In December of 2009, I was almost beyond certain that I’d never do this ever again. And this, was to work in a frozen yogurt store. By March of 2010, here I was, pulling levers and serving these overly popular frozen treats. Trust me, until you’ve worked in one these stores, will you ever realize how psychotic people are, and over what? Frozen yogurt? Yes. Although I dread going to work almost every time, I tend to feel better once I’m in the store. Working in Red Mango is like working in a store that’s constantly on its menstrual cycle, the hormone levels being the number of customers. In the summer, it was constantly busy and boy was work hectic. The only thing that kept all of us workers happy was the fat juicy paycheck that we’d get at the end of the week.
I remember the free smoothie week. Oh boy, that was without a doubt the worst week of my life. On the very first day, the line was out the door and wrapped around the block. This is a Manhattan block I’m talking about. The founder of Red Mango was there, along with a live DJ and people went nuts. We worked feverishly nonstop for the whole day. I felt like passing out and never waking up. The floor was soaked, circuits were being blown (I kid you not), and we had no break. Safe to say things got a lot easier after that week, but now I have crazy customers to deal with.
It was a typical day at work, and I’m taking an order from a customer. Then out of the blue, some guy runs into the store, whips out a big red horn from God knows where, blows it real loud, and runs out. Everyone just stopped whatever it was they were doing for 10 seconds and looked at each other, then of course, laughter erupted. Situations like these aren’t so bad. Now wait until I tell you about how annoying customers can get.
I absolutely despise these ladies who ask for a sample of EVERY SINGLE flavor. Really, I know samples are free and all, but you’re really pushing it. Especially when the Pomegranate flavor lever is always fighting with me. And the worst part is, they have the nerve to leave all their dirty sample cups on the counter when there’s clearly a trash can in front and behind you. I’m so relieved when guys come in to order a frozen yogurt, because they’re not crazy picky like the ladies are. I kid you not, I have never had a male give me attitude; it’s always the girls!
Next, I have to tell you about the customers who always mix up the blackberries and the raspberries. HONEY, there are name plaques for the fruit there for a reason. Then you throw a fit when I put in raspberries like you told me to, when what you meant was blackberries. Unbelievable! When customers get to the register and get their yogurt rung up, one a few always say, “what!” when we tell them their total. The prices are listed nice and boldly for you on the menu, I’m sorry you refuse to read. They complain to me like I made up the prices or something. Sweetheart, I’m just an ordinary worker, complain to the managers.
I feel like I’m ranting a lot, but it isn’t at ALL that bad working there. Sometimes, you meet interesting people. Sometimes. Meeting new coworkers is always fun too, unless they have an ugly personality which doesn’t happen TOO often. When it’s not busy in the store, the atmosphere is pretty relaxing, and my coworkers and I can just chitchat about life and everything. Work has so far been a great way for me to meet new people outside my usual groupie. And of course, the free yogurt at the end of the shift helps too.
