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I am about to witness a full on riot at the Cranberry, Pennsylvania Olive Garden. Suburban Karens with husbands who are the CFOs of mid-size floor tile companies vs the staff, which is 90-120 minutes behind order time. Will report back.
There are approximately 200 cars in the parking lot of people exactly like this absolutely losing their minds. I am among them, but remaining calm, as there is no one to blame but ourselves for deciding on Olive Garden in the first place.
The line of cars to get in extends out to the road but there are very few spots remaining in the entire lot. Other folks have decided to start tailgating while having unpleasant conversations with their families waiting at home.
Folks are now just blatantly disregarding the signs and jumping the person who comes out with the food every 5 or so minutes like it’s first come first serve, even though the order is tied to a name.
Word just got passed around that they ran out of salad.
Fear levels are high that only the 4 p.m. pickup time orders, who have largely not been served, will have breadsticks. Cancelations occurring en masse. I am 5 p.m. but holding out hope.
The person who is directing traffic has been identified as the manager or owner. He is the one who has been throwing out the “only a 30 minute delay” line to folks since 4 p.m. and is now paying the price.
The workers have returned with salad from Giant Eagle. “I love my life,” this kind spirited employee exclaimed.
I have now been called inside — I am the first person I’ve seen get invited in that hasn’t complained. Seemed promising, but 3 different employees have now asked for my name. It’s not clear if they actually have the order, despite being checked in 80 minutes age.
UPDATE: “Food” secured. I’m afraid the no breadsticks rumor was true, and a number of the entrees appear to be missing. They did cobble together a salad with Giant Eagle ingredients procured from the back of an employees car. They offered a $10 gift card for the trouble.
The moral of the story: Corporate service industry restaurants that already sucked and don’t care about you or your community got worse in crisis. But I’ve yet to have an issue with local restaurants or breweries still open for takeout. So, eat local. Don’t go to Olive Garden.
