don't. Luckily they are tucked away at the back and it means a long walk to them, so they can't be sneaky and slither in.
Based on what I saw my manager say to these kids who wanted to use the toilet, I took that as being the "standard" way to say no. To be honest I think she has had some kind of army training because she is so firm and pretty scary to the average person, she takes no prisoners.
So, do you think I was right, wrong, or just very mean in this situation:
-There are public toilets available about 200 yards away
-The restaurant was full at lunchtime
"Where are the toilets?"
"Do you want a table?"
"No she [younger sister I think] needs to go toilet"
"Oh, they're for customers only, sorry - the public ones are over there near.." (pointing)
"Shes going to wee herself"
"Right"
"Well can she not use yours"
"Sorry I'm not allowed to let you. There are some literally a minute away over there"
"WELL SHES GOING TO WEE HERSELF - DISGRACEFUL"
And she walked out. Now afterwards, two waitresses said I was mean. I think I was reasonable, helpful and considerate of our proper customers. Ok, I do feel quite guilty now, to the extent where it's mentioned in my Facebook status!!
So thats the subject of toilets covered, I don't think the discussions regarding them will ever really change. I've already seen a couple of people trying to "go it alone" with finding the toilets, and they end up in the potwash area, which is quite funny.
Showing posts with label Shopping Centre. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shopping Centre. Show all posts
Sunday, 23 November 2008
Saturday, 22 December 2007
Fight!
Well as it is supposed to be busy because people are Christmas shopping...the 'crème de la crème' of staff are put on the front counter to clear queues. Well it has not been busy, not much more than a normal week. But because me and a few of the people who are normally tucked away in the kitchen have been on the front, it's been reasonably amusing.
The first customer of any interest, was the one who was shocked when I told him that, no, fries aren't 30p. Fries for 30p !?
The next was very funny I thought. A man bought a Margherita pizza, which as it has no toppings on, you can see all the cheese clearly. We cut the pizzas into slices and then mark the box with the topping and time it needs to be discarded (those numbers from 0 to 12 you'll see on most fast food, or in the case of McDonalds those numbered flags they have in their holds). We use a food safe pen for this marking, which is black - but if it gets wet it goes blue. And the blades for cutting pizza are kept near the pen, as the pizza is taken from the oven, put into a box, cut, then marked.
So, occasionally the pen can come into contact with the pizza. The man bought the pizza back as it had a blue stain right on the cut line. It was from a dough pen. I replaced the pizza and apologised. A minute later he came back and said "Is it my unlucky day or something...?" he had another pizza with a blue stain! What had happened was - that the blade had a pen mark so was making each pizza blue. So the blade was cleaned and another pizza given to him. Well, I was about to give him his pizza when he walked back to his table - because his bags of shopping and the rest of his meal was gone!!! The cleaners had been very efficient and taken it away while he was at the counter!
So overall, I'd say it was his unlucky day!
Another good thing about the front counter is you can be very nosey and watch the world go by (well, the centre) and I saw two men having a "disagreement". Three large security officers later, they'd been separated and put as far away from each other as possible. I asked later what it was about, and apparently it was an arguement over who had "spotted" the table first (in a similar fashion to car park space wars).
Happy Christmas if I don't see you before!
The first customer of any interest, was the one who was shocked when I told him that, no, fries aren't 30p. Fries for 30p !?
The next was very funny I thought. A man bought a Margherita pizza, which as it has no toppings on, you can see all the cheese clearly. We cut the pizzas into slices and then mark the box with the topping and time it needs to be discarded (those numbers from 0 to 12 you'll see on most fast food, or in the case of McDonalds those numbered flags they have in their holds). We use a food safe pen for this marking, which is black - but if it gets wet it goes blue. And the blades for cutting pizza are kept near the pen, as the pizza is taken from the oven, put into a box, cut, then marked.
So, occasionally the pen can come into contact with the pizza. The man bought the pizza back as it had a blue stain right on the cut line. It was from a dough pen. I replaced the pizza and apologised. A minute later he came back and said "Is it my unlucky day or something...?" he had another pizza with a blue stain! What had happened was - that the blade had a pen mark so was making each pizza blue. So the blade was cleaned and another pizza given to him. Well, I was about to give him his pizza when he walked back to his table - because his bags of shopping and the rest of his meal was gone!!! The cleaners had been very efficient and taken it away while he was at the counter!
So overall, I'd say it was his unlucky day!
Another good thing about the front counter is you can be very nosey and watch the world go by (well, the centre) and I saw two men having a "disagreement". Three large security officers later, they'd been separated and put as far away from each other as possible. I asked later what it was about, and apparently it was an arguement over who had "spotted" the table first (in a similar fashion to car park space wars).
Happy Christmas if I don't see you before!
Thursday, 29 November 2007
Mugging
Well, nothing much has happened, I've not had to talk to a customer for about 2 weeks which is starting to get a bit boring.
The only interesting nugget I have to post is that was a staff member from another store was mugged in the service yard. They nicked her bag, she fell to the floor and has cuts all over her face. There are CCTV cameras in the area but it just depends if one was pointing that way at the time. An early Christmas treat for the poor woman - scum bags out there.
Hopefully Christmas will bring exciting posts. We are getting a new pizza for Christmas, it is something to do with chicken and hot, I can't remember the name. I know there is some cheesy phrase to go with it something like "Hot and ready for you" etc. Don't say Pizza Hut isn't classy!
The only interesting nugget I have to post is that was a staff member from another store was mugged in the service yard. They nicked her bag, she fell to the floor and has cuts all over her face. There are CCTV cameras in the area but it just depends if one was pointing that way at the time. An early Christmas treat for the poor woman - scum bags out there.
Hopefully Christmas will bring exciting posts. We are getting a new pizza for Christmas, it is something to do with chicken and hot, I can't remember the name. I know there is some cheesy phrase to go with it something like "Hot and ready for you" etc. Don't say Pizza Hut isn't classy!
Thursday, 25 October 2007
Rotten smell and CHRISTMAS!!
A rancid and/or rotten smell decided it would make itself known today in the centre. It was like sewage, but worse.
The centre staff noticed it pretty quickly, and they clocked us sniffing the air. Security were looking round, one had the nerve to come up to me and ask "Err - is your extractor on ?" Yes it is thank you!
The outcome was, that it was a burnt panini. I seriously doubt that explanation - it smelt worse than sewage. And I have had a recent experience with sewage when someone decided they'd tip oil down the sink and some pipes had to be ripped out and replaced as it had got clogged with various substances. The same person also put a separator (a plastic disc which allows pizza pans to be stacked on top of each other) through the oven and melt onto the conveyor. I do like this person but wish they wouldn't be so thick.
And on the subject of smells. Making pizza and dough is a smelly occupation. I come home and I stink like oil and dough, and my hands no matter how many times I wash them, still smell of cheese.
Being in the kitchen doesn't provide many customer stories - which for me is rather pleasant. I do enjoy the odd complaint however. I have noticed though, that for some reason customers seem to respect you more when you come from the kitchen out to the front to help them. I wonder if it is the apron or that I've just been lucky.
Christmas isn't far away now and this will be my second Christmas at Pizza Hut. I can't wait for the centre to go all festive. The trees, the lights, the robotic animals, the music, the festive cheer from customers (!). Last year I posted about what I should say to customers at Christmas. I ended up just being the same and not say anything special. This year I've got a lot more confidence with customers (potentially bordering on cocky) so I don't know whether to be happy and jolly or delibrately miserable. I might be delibrately miserable to express my disgust that Pizza Hut don't pay ANYTHING extra for working Christmas Eve, Boxing Day or any other bank holiday for that matter. And the likely recognition we will get at store level will be "Disappointing Christmas, down on last year" forgetting the fact we gave up our family and holiday time so we could sell pizza - and be paid the same as if it was any other weekday.
There we go, another moan over with. I've done meat and pay rates now... Next time it might be about the constant nagging for brand standard quality products. We try but when you send wafer thin "chunky tomatoes" and tomato concentrate which is 30% thinner but don't tell anyone until 3 weeks after its introduction, it really isn't easy! And the fact you have got rid of the Pizza Hut logo on the napkins (any other PH employees noticed that?) but you want to build the brand. Oh AND the way they are selling off some restaurants to franchisees and telling the store team and managers after it has happened with a phone call saying "by the way, you are now owned by.."
Motivation and communication are not Pizza Hut's strongest points.
The centre staff noticed it pretty quickly, and they clocked us sniffing the air. Security were looking round, one had the nerve to come up to me and ask "Err - is your extractor on ?" Yes it is thank you!
The outcome was, that it was a burnt panini. I seriously doubt that explanation - it smelt worse than sewage. And I have had a recent experience with sewage when someone decided they'd tip oil down the sink and some pipes had to be ripped out and replaced as it had got clogged with various substances. The same person also put a separator (a plastic disc which allows pizza pans to be stacked on top of each other) through the oven and melt onto the conveyor. I do like this person but wish they wouldn't be so thick.
And on the subject of smells. Making pizza and dough is a smelly occupation. I come home and I stink like oil and dough, and my hands no matter how many times I wash them, still smell of cheese.
Being in the kitchen doesn't provide many customer stories - which for me is rather pleasant. I do enjoy the odd complaint however. I have noticed though, that for some reason customers seem to respect you more when you come from the kitchen out to the front to help them. I wonder if it is the apron or that I've just been lucky.
Christmas isn't far away now and this will be my second Christmas at Pizza Hut. I can't wait for the centre to go all festive. The trees, the lights, the robotic animals, the music, the festive cheer from customers (!). Last year I posted about what I should say to customers at Christmas. I ended up just being the same and not say anything special. This year I've got a lot more confidence with customers (potentially bordering on cocky) so I don't know whether to be happy and jolly or delibrately miserable. I might be delibrately miserable to express my disgust that Pizza Hut don't pay ANYTHING extra for working Christmas Eve, Boxing Day or any other bank holiday for that matter. And the likely recognition we will get at store level will be "Disappointing Christmas, down on last year" forgetting the fact we gave up our family and holiday time so we could sell pizza - and be paid the same as if it was any other weekday.
There we go, another moan over with. I've done meat and pay rates now... Next time it might be about the constant nagging for brand standard quality products. We try but when you send wafer thin "chunky tomatoes" and tomato concentrate which is 30% thinner but don't tell anyone until 3 weeks after its introduction, it really isn't easy! And the fact you have got rid of the Pizza Hut logo on the napkins (any other PH employees noticed that?) but you want to build the brand. Oh AND the way they are selling off some restaurants to franchisees and telling the store team and managers after it has happened with a phone call saying "by the way, you are now owned by.."
Motivation and communication are not Pizza Hut's strongest points.
Wednesday, 3 October 2007
"I don't work here"
I have a tip for anyone who wishes to impersonate a staff member of any store. All you need to do is wear a plain black shirt, black trousers and have an ID card or similar hanging from your trousers.
Today before work I thought I'd look for some new trainers and shoes. My first stop was JJB for the trainers. Literally 10 seconds after I'd walked in I had someone elses CV in my hand. I thought they were someone handing out leaflets so just took it without making eye contact. Then I realised that the woman who gave it me said "Can I just hand you my CV?". I stopped and was a bit baffled about the whole thing, and said "I don't work here". "Well you look like you do!". The shirt I had on didn't have the Pizza Hut logo on the front (has it at back instead). I looked round and saw the staff in there wear grey and maroon - nothing like my black outfit.
In a hunt for new shoes, I went into Next. I was checking them out when a bloke walked up to me and asked where the belts were. I explained I didn't work there but showed him anyway because I had bought one a few weeks ago.
In total I think I've been mistaken for a staff member in about 7 or 8 different shops. The most silly was Boots - as I was in all black, their staff wear all white.
A final funny thing I heard a colleague say to a customer, when the ICF machine slowed down because the mix inside need to freeze was "Oh you need to leave it to defrost because it is freezing up". Not the brightest.
Today before work I thought I'd look for some new trainers and shoes. My first stop was JJB for the trainers. Literally 10 seconds after I'd walked in I had someone elses CV in my hand. I thought they were someone handing out leaflets so just took it without making eye contact. Then I realised that the woman who gave it me said "Can I just hand you my CV?". I stopped and was a bit baffled about the whole thing, and said "I don't work here". "Well you look like you do!". The shirt I had on didn't have the Pizza Hut logo on the front (has it at back instead). I looked round and saw the staff in there wear grey and maroon - nothing like my black outfit.
In a hunt for new shoes, I went into Next. I was checking them out when a bloke walked up to me and asked where the belts were. I explained I didn't work there but showed him anyway because I had bought one a few weeks ago.
In total I think I've been mistaken for a staff member in about 7 or 8 different shops. The most silly was Boots - as I was in all black, their staff wear all white.
A final funny thing I heard a colleague say to a customer, when the ICF machine slowed down because the mix inside need to freeze was "Oh you need to leave it to defrost because it is freezing up". Not the brightest.
Sunday, 23 September 2007
Clumsy and Heelys
At work I do not have a reputation for being delicate or having any particular control over my movements.
Today, I fell in full customer view on the tiled floor I had mopped just 5 seconds ago. I had even put out yellow warning signs, to tell people the floor is wet. I saved myself on the little door, but it then swung open and I flung to the floor. It didn't hurt but was not particularly nice. It was one of those moments when you just know you are going to fall straight down and begin laughing before you've even fell. I was being stared at so I just said "I did NOT just slip over" and walked into the back to hide.
The next accident was in the back. I was cleaning behind the make table (where pizza is topped). I was mopping it. Then I fell once again on the water I was using. My freshly cleaned stainless steel make table then had my hand prints on it where I again, saved myself from greater accident. The comment I got from the manager sitting down was "Water is wet you know". Thanks for that.
I then went to walk off again, but walked straight into an oven deck. They have nasty sharp corners on. The comment I got from the same manager was "There's an oven there you know". I called him a male body part and went to stand on the front where no one knew about my little accidents.
Then finally, I was cleaning the coffee machine (uses HOT water). I couldn't find the plastic container we normally use, so used a metal one. Stupidly I forgot that boiling water in a metal container will make that container very hot. I picked it up and it then became apparent that it was hot and that I also couldn't put it back down without spilling it. So I rushed through to the sink swearing (we were closed) and gave it a final insult when I dumped it in the sick by putting the fry hopper lid on top of it. The same manager walked round from the desk slowly and just went "Metal conducts heat by the way" and sat back down. Arrgh
Oh and good news, Heelys which I moaned about before have been banned by the shopping centre. They have a new automated announcement and signs and I think they are great! I can't wait to tell children not to skate round because "THEY'RE BANNED" and can tap the sign we have been supplied with if parents come over to moan.
And bad news if you are a Pizza Hut customer who likes the Ice Cream Factory chocolate sauce. Pizza Hut are trying to go "natural" on the ICF and so chocolate sauce has been replaced with Lemon! Neither are orderable though, so you'll have to make do with neither for a bit, or until they click "Yes I do want 700 stores to have ICF sauce". Chocolate buttons have been replaced with chocolate raisins (yum!).
Finally thanks to Keith for a mention on his blog - the chavs and gypos aren't that bad and only make up a small % of the total customers I serve so they actually provide a bit of amusement...most of the time.
Today, I fell in full customer view on the tiled floor I had mopped just 5 seconds ago. I had even put out yellow warning signs, to tell people the floor is wet. I saved myself on the little door, but it then swung open and I flung to the floor. It didn't hurt but was not particularly nice. It was one of those moments when you just know you are going to fall straight down and begin laughing before you've even fell. I was being stared at so I just said "I did NOT just slip over" and walked into the back to hide.
The next accident was in the back. I was cleaning behind the make table (where pizza is topped). I was mopping it. Then I fell once again on the water I was using. My freshly cleaned stainless steel make table then had my hand prints on it where I again, saved myself from greater accident. The comment I got from the manager sitting down was "Water is wet you know". Thanks for that.
I then went to walk off again, but walked straight into an oven deck. They have nasty sharp corners on. The comment I got from the same manager was "There's an oven there you know". I called him a male body part and went to stand on the front where no one knew about my little accidents.
Then finally, I was cleaning the coffee machine (uses HOT water). I couldn't find the plastic container we normally use, so used a metal one. Stupidly I forgot that boiling water in a metal container will make that container very hot. I picked it up and it then became apparent that it was hot and that I also couldn't put it back down without spilling it. So I rushed through to the sink swearing (we were closed) and gave it a final insult when I dumped it in the sick by putting the fry hopper lid on top of it. The same manager walked round from the desk slowly and just went "Metal conducts heat by the way" and sat back down. Arrgh
Oh and good news, Heelys which I moaned about before have been banned by the shopping centre. They have a new automated announcement and signs and I think they are great! I can't wait to tell children not to skate round because "THEY'RE BANNED" and can tap the sign we have been supplied with if parents come over to moan.
And bad news if you are a Pizza Hut customer who likes the Ice Cream Factory chocolate sauce. Pizza Hut are trying to go "natural" on the ICF and so chocolate sauce has been replaced with Lemon! Neither are orderable though, so you'll have to make do with neither for a bit, or until they click "Yes I do want 700 stores to have ICF sauce". Chocolate buttons have been replaced with chocolate raisins (yum!).
Finally thanks to Keith for a mention on his blog - the chavs and gypos aren't that bad and only make up a small % of the total customers I serve so they actually provide a bit of amusement...most of the time.
Wednesday, 29 August 2007
A couple of pictures I forgot about
The silly credit card machines...
And a tiny dolls head I spotted in the service yard...
(you can view this picture bigger here)
Wednesday, 15 August 2007
Since when...
...has it been acceptable to spit in public?
I hate people spitting in public it is dirty and serves no purpose other than making yourself look like a scab. So, where I have the opportunity and if you like, power, to stop it or at least make some punishment for spitting in public - I jump at it!
4 chavs all wearing Burberry caps came and bought 3 drinks and one ice cream. They seemed ok, they pissed about less than most other chavs with the drink and ice cream machines. They were blatently sharing the ice cream cup but that is only a small issue. Then all four of them came over and were watching the master chav making his ice cream (aww). Out of the blue, one of them then spat on the counter. I was literally 6 ft away and facing them when they did it - but they were oblivious to the fact they were being watched.
"Right, do you wanna get out of the store now?"
"Ehh?!! What we done yo man we ain't don nuffin!" etc
"One of you just spat on the counter so you're all leaving now"
"No we dint n anyway PAID FOR REFILLABLE ice cream"
"I don't care, you can all get out because you spat"
"So!"
"Eh...you don't come in here and spit on the counter - simple."
3 of them walked off but one, the master chav acted big and stood there next to the coffee machine. It appeared as though he was planning some sort of retaliation move involving hot drinks. Quite unlucky for him we have a switch for it in the back and I shouted for it to be turned off just as he thought of it. So he had three options, ice cream, cold drinks or condiments. He must have realised that he was an idiot, because we have staff (some with not so good customer service skills) that out number them, security staff that can get to us in about 30 seconds and a hell of a lot of hot or sharp equipment in the kitchen. He rejoined his gang and walked off. A manager called security and gave their descriptions. They found them on CCTV as the manager was on the phone and were removed from the site for "anti-social behaviour". I call that a result!
I hate people spitting in public it is dirty and serves no purpose other than making yourself look like a scab. So, where I have the opportunity and if you like, power, to stop it or at least make some punishment for spitting in public - I jump at it!
4 chavs all wearing Burberry caps came and bought 3 drinks and one ice cream. They seemed ok, they pissed about less than most other chavs with the drink and ice cream machines. They were blatently sharing the ice cream cup but that is only a small issue. Then all four of them came over and were watching the master chav making his ice cream (aww). Out of the blue, one of them then spat on the counter. I was literally 6 ft away and facing them when they did it - but they were oblivious to the fact they were being watched.
"Right, do you wanna get out of the store now?"
"Ehh?!! What we done yo man we ain't don nuffin!" etc
"One of you just spat on the counter so you're all leaving now"
"No we dint n anyway PAID FOR REFILLABLE ice cream"
"I don't care, you can all get out because you spat"
"So!"
"Eh...you don't come in here and spit on the counter - simple."
3 of them walked off but one, the master chav acted big and stood there next to the coffee machine. It appeared as though he was planning some sort of retaliation move involving hot drinks. Quite unlucky for him we have a switch for it in the back and I shouted for it to be turned off just as he thought of it. So he had three options, ice cream, cold drinks or condiments. He must have realised that he was an idiot, because we have staff (some with not so good customer service skills) that out number them, security staff that can get to us in about 30 seconds and a hell of a lot of hot or sharp equipment in the kitchen. He rejoined his gang and walked off. A manager called security and gave their descriptions. They found them on CCTV as the manager was on the phone and were removed from the site for "anti-social behaviour". I call that a result!
Thursday, 9 August 2007
Mothers, grandmothers and piss takers.
It's the summer holiday for loads of kids and students. So what do parents do with their toddlers. Take them shopping of course! Great, because the kids are always polite and most of all, willing to accept help.
The mothers though, I noticed today particularly, are moody, ignorant cows. I accept it is not all of them, but nearly every woman with kids I served today either; had a scowl on their face, wouldn't listen to me, snapped at me when I attempted an upsell, snapped at me when I said they could get a pizza and drink cheaper than just a pizza, didn't use any manners, tutted at me or were just plain rude. There were the nice ones, but you just don't remember them.
Then there was the grandmother who I watched used the ICF. She left the ICF running, but instead of walking off like most people, she screamed and started shouting "SOMEBODY HELP - I can't get this thing to turn off!" I walked over and lifted up the lever, saying "Just lift this up and it stops..." "Oh lovey - I thought it automatically shut off...." then she had a laughing fit and walked off. I made a comment about being an ice cream woman but she either ignored, or didn't hear me.
Ok, so we're shut, we shut on time because we all want to get out as early as possible but that doesn't mean we will compromise quality or service. Infact my customer service is probably better at ten minutes to closing because I'm getting chirpy about leaving.
So at the end of the night, we have left over food. Do we want it? No, we're all sick to death of the stuff. A few times a week cleaners and security will ask for it. No problem because we like you and it will be thrown away otherwise. Sometimes people from other stores will ask for it, no problem, take it - it's yours. But, the public "customers" asking for it is a bit of tricky subject. One reason is brand standards. The other, probably more important is a little thing called Food Safety Law.
Up until a few days ago I'd give them one or two pizzas. But I have noticed an increase in piss takers. I offered you one free pizza. You want two. Ok here's two. You want four. Now you can piss off. Leave the store. Get out I hate you.
Then there are the chavs, who you give one pizza to one chav, you get about 6 chavs appear, all wanting pizza. You can piss off as well!
Then you get the ones, who think it is their RIGHT to have the pizza.
"You're only going to chuck them away so give me them"
"Ok here's one"
"I'll take all of them"
"No sorry I can't do that"
"OH THIS IS DISGUSTING, you're going to throw them away anyway - give me them"
"No"
"WHY NOT?"
In the above case I walked off and put the shutter down. She wasn't a customer so had no cause for complaint, she just got free pizza. She soon got out when she saw the metal heading her way.
Then there were the ones who, I gave two pizzas to, then said they were calling their friends to see if they wanted any. No way are they. I went and put the shutter down. Then oh my god, they're banging on the shutter and shouting "How dare you close!".
So a few days ago, I decided I will not give free pizza to any member of the public after we have closed, no way ever again.
Then yesterday, one of the newer team members was getting agro from two women who wanted free pizza. Me and the manager were sitting in the back listening. Manager said to me "Tell 'em to piss off will you". Yes! Hehe I'm always up for an argument with non-customers.
I stomped out there...
[rant]
"Listen, you have already been told you're not going to get free pizza and the reason why. I'm only going to ask you once to leave, now, or we will have to call security and have you removed."
[/rant]
They walked out silent but heads shaking. TM went to me "Thank you". Manager went "Woah where did that come from!". Afterwards I thought maybe I'd gone over the top. But then thought, if they complained, I'd have two witnesses that they were both rude and we were reasonable and following procedure and eventually had to resort to a "customer asked to leave store" situation.
James, suggested I do some type of quiz with some Pizza Hut acronyms. To be honest I can't think of anything I haven't mentioned before on here!! I do however...when I get round to it, put some pictures of items we use on a daily basis to see if you can work out what they do. It'll probably be pretty easy...!
The mothers though, I noticed today particularly, are moody, ignorant cows. I accept it is not all of them, but nearly every woman with kids I served today either; had a scowl on their face, wouldn't listen to me, snapped at me when I attempted an upsell, snapped at me when I said they could get a pizza and drink cheaper than just a pizza, didn't use any manners, tutted at me or were just plain rude. There were the nice ones, but you just don't remember them.
Then there was the grandmother who I watched used the ICF. She left the ICF running, but instead of walking off like most people, she screamed and started shouting "SOMEBODY HELP - I can't get this thing to turn off!" I walked over and lifted up the lever, saying "Just lift this up and it stops..." "Oh lovey - I thought it automatically shut off...." then she had a laughing fit and walked off. I made a comment about being an ice cream woman but she either ignored, or didn't hear me.
Ok, so we're shut, we shut on time because we all want to get out as early as possible but that doesn't mean we will compromise quality or service. Infact my customer service is probably better at ten minutes to closing because I'm getting chirpy about leaving.
So at the end of the night, we have left over food. Do we want it? No, we're all sick to death of the stuff. A few times a week cleaners and security will ask for it. No problem because we like you and it will be thrown away otherwise. Sometimes people from other stores will ask for it, no problem, take it - it's yours. But, the public "customers" asking for it is a bit of tricky subject. One reason is brand standards. The other, probably more important is a little thing called Food Safety Law.
Up until a few days ago I'd give them one or two pizzas. But I have noticed an increase in piss takers. I offered you one free pizza. You want two. Ok here's two. You want four. Now you can piss off. Leave the store. Get out I hate you.
Then there are the chavs, who you give one pizza to one chav, you get about 6 chavs appear, all wanting pizza. You can piss off as well!
Then you get the ones, who think it is their RIGHT to have the pizza.
"You're only going to chuck them away so give me them"
"Ok here's one"
"I'll take all of them"
"No sorry I can't do that"
"OH THIS IS DISGUSTING, you're going to throw them away anyway - give me them"
"No"
"WHY NOT?"
In the above case I walked off and put the shutter down. She wasn't a customer so had no cause for complaint, she just got free pizza. She soon got out when she saw the metal heading her way.
Then there were the ones who, I gave two pizzas to, then said they were calling their friends to see if they wanted any. No way are they. I went and put the shutter down. Then oh my god, they're banging on the shutter and shouting "How dare you close!".
So a few days ago, I decided I will not give free pizza to any member of the public after we have closed, no way ever again.
Then yesterday, one of the newer team members was getting agro from two women who wanted free pizza. Me and the manager were sitting in the back listening. Manager said to me "Tell 'em to piss off will you". Yes! Hehe I'm always up for an argument with non-customers.
I stomped out there...
[rant]
"Listen, you have already been told you're not going to get free pizza and the reason why. I'm only going to ask you once to leave, now, or we will have to call security and have you removed."
[/rant]
They walked out silent but heads shaking. TM went to me "Thank you". Manager went "Woah where did that come from!". Afterwards I thought maybe I'd gone over the top. But then thought, if they complained, I'd have two witnesses that they were both rude and we were reasonable and following procedure and eventually had to resort to a "customer asked to leave store" situation.
James, suggested I do some type of quiz with some Pizza Hut acronyms. To be honest I can't think of anything I haven't mentioned before on here!! I do however...when I get round to it, put some pictures of items we use on a daily basis to see if you can work out what they do. It'll probably be pretty easy...!
Sunday, 5 August 2007
I'm Authorised!
I got really excited when I noticed that the shopping centre put up some new signs, for a plant room. Not many people are allowed in, but I am infact "authorised personnel". Excellent!
Sorry the picture is blurred, D10 got through my trousers and onto my phones camera lense.
Friday, 3 August 2007
Canadians and the naughty broom
I have a few different topics from this week:
Canadians
Well, we had an invasion of the centre with about 40 sports kids (don't know what sport..) all dressed in bright orange. We couldn't work out if they were Australian or American so we decided on Canadian. It was funny to look around and see people all in orange. They were generally very civil but lacking in manners when they didn't understand you - everyone of them went "WHAT?!!" instead of "Pardon" or "Excuse me". They were complimentary though with comments such as "Dude you guys are quick at serving!" and "Wow it's ready now?". That was nice. They about cleared out the already cooked pizza because on a normal Monday...it is just people on their lunch hour. They had about 20 meals in total. On my break later on I saw their coach struggling round the car park, bumping up over kerbs and revving like mad. The driver must have completely missed the signs saying "NO HGVS OR LARGE VEHICLES BEYOND THIS POINT"
Discounts
A guy from M&S came for a meal and asked for discount. I explained that we stopped doing it. "Well that isn't very good is it!" The advantage of serving other stores employees, is that you know they won't complain (well not very often) or are CHAMPS. "Well do you give us a discount?" I asked. "Umm no." "Thats' the exact reason why we stopped it."
Sauce
"Do you want any sauce, we do tomato, BBQ or mayo?"
"Sauce - yes"
"Tomato, BBQ or mayo?"
"Yes - do you have SAUCE?"
"YEAH, we have TOMATO, BBQ or MAYO?"
Long pause
"Sauce."
"Ok I'll just give one of each"
Ungratefulness
I was standing at the counter, looking down as I was stamping loyalty cards ready to be given out. I see a figure in the corner of my eye, so I decide to finish the last card I'm on and then look up to serve the customer (if there is one). Before I could do this though, I hear "ONE SIDE SALAD". Bloody impatient git. I press the Salad button on the till and get the salad out of the fridge. I ask which dressing she would like. "I don't need one - my other salad fell on the floor so I have still have the pot of dressing". She is fiddling with coins preparing to pay. I don't know the company policy on replacing dropped food, but whenever I see it happen I'll always replace it for free, because I'm kind like that. Most people are appreciative of this, not today though as when I said "Oh right, it's ok then you don't need to pay for another. Here you go" handing her the salad I got a grumpy "Fine - whatever" and she walked back to her table.
The naughty broom
This morning I was waiting for the dough to be done (in the ADPR...Automatic Defroster, Proofer, Retarder) and thought while the walk in fridge is nearly empty I'll sweep and mop it. I'd finished sweeping so pulled the mop and bucket in, and chucked the broom out of the fridge. I watched in, as if in some kind of slow motion film, I broom fall slowly from me to the fire alarm call point. It is the type without glass, and bugger, the top of the handle pushed the button. Because the system thinks "Oh my god, someone has seen a fire and set the alarm off...this must be real!" it went straight to evacuate with the deep bellowing voice I mentioned before. I (well actually the broom) was going to be responsible for 100s of people leaving their shopping and possibly £1000s in lost sales. Luckily this happened at about 8am so there were no customers and we got it turned off within about 30 seconds. Phew.
Canadians
Well, we had an invasion of the centre with about 40 sports kids (don't know what sport..) all dressed in bright orange. We couldn't work out if they were Australian or American so we decided on Canadian. It was funny to look around and see people all in orange. They were generally very civil but lacking in manners when they didn't understand you - everyone of them went "WHAT?!!" instead of "Pardon" or "Excuse me". They were complimentary though with comments such as "Dude you guys are quick at serving!" and "Wow it's ready now?". That was nice. They about cleared out the already cooked pizza because on a normal Monday...it is just people on their lunch hour. They had about 20 meals in total. On my break later on I saw their coach struggling round the car park, bumping up over kerbs and revving like mad. The driver must have completely missed the signs saying "NO HGVS OR LARGE VEHICLES BEYOND THIS POINT"
Discounts
A guy from M&S came for a meal and asked for discount. I explained that we stopped doing it. "Well that isn't very good is it!" The advantage of serving other stores employees, is that you know they won't complain (well not very often) or are CHAMPS. "Well do you give us a discount?" I asked. "Umm no." "Thats' the exact reason why we stopped it."
Sauce
"Do you want any sauce, we do tomato, BBQ or mayo?"
"Sauce - yes"
"Tomato, BBQ or mayo?"
"Yes - do you have SAUCE?"
"YEAH, we have TOMATO, BBQ or MAYO?"
Long pause
"Sauce."
"Ok I'll just give one of each"
Ungratefulness
I was standing at the counter, looking down as I was stamping loyalty cards ready to be given out. I see a figure in the corner of my eye, so I decide to finish the last card I'm on and then look up to serve the customer (if there is one). Before I could do this though, I hear "ONE SIDE SALAD". Bloody impatient git. I press the Salad button on the till and get the salad out of the fridge. I ask which dressing she would like. "I don't need one - my other salad fell on the floor so I have still have the pot of dressing". She is fiddling with coins preparing to pay. I don't know the company policy on replacing dropped food, but whenever I see it happen I'll always replace it for free, because I'm kind like that. Most people are appreciative of this, not today though as when I said "Oh right, it's ok then you don't need to pay for another. Here you go" handing her the salad I got a grumpy "Fine - whatever" and she walked back to her table.
The naughty broom
This morning I was waiting for the dough to be done (in the ADPR...Automatic Defroster, Proofer, Retarder) and thought while the walk in fridge is nearly empty I'll sweep and mop it. I'd finished sweeping so pulled the mop and bucket in, and chucked the broom out of the fridge. I watched in, as if in some kind of slow motion film, I broom fall slowly from me to the fire alarm call point. It is the type without glass, and bugger, the top of the handle pushed the button. Because the system thinks "Oh my god, someone has seen a fire and set the alarm off...this must be real!" it went straight to evacuate with the deep bellowing voice I mentioned before. I (well actually the broom) was going to be responsible for 100s of people leaving their shopping and possibly £1000s in lost sales. Luckily this happened at about 8am so there were no customers and we got it turned off within about 30 seconds. Phew.
Monday, 9 July 2007
What keys?
In one day, three people left their car keys on the counter. I really don't know why these people choose a specific day but it does get quite a comedy value when you go "I've found some more keys" and the reply is "NOT ANOTHER SET SURELY!" by the manager.
The first one came back pretty quickly so I hadn't given them to security for their...safe keeping.
The second set I gave personally to a security officer, who took them to their control room. A frantic man came back around 3 minutes after that and he was quite rude so I told him that "Oh the keys...security have removed them. You will have to deal with them now." I gave him directions on how to get to security and then he ranted that I should have kept them and now he has a long walk to fetch them. Easy solution - don't leave your keys on the counter.
Then bloody hell a third set, this time with a newish looking Mercedes key attached. We were about to shut so I gave them to an 'operative' of the food hall. I hadn't seen him talk to security so I strolled over about 10 minutes later and this happened:
"Umm did those keys go upstairs?"
"What keys?"
"The set of keys I found on our counter and gave to you to give to security"
"What?"
"It was about 10 minutes ago, over there"
"I can't remember that"
"You put them in your pocket"
"Oh lets have a look then..ahh yes the CAR keys!"
"Yeah"
"What about them?"
"Are you giving them to security because we're going soon so they'll need somewhere to collect them?"
"No I don't have time!"
"What are you doing with them then?"
"I'll keep them until the morning unless you want them back"
"Yeah I'll just have them back it will probably be easier"
I gave them to security myself. I mean - what an idiot. First, he had no recollection of what had happened just 10 minutes ago. Second, he was going to keep them until the morning. What use would that be to the person who had lost their keys and couldn't drive home?!!
The first one came back pretty quickly so I hadn't given them to security for their...safe keeping.
The second set I gave personally to a security officer, who took them to their control room. A frantic man came back around 3 minutes after that and he was quite rude so I told him that "Oh the keys...security have removed them. You will have to deal with them now." I gave him directions on how to get to security and then he ranted that I should have kept them and now he has a long walk to fetch them. Easy solution - don't leave your keys on the counter.
Then bloody hell a third set, this time with a newish looking Mercedes key attached. We were about to shut so I gave them to an 'operative' of the food hall. I hadn't seen him talk to security so I strolled over about 10 minutes later and this happened:
"Umm did those keys go upstairs?"
"What keys?"
"The set of keys I found on our counter and gave to you to give to security"
"What?"
"It was about 10 minutes ago, over there"
"I can't remember that"
"You put them in your pocket"
"Oh lets have a look then..ahh yes the CAR keys!"
"Yeah"
"What about them?"
"Are you giving them to security because we're going soon so they'll need somewhere to collect them?"
"No I don't have time!"
"What are you doing with them then?"
"I'll keep them until the morning unless you want them back"
"Yeah I'll just have them back it will probably be easier"
I gave them to security myself. I mean - what an idiot. First, he had no recollection of what had happened just 10 minutes ago. Second, he was going to keep them until the morning. What use would that be to the person who had lost their keys and couldn't drive home?!!
Thursday, 5 July 2007
Gypsies, Terrorists and Misery
No dodgy customers this time. Except the gang of gypsies we had who not only camped outside but in the food area shouting and screaming.
It didn't last long because since the terrorist attack in Glasgow on Saturday, real police officers (not PCSOs for a change...nothing against them though) have been on site walking round and cruising round the car park. I had originally thought they were because of the gypsies but I realised it was because of terrorists when I saw them bashing down man hole covers and putting seals on them. We've also had some new signage on the staff doors ranting that we must not hold the doors open for anyone. I wouldn't think we're a prime target and Pizza Hut's location is all the way into the centre so if anything did happen then at least us and our customers would be ok - hopefully. But that is quite selfish.
So that above is what I wrote yesterday and saved as a draft.
Then on my bus journey today, I saw something I'd never seen before. A 4x4 paramedic car and an ambulance with blue lights on, next to a bus stop. 3 people in green overalls stood there, as well as a sobbing elderly lady wiping her face with a tissue and one of the green people had their arm on her shoulder. Then on the floor, an elderly gentleman and one of the paramedics performing CPR on him and those shock pad things nearby. The bus drove on and that was last I saw of that. I thought about what I'd just seen, potentially the last seconds of a mans live. It wasn't on TV...it was real. It is very unlikely I'll ever find out whether the gentleman survived but I really hope he did.
That set me up in a miserable mood for the rest of day so I stayed in the kitchen as much as possible only going to front for a cup of Tango and saving pizza from falling on the floor.
It didn't last long because since the terrorist attack in Glasgow on Saturday, real police officers (not PCSOs for a change...nothing against them though) have been on site walking round and cruising round the car park. I had originally thought they were because of the gypsies but I realised it was because of terrorists when I saw them bashing down man hole covers and putting seals on them. We've also had some new signage on the staff doors ranting that we must not hold the doors open for anyone. I wouldn't think we're a prime target and Pizza Hut's location is all the way into the centre so if anything did happen then at least us and our customers would be ok - hopefully. But that is quite selfish.
So that above is what I wrote yesterday and saved as a draft.
Then on my bus journey today, I saw something I'd never seen before. A 4x4 paramedic car and an ambulance with blue lights on, next to a bus stop. 3 people in green overalls stood there, as well as a sobbing elderly lady wiping her face with a tissue and one of the green people had their arm on her shoulder. Then on the floor, an elderly gentleman and one of the paramedics performing CPR on him and those shock pad things nearby. The bus drove on and that was last I saw of that. I thought about what I'd just seen, potentially the last seconds of a mans live. It wasn't on TV...it was real. It is very unlikely I'll ever find out whether the gentleman survived but I really hope he did.
That set me up in a miserable mood for the rest of day so I stayed in the kitchen as much as possible only going to front for a cup of Tango and saving pizza from falling on the floor.
Sunday, 1 July 2007
Sound, vision and smoking.
Well there was much excitement today!
I recorded a sound clip of the fire alarm going through it's usual incident --> get out we're burning. We did actually have an 'incident' though which makes a change. Security officers literally came running from no where, and I was surprised by how many they actually have - they must hide away in their control room most of the day. My phone however decided not to save the clip, which is great.
I also got a picture of how fries should look like, fresh from the frier for Arriva Driver and also 'Sweet n Low' for James who's blog looks quite different/interesting! So I got home intending to upload them, but neither are there. I'll have to try again.
Other news is that, I'm going to another store for a day soon...I'll be looking out for filth and poor standards, I hope not to find any though.
And one telephone call, I resorted to saying "We are a slice bar we don't take bookings!!" because after 3 attempts of describing the restaurant format I gave up.
On the smoking point. It has affected us and the shopping centre very little because about 18 months ago it became non-smoking anyway. They have put up the usual "It is illegal to smoke in these premises" now though. I like all the signs, it makes the place look healthy!
I recorded a sound clip of the fire alarm going through it's usual incident --> get out we're burning. We did actually have an 'incident' though which makes a change. Security officers literally came running from no where, and I was surprised by how many they actually have - they must hide away in their control room most of the day. My phone however decided not to save the clip, which is great.
I also got a picture of how fries should look like, fresh from the frier for Arriva Driver and also 'Sweet n Low' for James who's blog looks quite different/interesting! So I got home intending to upload them, but neither are there. I'll have to try again.
Other news is that, I'm going to another store for a day soon...I'll be looking out for filth and poor standards, I hope not to find any though.
And one telephone call, I resorted to saying "We are a slice bar we don't take bookings!!" because after 3 attempts of describing the restaurant format I gave up.
On the smoking point. It has affected us and the shopping centre very little because about 18 months ago it became non-smoking anyway. They have put up the usual "It is illegal to smoke in these premises" now though. I like all the signs, it makes the place look healthy!
Sunday, 24 June 2007
Early and late
Early
When I mention to someone I have to be in at 8am...they usually go "You work at Pizza Hut though...who wants pizza at 8am!?" and I suppose it is understandable.
But we have to do quite a bit in the morning... Pan dough, it arrives frozen so it is put into pans - defrosts - proofs and then retards. We have a machine called an ADPR for this task. The A stands for automatic and well the rest I'm sure you can work out. Panning dough basically involves putting 11g of oil in the bottom, putting a frozen disc in, twisting it to remove any air bubbles and then 2 times round with spray release. Spray release is a glorified oil. We use trolleys to put the dough on. Each trolley can hold either 180 or 240 pizzas depending on how busy we are. We have 7 trolleys so can effectively have 1680 pizzas but we never do as the system isn't designed for that. We have a large quantity of pans and seperators. These are Pizza Hut branded (with the old Pizza Hut logo, not because we're old but they still make them with this logo). Quite a lot of the utentils are Pizza Hut's own including spoodles, rockers etc.
When the dough is ready we do pre-top. Which is making the pizzas in advance. HSR/RBD/FSR do not do this except for when they have buffets. We have speed rings which are plastic rings which sit on the dough so we get a brand standard crust. I did a search for an image of these but couldn't so I'll have to get one when I have a chance. I always think about getting pictures but forget. It isn't that exciting anyway. We use a spoodle a cross between a spoon and ladle to sauce. Then we use cups to get the measured amount of cheese on the base. Put the topping on, and we use a two finger space rule for each topping. If you're feeling generous you can on occasion put a piece of pepperoni on top of another and someone will get a treat. I don't do this very often!! We make pizzas in quite large batches and not individually.
Then put pizzas back in the walk-in fridge and they are cooked when required.
Late
Nothing to do with pizza to be honest but I found it quite funny.
On Sundays each store does a fire alarm test as well as the centre itself. They're all linked so when we test ours everyone else goes, but we have to test them one by one!!
We still have our shutter up, it is about 5.20pm and the last customer left about 10 minutes ago. Security check toilets etc but today they only have lady officers, so didn't check the mens.
Being a Sunday, we start the fire alarm test! Depending on the type of unit and type of alarm the system will do different things:
For example, our alarm when a sensor is activated goes to a 'standby message' on the tannoy for 1 minute then to evacuation. If we press a fire point it goes to evacuation straight away.
The alarm is going intermittently and on comes the voice
"Attention please. Attention please. An incident has been reported within the building, please wait for further instructions."
We like to test ours quite a lot because it annoys the hell out of centre management so leave it running.
A minute passes and the alarm goes constant and a REALLY loud voice (they have separate speakers for the alarm tannoy)
"ATTENTION. ATTENTION. PLEASE LEAVE THE BUILDING BY THE NEAREST ROUTE. ATTENTION ATTENTION EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY."
This happens every Sunday so employees know it is ok. But then from the toilets comes running this man looking really annoyed but then stops looking round at the empty place and notices that our shutter is now lowering because of the alarm, starts waving and then runs to the main doors. They're locked and he thinks he is going to burnt to death. Being a nice person I put the shutter back up and walk over to him (quite far actually) and tell him it is ok. He is going crazy though, kicking the doors, running into them, shaking them. I do wonder what he thinks he will achieve and whether I should retreat back to the Hut.
He sees me and asks
"Have you come to unlock this door, theres a fire!!!"
"No it's ok they do tests on a Sunday."
"Well I need to get out right now!"
They must have seen his antics on camera as two security officers arrived at the door and he was released. He got out and one of them went "What an idiot...he must have been on the toilet for 20 minutes!" I concurred, went back to Pizza Hut and drank an Orange & Peach Fruitshoot (new favourite drink).
When I mention to someone I have to be in at 8am...they usually go "You work at Pizza Hut though...who wants pizza at 8am!?" and I suppose it is understandable.
But we have to do quite a bit in the morning... Pan dough, it arrives frozen so it is put into pans - defrosts - proofs and then retards. We have a machine called an ADPR for this task. The A stands for automatic and well the rest I'm sure you can work out. Panning dough basically involves putting 11g of oil in the bottom, putting a frozen disc in, twisting it to remove any air bubbles and then 2 times round with spray release. Spray release is a glorified oil. We use trolleys to put the dough on. Each trolley can hold either 180 or 240 pizzas depending on how busy we are. We have 7 trolleys so can effectively have 1680 pizzas but we never do as the system isn't designed for that. We have a large quantity of pans and seperators. These are Pizza Hut branded (with the old Pizza Hut logo, not because we're old but they still make them with this logo). Quite a lot of the utentils are Pizza Hut's own including spoodles, rockers etc.
When the dough is ready we do pre-top. Which is making the pizzas in advance. HSR/RBD/FSR do not do this except for when they have buffets. We have speed rings which are plastic rings which sit on the dough so we get a brand standard crust. I did a search for an image of these but couldn't so I'll have to get one when I have a chance. I always think about getting pictures but forget. It isn't that exciting anyway. We use a spoodle a cross between a spoon and ladle to sauce. Then we use cups to get the measured amount of cheese on the base. Put the topping on, and we use a two finger space rule for each topping. If you're feeling generous you can on occasion put a piece of pepperoni on top of another and someone will get a treat. I don't do this very often!! We make pizzas in quite large batches and not individually.
Then put pizzas back in the walk-in fridge and they are cooked when required.
Late
Nothing to do with pizza to be honest but I found it quite funny.
On Sundays each store does a fire alarm test as well as the centre itself. They're all linked so when we test ours everyone else goes, but we have to test them one by one!!
We still have our shutter up, it is about 5.20pm and the last customer left about 10 minutes ago. Security check toilets etc but today they only have lady officers, so didn't check the mens.
Being a Sunday, we start the fire alarm test! Depending on the type of unit and type of alarm the system will do different things:
For example, our alarm when a sensor is activated goes to a 'standby message' on the tannoy for 1 minute then to evacuation. If we press a fire point it goes to evacuation straight away.
The alarm is going intermittently and on comes the voice
"Attention please. Attention please. An incident has been reported within the building, please wait for further instructions."
We like to test ours quite a lot because it annoys the hell out of centre management so leave it running.
A minute passes and the alarm goes constant and a REALLY loud voice (they have separate speakers for the alarm tannoy)
"ATTENTION. ATTENTION. PLEASE LEAVE THE BUILDING BY THE NEAREST ROUTE. ATTENTION ATTENTION EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY."
This happens every Sunday so employees know it is ok. But then from the toilets comes running this man looking really annoyed but then stops looking round at the empty place and notices that our shutter is now lowering because of the alarm, starts waving and then runs to the main doors. They're locked and he thinks he is going to burnt to death. Being a nice person I put the shutter back up and walk over to him (quite far actually) and tell him it is ok. He is going crazy though, kicking the doors, running into them, shaking them. I do wonder what he thinks he will achieve and whether I should retreat back to the Hut.
He sees me and asks
"Have you come to unlock this door, theres a fire!!!"
"No it's ok they do tests on a Sunday."
"Well I need to get out right now!"
They must have seen his antics on camera as two security officers arrived at the door and he was released. He got out and one of them went "What an idiot...he must have been on the toilet for 20 minutes!" I concurred, went back to Pizza Hut and drank an Orange & Peach Fruitshoot (new favourite drink).
Thursday, 21 June 2007
Sick, fivers and short changing
Instead of going in the tradesman entrance today I went through the main entrance. There are a few bins around the area. By the side of one is the most disgusting pile of sick I have ever seen. I almost took a picture but it was just too sick. It was round, diameter around 60cm...height about 2cm - very chunky. Someone must have ate something real bad. Anyway it looked nasty and being the good fellow and general busy body I told an 'operative' of the centre:
"Hi ___ theres a huge pile of sick..."
"OH JESUS NOT IN HERE"
"No it's outside.."
"Phew" with a really pleased expression
"Yeah it's next to the bin..."
"Ok I'll radio control and tell them"
I saw her natter something on the radio and there was a rather large beeping sound so I thought that was that, I've done my busy bodying for today.
About 2 hours later, I see a security officer walking a bit faster than normal and with a nasty frown. 30 seconds later I see the same officer with heavy duty dustpan & brush and bin bag. Being a nosey git and knowing her name I shouted over the counter something like "what's up" and got the reply "I've just trod in some puke so I'm gonna clean it up!" and she carried on walking. Ha.
There has been a bit in the news and a comment from Arriva Driver about needing more fivers in circulation because they are there so long they become tatty. I totally agree with this. Most of the £5 notes in my till resemble a used tissue. Crumpled, ripped, brown, faded, damp, smelly, with tape on etc is all too common. I don't think I help the situation though as I keep all the nice notes at the front of the row so I don't give them out and try to have a neat till. A bit odd but it keeps me entertained. If I have a taped up note I save it for a special customer.
Also, I got a full lesson from a customer on how I should short change people as a matter of routine and make some money for myself. When I say the conversation lasted 3 minutes I'm not exaggerating and 3 minutes is a long time of pure talking. He talked about where he had it done to him, which had then given him the idea. He told me to pick "Asians and people who looked tired" and when I was given a £20 note always claim it was a £10 note. It was the most ridiculous idea he had but hey if he thinks he can get away with it...I told him to watch out as next time he comes in I'll try it on him.
Then to finish off my shift I took some rubbish outside and got trapped in between the fire doors. I've decided to take a detour from now on and use the huge delivery door to minimise the risk.
"Hi ___ theres a huge pile of sick..."
"OH JESUS NOT IN HERE"
"No it's outside.."
"Phew" with a really pleased expression
"Yeah it's next to the bin..."
"Ok I'll radio control and tell them"
I saw her natter something on the radio and there was a rather large beeping sound so I thought that was that, I've done my busy bodying for today.
About 2 hours later, I see a security officer walking a bit faster than normal and with a nasty frown. 30 seconds later I see the same officer with heavy duty dustpan & brush and bin bag. Being a nosey git and knowing her name I shouted over the counter something like "what's up" and got the reply "I've just trod in some puke so I'm gonna clean it up!" and she carried on walking. Ha.
There has been a bit in the news and a comment from Arriva Driver about needing more fivers in circulation because they are there so long they become tatty. I totally agree with this. Most of the £5 notes in my till resemble a used tissue. Crumpled, ripped, brown, faded, damp, smelly, with tape on etc is all too common. I don't think I help the situation though as I keep all the nice notes at the front of the row so I don't give them out and try to have a neat till. A bit odd but it keeps me entertained. If I have a taped up note I save it for a special customer.
Also, I got a full lesson from a customer on how I should short change people as a matter of routine and make some money for myself. When I say the conversation lasted 3 minutes I'm not exaggerating and 3 minutes is a long time of pure talking. He talked about where he had it done to him, which had then given him the idea. He told me to pick "Asians and people who looked tired" and when I was given a £20 note always claim it was a £10 note. It was the most ridiculous idea he had but hey if he thinks he can get away with it...I told him to watch out as next time he comes in I'll try it on him.
Then to finish off my shift I took some rubbish outside and got trapped in between the fire doors. I've decided to take a detour from now on and use the huge delivery door to minimise the risk.
Tuesday, 12 June 2007
CCTV
I was at work, bored, as it isn't even slightly busy because of the weather, just looking round. I then counted I could be seen at the counter by 5 CCTV cameras. They're all in mysterious black domes so you can't be sure where they are looking, but I do know they all work. I'm not sure whether it is comforting or not. The security controllers are all nice though, so I don't think they'll be zooming in on me scratching or eating at the counter too often.
Later on, I was standing in the entry/exit to the service yard and I was looking around waiting for my lift home, and I counted that I could be seen by eight cameras - 6 of these the mysterious dome type, one fixed, and one motorised big thing. I did feel quite comforted by this, because if something happened to me or anyone in the area, you'd bet one of those cameras saw it, and hopefully the controller, who could get some immediate action.
So overall, I'd say I like CCTV but don't like the idea of them shouting at you (old story I know but I only realised just how many cameras there were)
Later on, I was standing in the entry/exit to the service yard and I was looking around waiting for my lift home, and I counted that I could be seen by eight cameras - 6 of these the mysterious dome type, one fixed, and one motorised big thing. I did feel quite comforted by this, because if something happened to me or anyone in the area, you'd bet one of those cameras saw it, and hopefully the controller, who could get some immediate action.
So overall, I'd say I like CCTV but don't like the idea of them shouting at you (old story I know but I only realised just how many cameras there were)
Saturday, 12 May 2007
Shouting
I was cleaning the lobby (area with drinks machines, icf, condiments etc) and I heard this:
"Oi doowahahahyaahahaywaywyahaknowhyughughtheykhnareclosed?"
I'm thinking - that voice seems directed at me...was what ever he just said to me? I look round and bloody hell it is.
"Sorry I couldn't hear you - are you ok?"
His face is blank, but with staring eyes.
"WHY ARE THEY CLOSED?"
"Eh?"
"I RANG THEM AND THEY SAID THEY WERE OPEN UNTIL 8"
"You mean ____?"
"YES WHAT ELSE WOULD I BE TALKING ABOUT?!! Do you know why they are closed?"
"No...I think they normally close at this time anyway"
"WHAT"
"I think they always close at this time"
"Well come on you should bloody know - you work there!" -
"I don't work there...I work here" as I walk in the little door to the other side of the counter.
"I KNOW THAT" (Reminder: he said I worked THERE as I was cleaning PIZZA HUT) "Surely you should know why they are shut?"
"No sorry"
"Do you have the managers mobile number?"
"No...we don't"
"COME ON YOU MUST HAVE IT"
I just blinked at him.
"ARRRRRRRRRGH ANOTHER WASTED JOURNEY"
I was left thinking - what the hell just happened there, I think I just got shouted at because the neighbours closed on time.
Also...about the till - they are forever finding excuses why they can't do it - this is coming from the people who supply the equipment who I'd have thought would be more than willing to get the job done for the ££££ Pizza Hut are willing to pay.
"Oi doowahahahyaahahaywaywyahaknowhyughughtheykhnareclosed?"
I'm thinking - that voice seems directed at me...was what ever he just said to me? I look round and bloody hell it is.
"Sorry I couldn't hear you - are you ok?"
His face is blank, but with staring eyes.
"WHY ARE THEY CLOSED?"
"Eh?"
"I RANG THEM AND THEY SAID THEY WERE OPEN UNTIL 8"
"You mean ____?"
"YES WHAT ELSE WOULD I BE TALKING ABOUT?!! Do you know why they are closed?"
"No...I think they normally close at this time anyway"
"WHAT"
"I think they always close at this time"
"Well come on you should bloody know - you work there!" -
"I don't work there...I work here" as I walk in the little door to the other side of the counter.
"I KNOW THAT" (Reminder: he said I worked THERE as I was cleaning PIZZA HUT) "Surely you should know why they are shut?"
"No sorry"
"Do you have the managers mobile number?"
"No...we don't"
"COME ON YOU MUST HAVE IT"
I just blinked at him.
"ARRRRRRRRRGH ANOTHER WASTED JOURNEY"
I was left thinking - what the hell just happened there, I think I just got shouted at because the neighbours closed on time.
Also...about the till - they are forever finding excuses why they can't do it - this is coming from the people who supply the equipment who I'd have thought would be more than willing to get the job done for the ££££ Pizza Hut are willing to pay.
Friday, 27 April 2007
Nobody said it was easy
A lady bought a single pizza, no fries etc - and then asked for tartar sauce. Tartar sauce with pizza - just plain margherita. Does anyone else think that's a bit weird?
A distressed lady then came up to the counter and asked for some napkins because she had "picked up the cup and the drink just went everywhere". I gave her a few and said that we don't clean up outside the store, so get one of the staff to clean up the rest. "Well I can't see anyof the staff to help!". I pointed to the three staff all wearing bright t shirts with the name of the shopping centre on clearing tables. Durr. Then I saw them cleaning it up, and the woman moved table. They were there for ages cleaning it up so it must have been a massive mess. Then she came back had a little rant about how flimsy the cups were. I explained the idea is you put a lid on them so they are stronger, she then ranted about how she didn't see the lids...they are right next to the drinks machine.
The hot weather seems to have made people go a bit crazy, I'm sure I've seen people wearing pyjamas.
Then at the end of the night, I was cleaning up some sticky substance from the wall and the music in the centre was The Scientist by Coldplay. It is the first time I've noticed the music to match my thoughts with "Nobody said it was easy..." when I'm scraping this stuff off the wall.
A distressed lady then came up to the counter and asked for some napkins because she had "picked up the cup and the drink just went everywhere". I gave her a few and said that we don't clean up outside the store, so get one of the staff to clean up the rest. "Well I can't see anyof the staff to help!". I pointed to the three staff all wearing bright t shirts with the name of the shopping centre on clearing tables. Durr. Then I saw them cleaning it up, and the woman moved table. They were there for ages cleaning it up so it must have been a massive mess. Then she came back had a little rant about how flimsy the cups were. I explained the idea is you put a lid on them so they are stronger, she then ranted about how she didn't see the lids...they are right next to the drinks machine.
The hot weather seems to have made people go a bit crazy, I'm sure I've seen people wearing pyjamas.
Then at the end of the night, I was cleaning up some sticky substance from the wall and the music in the centre was The Scientist by Coldplay. It is the first time I've noticed the music to match my thoughts with "Nobody said it was easy..." when I'm scraping this stuff off the wall.
Tuesday, 17 April 2007
Veggie berk.
I started my shift with this:
"Veggie burger and small fries please"
"Erm.....ha...this is Pizza Hut"
"Yes and I want a veggie burger and fries"
"We don't do veggie burgers.."
"YES YOU DO - IT SAYS IT UP THERE - VEGGIE"
"Yeah, that's a veggie pizza."
"THATS WHAT I BLOODY WELL WANT!"
"Oh right because you said a veggie BURGER"
"I did NOT do such a thing"
"Okay........"
Then I went through the process blah blah blah.
Then I was cleaning some dirt of the little door, and I get "IS ANYONE GOING TO BOTHER SERVING ME???!!!!!!!!" She bought a tea which was 79p. I then watched her fill it with a hot chocolate which is £1.39. We give out smaller cups for tea, so if you have anything else we know. This happened, haha. I could of told her she couldn't have hot chocolate because she'd need to pay more - but watching her spill it was funnier. (She knew she couldn't have hot chocolate because I saw her trying to shield what she was doing.)
Ooo and we have the new menu. It is nice, upsells galore on it. The kids meal has got confusing. The chocolate pudding has got even more confusing. It is the exact same one as KFC have (we are both part of Yum! Inc). Now - guess what KFC call it - Baked Chocolate Sponge. This is exactly what it is. Pizza Hut decided to call it - Chocolate Mousse. They soon realised their mistake however, THREE weeks after...and they have now renamed it "Chocolate cheesecake, with a sponge filling, chocolate sauce topping and milk chocolate swirls". We have no idea where the cheesecake bit came from, there is nothing like cheesecake in it. So we have 13 words as opposed to 3 - you know it makes sense.
And those in charge have also, decided to give us some vouchers. We sometimes put them on the tray ready for a customer. You get some vouchers when you buy something. Please don't steal one, and then try to use it in the same transaction. When I tell you can't do that, don't come back in 2 minutes and try to use it - I AM NOT THICK.
Also, on the subject of me being thick - never try to give me crap foreign coins, because I notice everytime. No I will not accept this 20 god knows what, from god knows where in replacement for a 5p. Yes I know it is only 5p - but I don't care, if you haven't paid in full then why should you get the food.
Finally - I saw one of the water boys/chav/general horrid children getting an application form for another fast food outlet...aaaaaaahahahhaha even they won't have you - well not after our manager told their manager about you getting removed from the centre because you threw ice cream around in our restaurant.
"Veggie burger and small fries please"
"Erm.....ha...this is Pizza Hut"
"Yes and I want a veggie burger and fries"
"We don't do veggie burgers.."
"YES YOU DO - IT SAYS IT UP THERE - VEGGIE"
"Yeah, that's a veggie pizza."
"THATS WHAT I BLOODY WELL WANT!"
"Oh right because you said a veggie BURGER"
"I did NOT do such a thing"
"Okay........"
Then I went through the process blah blah blah.
Then I was cleaning some dirt of the little door, and I get "IS ANYONE GOING TO BOTHER SERVING ME???!!!!!!!!" She bought a tea which was 79p. I then watched her fill it with a hot chocolate which is £1.39. We give out smaller cups for tea, so if you have anything else we know. This happened, haha. I could of told her she couldn't have hot chocolate because she'd need to pay more - but watching her spill it was funnier. (She knew she couldn't have hot chocolate because I saw her trying to shield what she was doing.)
Ooo and we have the new menu. It is nice, upsells galore on it. The kids meal has got confusing. The chocolate pudding has got even more confusing. It is the exact same one as KFC have (we are both part of Yum! Inc). Now - guess what KFC call it - Baked Chocolate Sponge. This is exactly what it is. Pizza Hut decided to call it - Chocolate Mousse. They soon realised their mistake however, THREE weeks after...and they have now renamed it "Chocolate cheesecake, with a sponge filling, chocolate sauce topping and milk chocolate swirls". We have no idea where the cheesecake bit came from, there is nothing like cheesecake in it. So we have 13 words as opposed to 3 - you know it makes sense.
And those in charge have also, decided to give us some vouchers. We sometimes put them on the tray ready for a customer. You get some vouchers when you buy something. Please don't steal one, and then try to use it in the same transaction. When I tell you can't do that, don't come back in 2 minutes and try to use it - I AM NOT THICK.
Also, on the subject of me being thick - never try to give me crap foreign coins, because I notice everytime. No I will not accept this 20 god knows what, from god knows where in replacement for a 5p. Yes I know it is only 5p - but I don't care, if you haven't paid in full then why should you get the food.
Finally - I saw one of the water boys/chav/general horrid children getting an application form for another fast food outlet...aaaaaaahahahhaha even they won't have you - well not after our manager told their manager about you getting removed from the centre because you threw ice cream around in our restaurant.
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