Can you imagine eating at your favorite restaurant every single day for years? Not only the same restaurant but also the same meal. Things can get boring, right? Well, not for Mr. Doug, who comes to Arby’s in Arizona daily to order his sandwich.
Employees had noticed how he would arrive alone and eat the same thing, and they began to get curious as to why he made going to Arby’s a habit. After learning the truth, the staff gave their most loyal customer an unexpected gift to make him feel extra special. Let’s find out this man’s touching and heartbreaking story, and more, too.
Never Missing a Day at Arby’s
Arby’s has over 3,000 branches across the United States, one of which is in Chandler, Arizona. What makes this store different from any other is that it has found a loyal customer in the form of a 98-year-old man who comes to the place every single day without a miss.
Because he had been frequenting Arby’s for years, employees began to wonder about Doug Parker, whom they fondly call Mr. Doug. They also became curious about why the elderly man hadn’t brought family members to his favorite lunch place.
Treating Him Like Family
Because of his clockwork attendance at Arby’s, employees treated him with respect and kindness and often greeted him when he arrived. Parker uses a walker, so they would run for the door and hold it for him when they saw him coming.
One staff member, Travis Coye, was just itching to know why the man loved the food there so much. Although not everybody’s a fan of Arby’s, this guy clearly adored the food to come back to the eatery on repeat. Could the senior simply love the food, or was there a deeper reason?
Ordering the Same Meal
One day, Parker came in like usual, ordering his favorite Roast Beef n’ Cheese Slider and Coke with no ice. The manager, Christina Gamage, who had been working at Arby’s for over two years, couldn’t take it anymore and straight out asked him about his life.
However, the mysterious man understandably refused to open up about his private life. It’s awkward to share your life story with a total stranger, but the employees couldn’t take no for an answer. They still wanted to find out the real story behind this man, so they waited for the right moment.
Employees Devise a Plan to Get the Answer
Still curious about this man, employees usually talked about Parker and the food he regularly ordered. They began pondering what could have happened to him or how he ended up at their restaurant. Eventually, Coye got the courage to ask their longtime customer again, hoping to get their questions answered.
Thankfully, Parker, whom they see as a family, finally divulged his story and answered the staffers’ queries, including why he always wants Arby’s sandwiches. By knowing who the man is, rumors about him among the workers were put to rest.
Knowing Mr. Doug
Coye and other Arby’s employees learned that Mr. Doug is actually a World War II veteran staying at a retirement home. He doesn’t have a family, so he pretty much treats the employees as his relatives. So every lunchtime, he would go there to get a bite of his favorite comfort food.
His answer was already heartbreaking, but the employees also wanted to know why he chose to eat at Arby’s instead of other shops that offer healthier or better choices. After all, he is well in his golden years.
The Real Reason
Parker divulged that Arby’s food didn’t give him a stomachache, like others. The manager and Coye never thought their regular customer’s food choice had something to do with his health.
That’s not all; the elder admitted that his stomach issue aside, he genuinely loves the food at Arby’s and didn’t feel the need to look for another place to satisfy his hunger without giving him digestive discomfort. The food chain staff didn’t expect to receive such a touching reply from their loyal client, and neither did they realize that his story would go viral.
Treating Customers Like Family
It was said that staffers at this particular branch of Arby’s have an interesting way of making their regular customers feel special. They treat loyal ones like a family. Coye revealed that they do try to make everyone feel welcome, including Parker.
For his part, the veteran previously revealed that he saw the Arby’s workers like his family, so the feeling was definitely mutual. Everyone from the shop knows and understands what his usual order is and where he prefers to sit as he enjoys his roast beef sandwich and slurps his soda.
Arby’s Employees Chipped in for a Surprising Gift
The manager was also on top of everything, ensuring that the employees would be attentive to their customers’ needs. This means that Gamage also instructed her workers to prepare Mr. Doug’s sandwich the way he wanted, informing them about his dietary requirements.
Everyone thought that the war veteran was entitled to the best because he deserves it, having served the country during his prime. Gamage was able to run the sandwich shop smoothly for years, but one day, something seemingly slipped from her watch. One of her employees did something shocking to Parker’s order.
An Unusual Day for Mr. Doug
As usual, Parker ordered a roast beef sandwich and a Coke without ice for his lunch, but he had no idea that staffers were on to something that day. He patiently waited for his meal, unsuspecting of what would arrive at his table. After all, there was no room for mistakes since he had been eating here practically every day for years.
While Parker was waiting for his order, Ethel Fishman, another Arby’s patron who happened to know the veteran, saw something odd about the employee preparing the elderly gentleman’s meal. It was a weird hunch that bothered her, so she took her phone out.
Putting Something in Doug’s Meal
Fishman saw one of the young waiters at Arby’s slipping something at Parker’s meal. What made the act even more dubious was when the employee looked around secretively, seemingly hoping that no one saw what he did.
This made Fishman decide to record what was happening. She didn’t know what the staffer was doing, nor did she have an idea of what the person was adding to the old man’s meal, but one thing’s for sure: she wouldn’t let this pass. Plus, knowing how heroic Mr. Doug is, she knew that he didn’t deserve something sinister.
A Detective Watching Close By
Fishman brought out her phone to tape the employee as she could only guess what the person added to the meal by looking from afar. She thought capturing the events unfolding before her eyes could eventually become a piece of damning evidence in case something dramatic happened.
Just like an undercover agent, Fishman carefully documented, making sure to skip the flash option to avoid getting caught. While taking photos of the suspicious employee, she saw a tiny red thing being placed inside Parker’s paper bag. This only strengthened her gut-feel that something bad was about to happen.
Seeing a Red Packet in Mr. Doug’s Bag
Fishman had no idea what that red packet was, but she was sure, albeit she had an obscured view, that the employee did put it into Parker’s order. However, it didn’t take too long before she and everyone else present at Arby’s at the time know what the staffer had placed in the bag.
Thanks to the curious observer, the photos would soon reach Facebook and other social media platforms, which eventually made the story viral. But what do you think was in Parker’s bag? Was it something sinister, or was it a delightful gift?
Anticipating His Order
Apart from Fishman, Parker kept an eye on his order as he was excited to munch on his favorite meal. He sat still and eagerly looked out for the waiter who would serve his food. When the employee came, Mr. Doug excitedly checked his order, just like how one would feel whenever food arrives.
Observing what was transpiring, Fishman only saw that the waiter smiled at the regular customer, who then checked the food. However, it didn’t seem that there’s something wrong with his bag as he went on to open his sandwich and take a bite.
Something Fishy Awaits Mr. Doug
Normally, the waiter would just serve the food, ask if anything is missing or if the customer has other requests. But in Mr. Doug’s case, the employee who served his food lingered around even when he started taking a bite of his sandwich. It was an awkward moment, for sure, and the elderly man became confused with what was happening.
Parker probably wondered why the Arby’s employee was still hovering around, but what he failed to realize was that there were tons of reporters already flocking outside the establishment. Confused, the loyal customer grabbed the bag and checked if something was still missing from his order.
Sharing The Evidence on Social Media
There, just as Parker was checking his bag, he saw a red paper at the bottom. Apparently, manager Gamage and the rest of the Arby’s staff wanted to do something special for the war veteran, considering he was one of their avid customers.
Plus, they saw him as one of them already, and a random act of kindness wouldn’t hurt anybody. Fishman, meanwhile, saw the touching tribute happen before her eyes. She penned a caption for her snaps and shared it on Facebook. Within a matter of minutes, her phone began to blow up like crazy with all the notifications.
Parker Remains Clueless
However, the nonagenarian remained clueless about what was happening around him. A few moments later, he realized that reporters were all waiting for him to get the red card out of the bag. Thinking it was a harmless joke, Parker reached for the card, and that was when he knew what the Arby’s staff had done for him.
Parker was surprised to know that he received a $200-gift card from the employees and expressed his gratitude to them despite not knowing if he would ever be able to come back the next day.
Employees’ Efforts Paid Off
It was definitely a tear-jerking scene, one that could be source material for a drama film. But what made the present even more inspiring was that it was the employees’ initiative. They chipped in to provide Parker the gift so that he could save cash.
This kind gesture never went unnoticed. Add to that, Fishman’s Facebook post that went viral certainly helped magnify the act. In fact, even the head office of Arby’s learned about what its Chandler branch did, so they wanted to do their part, too. The company reached out to Gamage to discuss a big surprise.
Parker’s Lifetime Sandwich Supply
Arby’s Chandler manager Gamage revealed that they always tried to do more for Parker because of all he did for the country. The company also acknowledged the man’s contribution and decided that he would never have to pay for a roast beef sandwich and a matching Coke ever again.
The chain awarded the war veteran free lunch for the rest of his life, meaning he won’t have to shell out a single cent for his afternoon meal. Mr. Doug was told about his lifetime present one fine day when he came to order the usual, and one can never believe how he reacted.
Rendering the Veteran Speechless
Just as anybody would have reacted, the man couldn’t believe it and couldn’t utter any word when the manager and Coye told him about the surprise. Mr. Doug must have felt grateful that he wouldn’t have to pay for his daily lunch that was good to his stomach, too.
When reporters sought his reaction to the kind gesture, Parker was extremely thankful for what he received. Moreover, he kept on praising Arby’s employees, who made him feel like a family whenever he came to the place. He also pointed out how the staffers go above and beyond to accommodate him.
Expressing Gratitude to the Employees
Mr. Doug also became outspoken about how the sandwich staff would always exert effort in keeping his table free despite him being okay with another. Apart from lauding Arby’s hospitality, he also praised the food’s quality and maintained that he was always satisfied with his meal.
But just how accommodating are the staff at Arby’s? There are plenty of ways they make Parker feel special, even going as far as readying his meal before he arrived. After all, everyone knew his staple meal and, surely, employees were more than happy to prepare his orders in advance.
Preparing the Meal for the Veteran
For most of us, we have to call in advance or make a reservation days, weeks, or even months to dine at our favorite restaurant. But what if you don’t have to do that because food would be waiting by your table? That’s exactly the privilege bestowed upon the veteran.
Whether he is late or not, Mr. Doug wouldn’t have to worry about his meal since it would be there pronto when he arrives. This service extends when he doesn’t or can’t come to the shop because he can have his delicious sandwich sent directly to his doorstep.
Roast Beef Sandwich Straight to His Doorstep
Mr. Doug also doesn’t have to fret whenever he feels under the weather or doesn’t feel like going to the sandwich shop because Arby’s will have his meal delivered. No, the war veteran also doesn’t have to listen to an operator or stay on call queues because employees gave him their personal numbers.
He could call them, and they would have someone send his food. Indeed, Mr. Doug has touched the lives of Arby’s crew and many others. When his story went viral, others from the community became inspired to extend their gratitude to the hero.
Community Shows Appreciation for Mr. Doug
Needless to say, Mr. Doug became popular in the community, so much so that he became a well-liked personality in Chandler, Arizona. The good news about Arby’s decision to give the man a lifetime supply of his sandwich spread like wildfire, and soon, those inspired by the veteran’s story emulated the company’s act of kindness.
One of those who heard the story was a local optometrist who also wanted to support Mr. Doug. What better way to do this by offering his service to the nonagenarian and taking care of his eyes.
Free Vision Check by an Optometrist
Hearing that Mr. Doug could get some help with his eye problems, this optometrist went to the sandwich shop to give the diner a free full eye check-up. Upon the consultation, the vision doctor learned that the man needed a new pair of glasses.
As a cherry on top, the kind optometrist offered Parker an upgrade free of charge. This expert’s move certainly created a ripple effect, and soon, many more people came to the famed shop to check on the man, and rightfully so after he spent years serving the country.
Mr. Doug Truly Deserving of Arby’s for Life
Arby’s Chandler manager Gamage was elated to know that many people and businesses stepped up to emulate their example. She also believed that Mr. Doug was deserving of extra help at this point in his life because he sacrificed so much for the citizens.
The manager was also dedicated to giving the veteran Arby’s food for life. They only hope that he can get better and come back again to dine regularly because as of May 2019, he could not come by, so employees had to deliver his favorite food.
Recognizing Arby’s Efforts
Arby’s efforts to lend a helping hand didn’t go unnoticed. The veteran group Run for the Wall recognized the food company for its generosity toward Mr. Doug, but Gamage maintained aiding their avid diner was already a reward in itself. The manager also underlined that it was an honor to serve him.
Before Parker’s story going viral, Arby’s had been giving special offers to veterans as a way to appreciate their contributions. In 2016, the restaurant celebrated Veterans Day by giving military personnel a free roast beef sandwich, coincidentally the same flavor that our beloved customer loves.
Praising the Employees
On his Facebook post, Maloney underlined that there are still many kind souls, including the Arby’s employees who pooled in money for their veteran customer. What made the selfless act more laudable was that the company didn’t pay Fishman or any diner to record the touching moment.
Because of how fast and powerful social media is, it wasn’t surprising that Mr. Doug’s story reached thousands of people from different countries. The inspiring post also made people open up about their own experiences with kind companies willing to help those in need.
Being an Online Celebrity
Arby’s employees, especially Coye and Gamage, were happy that Mr. Doug’s story gained traction online. Thanks to Maloney, the veteran became somewhat an Internet celebrity. He touched the lives of people who he didn’t know and inspired them to spread kindness.
The videos and photos elicited positive and heartwarming responses from social media users who praised the company for the kind deed. Some, meanwhile, underlined the importance of celebrating and appreciating war heroes such as Mr. Doug. Others called for the human race to follow suit in treating others with generosity and goodwill.
Story That Elicited Positive Reactions
Over at Facebook, many people expressed happiness over Mr. Doug’s story and noted how companies treating veterans well was just right and fair. One also pointed out that citizens must do more for war heroes. Many others also lauded Arby’s and wished that other companies would do the same.
Some also felt that they love Arby’s even more now because of what they had done for Parker, while others urged people to be more compassionate toward elders. Some encouraged users to respect, not just those in their golden years, but people in general.
Arby’s Becoming More Popular
Arby’s became more famous overnight, thanks to Mr. Doug’s story. The restaurant, founded in 1964, would have been called Big Tex, but its founders learned that the name was already taken. Instead, they used their initials R and B and came up with the name we know today.
Leroy and Forrest Raffel opened their first sandwich shop in Boardman, Ohio, serving their roast beef meal. However, it was in 1978 when the company introduced its signature dish with added cheese. Of late, Arby’s became the talk of the town when its Twitter account became the only one followed by TV host Jon Stewart.
Commemorating Veterans Day
Mr. Doug’s heartwarming tale also inspired others to give utmost attention to Veterans Day, a U.S. federal holiday celebrated every November 11th to commemorate military heroes who served the country. This occasion was originally called Armistice Day and is sometimes confused with Memorial Day.
Memorial Day celebrates those who lost their lives in battles or from wounds incurred during a war. In Great Britain, they call it Remembrance Day and celebrate it on November 11th, offering two minutes of silence for the fallen citizens, parades, and services.
Sharing Stories about Veterans
Several social media users also shared their own moving stories, including one commenter who narrated a personal experience. The person revealed that his late father fought in World War II and the Korean War, and just like Mr. Doug, he loved the food at Arby’s.
The commenter also noted that his dad adored the sandwich shop’s meals because they didn’t taste like those served in fast-food chains. Could it really be just a coincidence that both veterans fancied Arby’s food? We’re never going to find out, but there must be something about what it serves to customers.
Arby’s Meals Loved by Veterans
Mr. Doug’s favorite meal, roast beef with cheese, isn’t really the healthiest option for a person in their 90s, but it didn’t make his stomach upset. Some people pointed out that an older man his age shouldn’t really be eating meals like this as it may wreak havoc on his health.
Parker’s preferred sandwich packs 210 calories per serving. For comparison, Subway’s Roast Beef sandwich has 280 calories. Arby’s version is a hit and miss among the crowd, but it remains one of its best-sellers. Because it is well-known for its roast beef sandwich, it didn’t come as a surprise that the nonagenarian chose it.
Detractors Surfacing
However, not all were impressed with Arby’s gesture toward the veteran. Pelle Stellato was one of those who were skeptical about the act. In fact, he explained that the company was probably getting more than what they were giving to Mr. Doug.
He pointed out that the brand would spend more on advertising than feeding the man for the rest of his life. Stellato also noted how it was a wise business plan for Arby’s, alleging that the sandwich company chose a man in his golden years and, in return, got powerful yet free advertising. He wasn’t the only one who felt that way about the viral story.
Company’s Support for Veterans
Watson Joe similarly believed that Arby’s didn’t have to seek publicity in making such a gesture. He questioned the company’s need to announce their move and pointed out that one should practice kindness out of pure intention and not because one wants their 15 minutes of fame.
However, it is worth mentioning that even before Mr. Doug came into the picture, the company expressed support for veterans. Apart from the afore-mentioned 2016 promotion, Arby’s gave retired and active military service members a free roast beef sandwich in 2012 to celebrate Veterans Day.
Honoring Mr. Doug and Other Veterans
United States Beef CEO Jeff Davis previously announced his appreciation for these courageous heroes willing to defend and serve the country. So giving away free sandwiches was just a token of gratitude. Indeed, Mr. Doug might have been suffering from a stomach problem, and he might have lost his family, but he had found a new one in Arby’s.
In 2015, the National Veterans Foundation revealed that 1.5 million of these heroes live in poverty. Although this group had a lower poverty rate than others, it still doesn’t mean they should be living that way because they sacrificed their youth for ordinary citizens.
A Lifetime is not Enough
Nearing a hundred years old, one reporter quipped about how Mr. Doug should live for more than a decade to enjoy his lifetime’s supply of roast beef sandwiches at Arby’s. The veteran laughed at the joke and wished that he could get the most out of the exclusive offer.
We only wish that he still gets to gobble on hundreds, if not thousands, of sandwiches. Despite this story being a rare one, it pays to underline the importance of giving back to our heroes, who risked their lives in serving the country. Speaking about Parker’s story, there’s another quite similar story with a different ending.
Another Regular Veteran Customer
Mr. Doug is quite a pleasant patron, but not all customers are as gracious as he is. This waitress, for instance, had an interesting experience with another veteran. One day, she noticed how a regular veteran diner was missing for the second day in a row. It was odd considering that he had been eating in the same spot for seven years.
The first day he was absent was already strange for the server, but she knew something was going on by the second day. What could have happened to the old man? She couldn’t shake off this feeling.
Training during the First Week
The server was Melina Salazar, a server at Luby’s in Texas for more than seven years. Being a waitress for a long time, she already knew that not all customers are the same. Some are ill-tempered, while others are a delight to serve. Nonetheless, the lady still wore a smile on her face when she waited tables.
When she was first hired, she had to learn the ropes in service. By her first week, she already learned some tricks and also observed regularities. Salazar also noticed that there was a particular regular diner who developed an image among her coworkers.
Veteran Earning a Reputation among Servers
This customer was a veteran named Walter ‘Buck’ Swords. The 89-year-old loved eating at the Brownsville eatery so much that he dined every day. Unlike Mr. Doug, many employees weren’t fond of serving him for his reputation of being a difficult customer.
Everyone had an idea of how hard it was to serve him, and Salazar was tasked to wait at his table when she was still new. One could say that it was a baptism of fire and because her coworkers already informed her of his ways, she understandably became nervous as she approached the man.
Waitress Staying Positive
Despite feeling the jitters, Salazar made sure to stay optimistic. She thought of the customer as others whom she had already served with a calm and jolly demeanor. The waitress was also set on giving Swords her best service, assumptions aside.
That says a lot about Salazar, who is the type of person who maintains a light vibe and happy aura. She didn’t want her positive attitude to be clouded by misconceptions and unconfirmed perceptions from those around her. However, she finally learned that the man was, indeed, not the most cheerful client.
Not the Sweetest Customer
Swords was notorious for being rude toward the eatery staff, so much so that many wouldn’t want to serve him. He was short-tempered and often demanding. The veteran was also described as irritable, cranky, and impatient. If you were a waiter, he was someone you would want to avoid.
Salazar had the first encounter with the man when she was still training, and his request somewhat cemented what other staff would tell her. He wanted his food scorching hot and told her that it didn’t matter if it would burn his tongue. The customer was specific with what he fancied.
Dealing with a Complicated Customer
That first experience with Swords didn’t falter Salazar’s determination to exert effort. However, it was just the start of a grueling relationship with such a complicated customer. Still, the waitress was keen on giving the elderly man the service he deserved.
This was even though there were days when Swords would really test the server’s patience. One time, he was so irritable that he swore at her, but he failed to rain on Salazar’s parade. She continued to have a happy mindset throughout that day and kept her smile no matter her poor experience.
The Customer Goes AWOL
Unlike other restaurant staff, Salazar was kind to Swords as she always smiled at him. She would also ask him about his day and how he had been doing, proving how dedicated she was in getting to know the customer despite his rudeness. With their daily interactions, she was surprised when the grumpy veteran didn’t come by one day.
It’s true, they didn’t have an ideal relationship, but she kind of developed a fondness for the elderly man. Plus, because he had been a regular customer every day, he was somewhat considered a fixture at Luby’s.
Waitress’ Crippling Worries
Salazar became worried when on the second day, Swords was nowhere to be found in his usual spot at the eatery. On the third day, the veteran again didn’t show up, leaving the waitress truly curious about his whereabouts. However, she didn’t know the man personally and had no details about him or his relatives, so she didn’t have anyone to ask.
That day, the thought that something might have happened to the crabby man kept pestering Salazar. Even after her work, she couldn’t take her mind off the fact that there was no sign of the regular diner for a few days.
Pondering What Might Have Happened
This led Salazar to wonder if something bad had happened to him. She would come to work hoping that Swords would be seated at his usual spot at Luby’s, but then she would feel gutted when she would see a vacant table.
One day, before her shift started, the waitress headed to the back of the establishment and browsed the local newspaper. While she only thought that it was an ordinary day, it became a heartbreaking one when she saw something that ultimately shattered her heart into tiny bits.
Seeing the Customer’s Name in the Paper
Salazar didn’t expect to see Swords name in the newspaper, all the more in the obituary section. It did answer her query about her irritable client’s whereabouts, but unfortunately, it broke her heart. Upon reading his name, tears began to form in her eyes.
All she could think about was that she could no longer see or hear him again, even though he was often mad or demanding. Still, she had to put on a brave face because she had to serve during her shift. She powered through that day with a heavy heart.
Appreciating the Waitress’ Efforts
However, Salazar had no idea of what was in store for her. With all those years that she remained patient and diligent toward her cranky customer, she never showed that she was irritated or fed up with how she was treated. His rudeness was matched with the waitress’s contagious smile.
This admirable gesture didn’t go unnoticed. Even Swords himself was taking note of how he was dealt by Salazar. Little did she know that her efforts weren’t going to waste and were, in fact, always admired and treasured by her grumpy client.
Leaving an Impact on the Customer’s Life
Salazar had no inkling that Swords was actually keeping tabs on her good deeds toward him. Her gorgeous smile and diligence every day when serving the veteran were always, albeit secretly, appreciated. Apparently, the veteran who served during World War II put up trucking businesses and became successful.
Of course, the waitress also didn’t know about the man’s line of work as the deceased wasn’t really the friendliest and most open customer. However, Salazar finally learned that her service had meant so much to the elderly when she surprisingly received a call a few days before Christmas.
The Call that Would Change Salazar’s Life
All the staff of Luby’s were busy tending to customers while some were preparing for Christmas. It was just an ordinary day, and Salazar was doing her job when her attention was called. One of her coworkers told her that the phone was for her, that someone wanted to speak with her.
The waitress initially didn’t know who was on the other end of the line. However, she did get the surprise of her life when she learned that Swords left her something in his last will, meaning her service was special to him.
Swords’ Last Will and Testament
In his last will and testament, it was clear that Swords wanted to reveal his appreciation for the server that showed him nothing but kindness despite his brash attitude. The veteran mentioned her name in the document and probably thought he was one of the most difficult men to serve at Luby’s.
Salazar was expectedly shocked by what she heard and couldn’t believe that a customer had left something for her. From the way he treated her while he was still alive, she had no clue that she had touched the cranky man’s life.
Leaving a Car and Money for Salazar
Swords had bequeathed his favorite server a whopping $50,000 according to his lawyers and his prized 2000 Buick vehicle. Never in Salazar’s wildest dreams did she think that she would have that kind of money in an instant, and it’s all because of her kindness toward a rude customer.
With that amount, all Salazar thought was that she could follow her lifelong passion. She had long wanted to become a chef, but she needed to go to school for that but had to prioritize working to make ends meet.
Understanding What Her Service Meant to the Veteran
More than the money and the car, Salazar was overwhelmed and happy to know that, at least, she made an impact on Swords’ life. She was glad to know that someone appreciated her efforts and patience even though servers are expected to imbibe these virtues. Although the waitress impressed the elderly man, he had never shown a hint of appreciation.
To say that things took a turn for the better is an understatement. We can’t help but be amazed at how she could keep her grace under pressure for years without knowing that a reward awaited her.
Becoming a Celebrity
It didn’t take too long before the media had heard of Salazar’s extraordinary story. It spread like wildfire, and many people fell in love with the server, whose patience was always tried by the difficult customer. Everyone felt the waitress’s sincerity and compassion toward her customers, rude or not.
Many were inspired by her story, while others pointed out that being kind always has a reward, tangible or not. Local stations got a hold of the famous restaurant staffer, making her an even more prominent personality.
On Staying Calm and Collected
Salazar narrated that Swords, indeed, had been rude to her whenever she waited at his table. Established as demanding, the waitress also revealed that her former regular customer had always wanted things to go his way. However, she didn’t let this trample her bubbly personality and simply went about her day.
Every time she would experience his meanness, Salazar would just do her job in her capacity. The waitress kept her cool, didn’t mind the harsh words uttered toward her, and did her best to give what he specifically asked for.
Salazar’s Advice for Wait-staff
Although she was given a huge amount of money, it wasn’t clear if Salazar would continue working at Luby’s as a server, but she did impart some words of wisdom to her coworkers and other waiters.
Not all customers are kind or generous, but if they did come across a rude one just like Swords, Salazar advised them just to be nice and patient. People may cuss or verbally attack them, but it pays to ignore the words and remain above the situation. Plus, this could be useful in a person’s daily life, too!
A Lesson to Be Learned
Being in the service and hospitality industry has never been a walk in the park, but Salazar and Swords’ story certainly proves that people who choose to be the better person will reap the rewards. It is seldom that servers and waiters don’t lose temper when dealing with difficult customers, making Salazar a rare gem.
Plus, what’s impressive is that Salazar never did it for the reward. Her pure heart only wanted to serve every other customer the same way. Nonetheless, she received a present that’s far from what she had imagined!
