One of the best and most unique features of Fred's News: Bill and I were always "on stage." Yes, we had an upstairs kitchen/prep area, but what ever was order by our patrons, was prepared directly in front of them. I can remember when we first purchased the place, I felt very uneasy if I had to cook in front of everyone. Bill was already a seasoned "grill master" having cooked for "the brothers" for a couple of years already. I soon realized that people really weren't watching you, at least not continuously. They would occasionally glance over to see if their order was on the grill,then perhaps they might watch. I also learned early on, the customer thinks every order being cooked, is their order. More than once someone would yell, "I wanted my eggs over easy not scrambled," or better yet, "I told you, no onions in my Western!" With comments like that, a number of comebacks come to mind. First of all "if there aren't any onions in your Western, then it isn't a friggan Western!" Secondly, " what makes you think this is your order? In case you hadn't noticed, you are not the only customer in the place!" Now the truth, "Did I ever say something like that to a customer?" Absolutely not! Next question, "Did the Egg Nazi ever whip out those comebacks to a patron?" At least a hundred times! His favorite line, "order what you want, eat what you get!" Now you understand why the majority of the time, Billy boy had his back to the patrons, and I controlled customer service! Be it known, Mr. Potato Head really was a push over. If small children wanted a funny shaped pancake, providing it wasn't too busy, he would oblige. If those same small people wanted crusts cut off their toast, off they came. Even his toast helper was aware of all special request by our patrons. On chaotic weekend morning, you might have noticed Bill and his toast person arguing about the way an order was written. The toast person had to be strong and able to make the decisions quickly.
For just a moment, let us explore the role of the toast person. In the earlier years of Fred's News, we tried to limit the number of people behind the counter. As we emerged into business owners and the business thrived, realization set in. Bill could not cook, set up orders, coincide the toast being ready at the same time the entree was set to deliver and maintain his sanity. For that matter, I needed to know that every customer was being served the very best we had to offer. Therefore, the role of the toast person evolved. Not a glamorous title, but very important. The ability to read the wait staff's handwriting, knowing what the hell they meant and deciding "do we really do that", all before Mr. Potato Head glanced over and said, "what the f*@# does that say!", was an art in itself. Many tried, some were outstanding, some must of had attention deficit disorder, while others admitted...no God damn way! Oh yes, common rule of thumb,"you screw it up or burn it...you eat it!" A real burn would set off the smoke alarms. Those toast were "Christmas decorations" compliments of Kathleen. They say college freshman gain fifteen pounds, I say work at Fred's News!
As time passed and young people worked for us, it seemed we never lacked kids who wanted to work. They all agreed, the hectic and sometime chaotic pace of a weekend at Fred's News, set them up for success as they moved through their teens onto college and their careers. Conversations with Bill as they manned the toasters or carrying plates across their arms, weaving through the crowded place and knowing that many envied their positions, made it all worth while. I know it did for Bill and I.
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