The Waitress Asked Me to Pay Upfront—Unaware That I Own the Restaurant

Emma’s Consistent Attitude

As I observed Emma at work, a clear pattern emerged in her behavior. With each new guest, she displayed the same cycle of indifference and disdain. A middle-aged man in a business suit attempted to get her attention, politely calling, “Excuse me, miss.” Emma responded with an exaggerated eye roll before sauntering over, her disinterest evident. It was clear she didn’t care. Something about her demeanor felt off, and my instincts urged me to pay closer attention.

Interrogating Diners

A young couple approached the podium, anticipating a memorable fine dining experience. However, their excitement was swiftly dampened by Emma’s sharp, interrogative tone. “Can you afford to pay for your meal here, or should I suggest the diner down the street?” she asked, her words dripping with sarcasm. The couple exchanged uneasy, embarrassed glances, clearly taken aback by her unexpected hostility. Emma’s behavior unfolded like the script of a poorly written drama, unsettling the atmosphere further.