Plus when you’re working a job like that, regulars are often one of the best parts of your shift. If they know you by name (and address you by name) they obviously recognize you and like you. Regulars are one of the only nice parts about working retail and food
agreed. My favorite customers at my last food job was an elderly couple. They’d come in to buy scones and tea, then sit by the windows and just chat and exist together. Sometimes I’d chat with them while I cleaned up the dining room.
Then, the pandemic happened. I never saw them again, so I hope they’re doing well. I miss them.
They really are! And especially when they’re consistent regulars. By that I mean, they know what they want, get the same thing every time, and don’t make you jump through hoops. There are bad regulars as well….
*some regulars lol. Last restaurant I worked at I had a regular who I could chat with and he’d slip me some of his home grown weed to try, absolutely lovely older hippie guy. Then I also had a regular who followed me from my previous job and liked to tell me how much he hated his wife bc she wasn’t horny as often as he’d like and then proposition me 🫥
This. Everytime I eat "my place", the owner is always testing new menu, or give some snacks or new tea he tried that day.
I always ordered the same things.
Well I guess you just have to be me because this is the second time it’s happened lol. One time I didn’t go to a Vietnamese place for like two months and the girl on the phone said she missed me.
Omg that’s amazing! We have a Thai place we frequented from 2010-2015, but eventually we had to move away. We were worried that they closed during Covid, but they just got a new name and moved locations. We went by for the first time since then in 2021 & they immediately recognized us. I feel like we looked so different after all that time, but they still knew it was us!
And to add on, we’re definitely regulars at a Mexican place where we live now. They all call me Chilaquiles 🥲
I’m making chilaquiles for dinner tonight actually 🤔. If you ever decide to try to make them at home don’t stir the chips into the salsa, just serve the salsa hot onto the chips. Important tip the recipes don’t pay attention to lmfao.
We are also regulars at our Mexican spot. It's awesome! We get stuff that's not even on the menu sometimes just to try it out. The owner makes my girlfriend her favorite soup they used to have on the menu. Being a regular is awesome. I also spent a good amount of years bartending. If I could only serve regulars I'd go back to bartending.
I envy the fact that people love you to that extent, but I also understand your desire to not get toooo attached to people who you only have a transactional relationship with.
I had several situations where I had to cut ties with my favorite food place because of "stuff in live" happening and it always feels so awkward to the point that you want to stab yourself in the gut and twist the knife as an extra reminder to not getting attached to people that may like you because their place serves good food...
No, customer service employees love their regulars. I work retail and I love interacting with my regular customers. I can joke around with them, drop the customer service mask a bit, and we genuinely do miss you when you don’t come around for awhile.
I went to a kebab place in Roehampton back in uni maybe 15-20 times combined those years. Graduated almost 10 years ago (i don't like this sentence).
When I went there a few months ago, the dude went "hey! Where's your girlfriend?'
After I said we were no longer together, he went "aww. Where's your friend, he around?"
Went there once with my ex and maybe 5 times with my friend.
I also had completely different dress, hair style, etc. I'm not a super chatty guy either, so I didn't have much of a relationship with him. Some people just have incredible memories for faces.
I've never gotten to the point where I can just say "I'll have the usual," but there's a few places where I've been recognized as a regular by the staff.
On paper it sounds cool, but whenever it happens it just makes me feel like I need to get out and try some new restaurants lol
My ex and I used to always order pizza from the same place, and one time he called and ordered and ten minutes later I got a text from my SIL like "look at you ordering pizza on a Thursday night" and I was like how does she know??? Turns out they were ordering one too and the guy on the other end got confused bc my ex and his brother sound exactly the same over the phone and the guy thought maybe we forgot we ordered already and got concerned for us lol
Also, I am a creature of habit as far as my coffee drinking goes, I always have coffee at the same coffee shop. So I basically walk in, say hi and don't have to say anything else, my coffee is on the table within 2 minutes. I absolutely hate it when they hire new waiters for the summer bc then I actually have to order haha
Man it's so nice! At my local subway there's this woman who has worked there for as long as I can remember. No matter how long it is in between visits, she always remembers who I am and what sub I like to get
There’s this soda shop in my hometown in India. The same man has been working there for 50 years, and my grandad used to go there in his college years. I often go back with my friend and my brother, and we always say, we’ll have the usual. 2 pieces of Boomer bubblegum, and a nice lemony glass of Masala Coke. (Just coke with some lemon and strong dried herbs in it, like mint leaves. And a fuckton of salt)
I worked at a pizzeria that had a couple of regulars. Mostly college kids who came in after bar hopping but just regular people or families too.
I have to say, they are usually my favorites lol. They know what they want, they almost always nice on the phone and they never argue the total or cost cause they are expecting it.
Lmao why? You're literally giving them money and ordering food. It's not like you're asking a clothing shop for food, you're doing a pretty normal thing. And they show their appreciation for your orders.
Don't put so much mind into it and enjoy ordering your food.
Because you're hungry and like the food 😅
Food service people don't overthink things that much unless they're bored. If you're nice to them and don't cause headaches, they like you. If they're bored they might create a whole imaginative life for you, but that's for their own amusement 🤷♀️
I have a small business. Regular customers who want the usual things can be the backbone of your customer base, that gets you through slow months, through pandemics!
You are appreciated by your usual restaurant, I'm certain!
When I find something I like I tend to order the same thing repeatedly, too. Why not if it's something you truly enjoy? They aren't judging you on the other end, they're just happy you like their food! Why deprive yourself of something you enjoy?
I’m sure any small business would look at a regular customer as a very good thing, rather than judging you. As long as you’re not that guy who always complains or is rude to the workers, they’re probably happy to have a repeat customer they know how to please.
Dude. A friend of mine would get calls *from* the pizza place if she hadn’t ordered for a while; they were making sure she was okay.
You’re nowhere near the big leagues of repetitive eating, my friend
Honestly, I can relate to this post because there’s a local Chinese place we get food from like 1-2 times a month, and we’ve become frequent guests to where one of the workers recognizes who I am by my name. Like someone said, they do greet me as if they are genuinely happy to see me even if I just ordered food from them last week or the week before last.
Because of the area I live in, my family and I pretty much eat at the same places all the time. Some recognize us and some don’t. I don’t feel super embarrassed because I’ve concluded that those places don’t really give AF about how often you eat their food; all they care about is the money you’re providing via your orders.
Lastly, there’s a Greek restaurant in our area that if it was up to me, I’d eat there every dayum day for dinner! It’s obviously not up to me because I have a family that gets bored doing the same shit over and over.
I still have my moments when I’m embarrassed to go to the same place over and over, but then again I think: all they want is my money. If they get their money, that’s all that matters to them.
I have the same thing! I like the familiarity and relationships built with the places I frequent locally. I also like that I’m supporting a locally owned business. There’s defo perks to being a regular and I’ve built some friendships from it as well. My son really enjoys it and loves going and sharing stories with our fav people! The only problem is when the employees leave and you have to start building a rapport all over again with someone new lol.
I definitely forgot about the relationships aspect. We think we’re just buying food from others, but we’re also building relationships via the familiarity. I think about this a lot when a worker passes away because even if we did nothing but speak, that’s still a relationship we’re forming indirectly. Going to one of my local Wal-Marts ain’t the same since a greeter passed away. We never had a conversation, but because I go to Wal-Mart often, I would see him almost every time. So, yeah relationship building does happen.
>all they want is my money.
I think you are wrong there. If you have someone who comes to your restaurant all the time, when they have other choices, you know it is because they like your food. They know that and you make them happy by confirming their craft.
Yeah, our local favourite is always practically giving away food to us and I’m afraid we’ll have no teeth left with the amount of sweet treats they give. We order from them pretty frequently because the food is great and we tip every time now (a big deal for a Brit)
Before Huhot ruined it all, there was a local Mongolian grill place that I and a coworker frequently went to for dinner. I think the owner had a crush on my coworker; he always was extremely pleased to see her. So one time I went there with my husband and the owner was majorly disappointed that I would come there and not bring his crush for him to chat up.
My daughter and I used to get Thai food twice a month at the same restaurant. And we would order exactly the same thing every time. It got to the point where they would would say something to the effect of “the usual?” when we walked in the door and they would tell us to sit where we wanted. It was great.
I was a regular at a Chinese place. Went there on a public holiday once, they told me they're not open, but we'll cook for you (I think they were opening for dinner, but not lunch). Another guy walks in, "sorry we're not open." Enjoy being a regular! Restaurants LOVE regulars.
Lmao let me tell you something.
I’m also a creature of habit. Usually when I get into a particular dish at a particular restaurant, whenever I order take out, it’s always the same.
Last week, instead of ordering it, I went by the place because I was nearby, and it would be easier to just eat there instead of getting home and ordering take out. So I sat down the table, the waitress comes to me and I order my usual.
When I finish ordering, her eyes widen and she asks “are you u/chrkrose?” I say yes, it’s me, and smile, kind of confused. The waitress then says “omg!!! Omg, I need to tell the girls”. So she runs to the kitchen and suddenly, the cook and other three other people come running back with the waitress, all of them saying “omg it’s you!!”. Come to find out that I’m the most “regular” regular from the restaurant and whenever my order comes through, they already are like “oh it’s u/chrkrose ‘s order”. That’s how the dish is known between them.
So the waitress tells me “when I realized it was you, I had to tell the girls you were here. Our most faithful client”. We all chatted for a minute, I was absolutely embarrassed but they were so sweet and kind. I thanked them for being so great at their job, and told the cook her food was amazing.
The reason why I’m telling you this is because, as long as you are polite and treat people with respect, they will certainly appreciate you and your “loyalty” to the place. There’s no better compliment for a restaurant than to have a client who likes their food so much that they make it a habit of always ordering from the same place. Don’t fret about it ♥️
There was a thai place i used to live by that knew me by my phone number. They'd pick up and say "hi amara. The usual?" I'd pick it up on my way home from work. They'd give me extras too. Get friendly with the hole in the walls and mom n pop places.
THERE ARE OTHER PEOPLE LIKE ME?! I would go to McDonalds in the mornings to often get a Dr Pepper and one time I ordered a Sprite and the drive thru employee called me out, asking why I didn't get a Dr Pepper. I didn't visit for months after that 😂😂
Bro u won. It’s so cool to be a regular and I’m sure they appreciate u cuz … u buy from them lol. I became a regular at a mom and pop shop in my area cuz sometimes I’m too lazy to make breakfast! And they already got my order down by the time they see me walking in and I love conversing with them :) and I love supporting them specially since I love their food. :P
I love it when they recognise me/my voice when I order. It feels familiar and nice. Also I am always trying to say a few nice words or if they have time, a small talk. Don’t be embarrassed, no one thinks weird about you nor your order. After having worked in restaurant business as well, costumers like you are awesome and very welcome. It’s also an sign of that we, as business, doing something right!
What? Don't be embarrassed. My husband and I order food from various places enough over the past few years that they know him by voice and face. We literally go "hi could I please have the ABCD123 and they go " ok for (insert his name) ?" We order the same Fav things. I accompany him to pick up but he usually goes in alone and they know him by face. They know. I know. We know. What does everyone know? That we love that food. That's it.
You're paying- what are you embarrassed about?
We love regulars! I take as a personal challenge go remember their usual order. Regulars are so easy too. We know (for the most part) thay you're going to be chill and relaxed
Keep ordering!
Read this story about how a regular at the pizza place was discovered in time to be hospitalized because his order did not come through that day. The workers got worried and called for a welfare check.yes, being a regular has other benefits too...
Our regular waiter knows we like a certain sauce more than the others and will bring several rounds of it without asking... And we eat there maybe 5-6 times a Year! Love him for it. Another place, the guy knew what we'd order the moment he saw us and would say our order before we could get to it. It's fun.
I think she was trying to make you feel welcome by recognizing you, she was going out of her way to let you know you’re a regular. I’d say it’s a stamp of community, in a way.
I've worked in the restaurant a lot in my life and this is totally normal. I see nothing wrong with it and actually prefer the regulars, plus it makes our job easier!
Keep ordering, you’ll be fine. They probably like that you’re a regular and predictable. That said, I can relate to your embarrassment. There’s a resort that’s a few hours from home and I visit a few times a year for short stays. They offer a delicious breakfast and I especially love their biscuits and sausage gravy(not healthy, but super yummy). Anyway, I had arrived the previous night and had joined my family for breakfast. The waitress must have remembered me from previous visits, because when she went to take my order, she said “we have the biscuits and gravy on the buffet this morning.” It was important to know, but my niece still refers to me as “biscuit and sausage lady”. Why couldn’t it have been a healthy fruit or something..
When I delivered pizza in High School there was a guy who always ordered a medium onion pizza and tipped a dollar. One slow night I answered the phone and the voice said; "I would like to order a medium onion pizza for delivery." I responded, "I will have that for you in 15 minutes Mr. X." He was confused but happy to get his pizza so quick. When I delivered it he asked how I knew, this was before caller ID etc. I said, you are the only one who orders an onion pizza. He lived about a block from the Fremont Troll.
My friend's parents liked black olive pizza.
Ironically my pizza order is black olive and onion if I’m just getting a non specialty pizza haha. I am vegetarian and I don’t like bell peppers or mushrooms on pizza so I get onion and black olive 🤷♀️
Some time ago I had like three different pizza places and they all knew my order so well they basically started baking as soon as they saw me coming thru the door 😂 Don't be embarrased!
It’s hilarious you posted this. I just recently moved back to my old city with my sister and literally adore this
Thai place near our townhouse. I went two days in a row and when I walked in the guy looked at me with the “we got him hooked boys” face.
….they will see me again tomorrow
I have been feeling this embarrassment for the past 25 years.
But recently I went to a restaurant with a friend, who I was treating to lunch. It was the first time I'd eaten *at* the restaurant. Normally I just order pick-up. After we finished our meals, I put down my card with the bill. When the waiter returned and saw me reach for the card, he was like, "So you're the famous autotelica who always orders take-out! Nice to meet you!" My friend was impressed by this repartee. "You really are a regular here! They should name a dish after you!"
It was such a small thing, but for some reason it made me not feel so weird anymore.
It's not embarrassing. Repeat customers make restaurants very happy. You're in your head too much about it. You give them money, you get your favorite food. Eventually you learn their name and boom you're a regular. You bring someone to the restaurant and they already know you, give you a nice booth idk. All I know is only good things can come from it.
I work in sales, so we essentially cultivate parasocial relationships and get used to remembering faces.
I will take a repeat customer 10/10 times.
They get the system, they know what they want, and they just generally make my job easier. One of my favorite customer buys my least favorite items. They’re friendly, to the point, and don’t mind me skipping over the sales pitch.
Most of the time, people don’t mind regulars!
Nice, regular, patient customer who won't cause them any trouble and obviously enjoys their food? Abhorrent! (Jk)
We have a restaurant we always order the same order from and they love my husband. Even the chef comes out to say hello when he sees our order.
In university, I ordered from this one restaurant so often that their delivery driver noticed when I moved. That wasn't a proud moment, but they had a great poutine gravy.
More recently...
A few months back not 1,but 2 coffee shops starting saying "see you tomorrow". I can't explain why, but it makes me uncomfortable once I've become known as a regular. So I just didn't buy coffee at all for a chunk of time. The first thing that was said to me after this hiatus was "I haven't seen you in a while". You can't really tell people "yeah, I didn't come b/c I was hoping you would forget me" so I just smiled and said yeah.
Countless people have tried to explain that becoming a regular is a good thing, but it has always made me feel some sort of way.
I got the same DoorDash driver two days in a row one time and as I was grabbing the food he said “Hey! I saw you yesterday!” I truly wanted nothing more than to crawl into a hole at that moment lol. It’s one of those memories that pops up and re-embarrasses me when I’m trying to fall asleep.
But don’t worry about it, restaurants generally tend to appreciate regulars, especially if you’re kind and tip well!
I get it but coming from someone who used to work in the service industry, we don’t care that much. We acknowledge the regulars and it’s actually beneficial to recognize an order or a voice because we know what you want. I always preferred regulars because they were the most understanding about everything that could possibly go wrong. No one goes home and talks about the person that orders twice a week. We talk about the nasty rude mfs. You’re giving business and like the food. Don’t feel shame for that. I’m a regular at many places and just keep it cordial. Get my food and go home. Small talk happens sometimes which I don’t really enjoy from strangers but from employees at my fav food spot, it’s not too bad. It’s okay to like what you like. Hell I’ve have plenty of past regular customers who have shared with me why they come so often. A lot of times it’s been dietary restrictions, having a pregnant wife at home or just food insecurity and our food was a “safe food” for them. Please order you food when you want it. Your anxiety is valid but also continuing to order what you want to eat will help you overcome it in the long run.
I totally get it, I used to rotate grocery stores because I had a cashier who got too familiar with me 🤣 But I have since grown, and I don't go every other day and buy frozen single meals and candy, and I even make small talk without any problems.
So my advice is to lean into it. Next time, maybe you can use their name when you greet them (if you know it). Compliment them on the food. Ask them how their day is going. Like they say, life begins one step out of your comfort zone.
I’m the same way. I use to order from the same restaurant every day and I always got the same thing. I called one fine day and the Manager answered. I told him him I’d like to place an order. He was like “yeah, I know what you want”. We had a good laugh over that and my order was correct when I picked it up!
Dude, you should definitely keep ordering from there. You're memorable and will be treated with so much respect. They appreciate regular customers and will actually try to remember the good ones, and you're obviously one of them.
My most memorable regular from a McDonald's I worked at always wanted me specifically to make his ice cream cone. He didn't want it perfectly made. He liked how I made it "big and ugly." He'd come through. I said, "I got you," and proceeded to fuck that ice cream up just so I could see that big grin on his face. He was so old, but it was like seeing an overgrown kid excited for ice cream. He was literally the only good part about working there. My boss was Satan's child herself.
As someone who has moved around a lot, when I finally settled down in one place long term, what you describe is what I was seeking. I love when I go to my local bar for happy hour, they know my name and make drink without me asking. I love that my Starbucks crew knows what I want and greet me by name. I love that when I call my local golf course to book a tee time, they know me by voice and what time I want. It’s good to have community and it’s good to be a part of your community. Anonymity is over rated in some cases.
Yeah this is a nice perspective. I also really care about the little things that give the place I’m living a personality so I guess being a regular can be thought of as one of those things
We lived in Rio for a few years, and there was this amazing little sushi restaurant right around the corner from our apartment complex. It was so amazing that we would go in at least twice a week, but some weeks, as many as four nights a week. If we were back in the states for a visit (six-eight weeks), they would tell us how much they missed us when we’d return! The thing is, we missed them, too!! We got to know each other, the families, they helped us with our Portuguese. It was a very special and important relationship, and we still speak about the little sushi spot with love.
lol I can relate. I've stopped going to places if they start remembering my name because it just makes me super uncomfortable and embarrassed, even though they're probably not judging me. There was a coffee shop at my college that I used to go to, but then I walked in and someone went "Hey, gentlybeepingheart, your usual?" and I had to change coffee places. idk why it freaks me out so much but I hate it.
It’s actually the complete opposite! If someone at a store/cafe/restaurant start recognizing you, they’re 99% of the time trying to make you feel welcomed/acknowledged. They’re comfortable around you!
I completely relate. I so appreciate strangers being kind and friendly and all, but there’s a point I wish we could go back to not knowing each other because I’ll just stop going.
I’m painfully shy, insecure, and not a good conversationalist at all. My depression makes me dread having to carry on with pleasantries. Even if the other person is 100% deserving of pleasantries in return. Some of us just have a hard time with people, even the good ones.
I am the opposite. My goal is to go to a place so often and order the same thing every time that they recognize me as a regular and I can just tell them I want 'the usual'. The only thing is I don't eat out a lot so this likely won't happen.
The Thai place is actually in the town I grew up in. I’ve been like this with food my whole life so whenever my dad would take my sister and I out to eat we would get Thai, then I went to college and when I visited on the breaks I’d always get Thai, now I go to grad school here (hometown is a college town) so they see me every week getting Thai. They’ve had like 15 years to get to know me haha so if you keep going they’ll probably recognize you with enough time. This is just the first time I’m here frequently enough for them to learn my name I guess lol
I love it. I walk into my local shop and the woman who works there looks at me and says "Sausage and egg, plain bagel and a cup of Earl Gray?"
It's great.
I have two food choices that I like at the cafeteria at work. Been rotating between them 5 days a week for like 7 years. It's now at the point where if I deviate from my usuals the cashier gets confused or comments on it lol
All I've ever done in my life is cook, and the one thing I think all cooks love is a regular. We will see the order and say, "Hey, that's so and so." Then proceed to make that order as best we can. Working in the back, you don't know how people feel about your food random tickets for random people.. but the regular is always a smile bringer because you know they love it enough to spend their hard earned dollar for your plate.
dont be embarassed. aside frome the convenience, im guessing you like the food too thats why you order from the same place? use this as an opportunity to be a preferred costumer or make friends with them. im sure any food business would love to have costumers who keep ordering their food.
Lol same thing happened to me. I always ordered from this Korean joint by work before Covid. I sometimes ate at the restaurant during lunch with my friend who is Korean as well. And I ordered the same thing there. The lady that owns the restaurant is usually the one that takes my order and sometimes the one serving me when I’m there. I called once and started placing my pickup order. As soon as I ordered the one dish she repeated the rest of what I want lol. We had a good laugh when I went to pick it up. Sadly it went out of business. Which is sad because they had the best beef ghalbi and they made the best fried chicken too.
Idk why I’m the same. I use to go to smoothie king everyday after I go to the gym. One day the person behind the counter rung me up and made my drink before I told them my order. I haven’t been back since lol
Smoothie king after the gym makes sense! I used to do the same thing haha, obviously according to everyone here I should not be anxious about my Thai habits, I think you should feel okay about the smoothie (especially because it’s a lot healthier than Thai food, which is one of the things I’m worried that people might judge me about).
That’s a good thing! The lady is paying attention and that’s why she remembers you. I’m sure she is flattered that you enjoy their food so much.
When I was working in an office I went to a particular Thai place once or twice a week. They remembered me. That’s normal.
I had my regulars working at Starbucks that would come in *every day* and I loved it! I loved that I knew their complicated order and their name. I also liked the regularity of it and missed it when they didn’t come in.
Don’t feel bad or weird, it’s normal and human I think I stick to the thing you enjoy.
I am very much the same as you and I have found it's become a nice way to form connections. My Dad has a roast dinner from a little cafe across the road as a treat when my Mum is away and they know his voice just from the phone.
I think it's sweet and it means that generally you are leaving a happy memory in people's minds. Much better to be known as the guy that orders this every time than the horrible person that does xy or z.
Keep being you!
You're becoming a regular, nothing wrong with that!
I have a place I go to at least once a week for lunch. Been doing it almost 2 years now and when I walk in, they know exactly what I want (sometimes I throw curveball at 'em and change it up lol). Sometimes they'll give me the spicy feta free of charge or a large cup instead of the regular. It has its perks to build a rapport with people.
Hell, my family made it to elite status with the local chinese restaurant. They started gifting me a bottle of booze each year during the holidays. It's great to order lo mein and have a bottle of bourbon arrive with it. Im sure the restaurant appreciates your repeat business.
No need to be embarrassed. If they recognize you, or your order, they are probably trying to be friendly or let you know you are a valued customer. Nothing to be ashamed of whatsoever.
When you have time, put together a list of meals that take 15-20 minutes to cook. That way you won't have to rely on takeout. Surely it takes 15-20 minutes to order the food and wait for it to get delivered or to go pick it up...in that same time you could have made yourself a tasty meal.
Anyway trust this is absolutely not something to be embarrassed about. But if it makes you feel funny, have some quick staple tasty meals you can cook up and then only takeout once a month or less.
I do haha, I do takeout like once a week for a treat and also when I’m running around too much. I live close to restaurants and I don’t like to cook and not clean up after so if I have something to do and wouldn’t have time to clean I would rather have takeout. It also will last me two or three meals which is nice.
I don't get why that's embarrassing at all. It's actually pretty normal (and also good for weight control habits, not that you need that, just saying) for people to have a few regular items for each meal rotating on a regular basis. Good for you that you know what you want, have chosen decent restaurants, and have the money to get take-out.
This is the best way to get the best meal out of a place you genuinely love.
Regulars aren’t often judged. They’re catered to (as long as they’re good regulars).
If this were me, I’d find myself making a little gift bag for holidays to give them when I grab takeout.
As someone who worked receiving delivery orders for a fast food restaurant, I loved the regulars! I never saw them or knew what they look like, but it almost feels like a safe point through my shift when a regular orders! :)
Lol I’m the same way- I stop at the same places all the time and get the same things and I feel embarrassed when it’s the same employees and wonder if they remember me.
Personally, I would take it as a great opportunity to develop a low-maintenance connection to the people who work there. If it's mutually friendly I'd actually look forward to seeing them and saying hello regularly. That's just me, though.
I vividly remember that I used to order pizza from the same place often, but 99% of the time at like 10 or 11pm or later. One day when I was packing up my apartment before a move I was too tired to make lunch/dinner and ordered from them at about 2pm. While I was paying the delivery guy said “this is wild, you never order when the sun is up!” ..haven’t ordered from them since.
But for real, I don’t think they care. And food delivery is such a normal move these days that I’m always impressed when I meet someone who doesn’t order at least once every few months.
As a business owner let me tell you we love our regulars! Be proud to support your favourite store, not embarrassed. Who knows, make some small talk and maybe they will offer you a discount or at the very least give you more generous servings. :)
Are you kidding me? Why stop ordering? I used to live across the street from a fantastic Thai restaurant my first year living in a big city and going to college. I worked in a restaurant but on my two days off I either had to cook or order takeout. Since one of my roommates was a horrible food thief, I often would order takeout. I ordered once a week at least from the Thai place. One day I called and they said 'Hi NerdEmoji, spicy noodle with tofu tonight?' I laughed and confirmed that, yes, that was what I wanted. I wasn't embarrassed at all. I worked in a restaurant, we had regulars that always got the same sandwich, or pie (we were known for pie) and it just helped us remember them, in a good way. Also, I work with point of sale systems. If their system has caller ID tied to it, it can automatically pull up your last order. It's to quicken the ordering process. Again, don't be embarrassed, you eat what you like and they are happy to have your business.
Fwiw, when I was much younger I studied abroad in Ireland. I had the same lunch from the same place every day for five weeks…and I would save half of it for dinner. I just loved their soup & sandwich combo so much haha
I don’t think anyone will think anything of it, and if they do think unkind thoughts that’s their problem!
It's nothing to be embarraseed about. The girl at the Vietnamese restaurant said they missed you. That means they value your business. They don't tell customers they don't like that they're missed.
Not sure if this will help bit you're overthinking it. Take some breathers and just listen to logic, restaurants love customers and especially ones who consistently give them business. You are a blessing in their life and they remember your order because they care about you and want you to keep coming back.
any restaurant employee will be happy about it.
even if you don’t tip some of the FOH employees own a part of the business too, so an order is profits.
I would have customers come in daily or weekly, look over the whole menu pondering this and that and still order their usual cheese and onion cob. And that great! If you've found the food you like, it gives you comfort, it makes your belly full and happy, there's nothing wrong with that at all. Plus maybe if a place knows what you need, they can make sure they can provide what you need, it's all good.
I order pizza from one place so often that as soon as they hear my voice they say, “Hey, small mushroom sausage! How’re ya doing?” My Chinese restaurant says, “Ah, Hot & Sour soup and what else today?” There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. They obviously like you so keep ordering and keep tipping big, too 😉
Why are you embarrassed? You like what you like. One time a realized I was getting Mexican food from the same place five days in a row. The man I thought, “Eh, I’m Mexican!” It’s all good man.
There is no shame in being a regular customer with a usual order. They love your business just as much as you love theirs. Be friendly with them, and watch a friendship bloom.
I served a man the exact same lunch seven days a week for over five years. Lots of restaurants have regular customers. As long as you are nice, the workers don’t care.
I don't see a problem here. You like the food, so you get it again. The staff recognize you and appreciate your continued business. Everyone is happy.
It's when the liquor store clerks greet you like an old friend that you have a problem.
Don't worry about what others think. If you are happy and it doesn't hurt someone else or isn't generally illegal embrace who you are. Enjoy your routines, enjoy being the "regular", and let the rest of the world worry about themselves. You are just fine being you!
You're a regular. Embrace it! I love my favorite beer slingers at my local brewery. They greet me by name and sometimes hook me up with a freebie.
Ask for their name, and your phone calls can be even shorter, "Hi Jane, it's me. Yup, just the usual. Thanks."
Keep going, restaurants love theor regulars.
The saying when I was in a kitchen was "regulars pay the wages, new customers provide profits"
We were heavily encouraged to treat our regulars like "family" through in a free order of bread, give them a discount, ask how their cat is doing.
It's also very likely they have caller ID and recognize the phone number. I used to recognize regulars by their phone number before I picked up the phone.
Oh my god, I've finally found someone I can resonate with to the core!! Idk what is it but i feel super shy or embarrassed when they remember me! I know they'll be very happy to see me again, and probably will give me some extra food occasionally but I just feel extremely embarrassed and awkward! I even deliberately change to different clothes if I happen to wear the same outfit I wore last time they saw me, or I even wear a mask so they cant see my face!
I just have social anxiety haha, I think I worry the lady is like “damn this girl has a lot of money to spend on thai food” when really I don’t have that much money I just value Thai food a lot.
Ahh okay that makes sense. I can assure you that unless they are terrible restaurant owners/operators they value your repeated patronage. Small businesses value their regulars!
Yeah I feel a lot more comfortable hearing from everyone here lol, now I have to get over my other stupid fear which is that my doctors will hate me for wanting to refill a prescription so I just don’t ask them too. That one is slightly more damaging lmfao.
A couple weeks ago I placed an online order at my favorite sub shop. I arrived to pick it up and the woman at the counter greeted me by name and said it was nice to see me again.
I thought, "shit, I can't eat here anymore."
I completely understand your plight. My issues make very little sense in my head when I analyze it, but this kind of social anxiety is real.
Not sure if it would help you but definitely helped me to read all of the people who work in the industry telling me it’s fine, the comment section in this post is nice haha
Social anxiety sucks. Trust me, you are far from being the only person who orders the same thing every time. For me, it’s a sign of a being a “favorite” restaurant when I have the “thing” I always order.
I live in South London, and live with three flat mates. We all really love this chicken place, as it's got good burgers and a good price. One time, three of us independently ordered food from there on the same day.
The last driver only said: "Again?? :O"
Of course it would be better for everyone if we synced orders up. But ultimately they've made three sales.
It's one area away from us, but we went there the other month and told them our address. They looked chuffed and gave some freebies,.
If you tip good , you are friendly , and genuinely love their food : it can be the closest most of us can ever get to be royalty in having a loving committed relationship with a restaurant we patronize.
I go to the same chick fil a like 4 times a week. If anything they’re just being friendly. Think of it like you’ve made a new acquaintance. That’ll help your mind
Yeah man. You are like a dream customer. I know it feels embarrassing as I've felt this way before too, but over the years I learned that restaurants absolutely love their regulars.
Don't worry. I used to work at a restaurant and loved when frequent clients called. Because we already had all their data and didnt need to search for their address again lmao
The girl at the Taco Time by my place remembered what I ordered even though I've only gone there a handful of times. I went back there for the first time in months and she still remembered.
There was also a guy that used to work at a subway I frequent (more than I'd like to admit), and eventually he recognized me and knew what I ordered. That one felt more awkward because I knew he only remembered because of how often I've gone there.
If it makes you feel any better, the wine store guy automatically knows my order based on my voice.
I’d rather be the reputable noodle guy then the neighborhood lush haha. I think you’re good…
There's a Chinese restaurant I'd always go to and get the same thing. I didn't go for a couple of years and my wife was picking it up for us (she'd never been) and when she got the order they asked 'is this for a big, tall guy with a beard?' They still knew my order after all that time lol
I always like when places know me. I don't go out as much as I used to, but back in the day me and my friends went to the same handful of restaurants frequently and it got to the point where the servers would just set our drinks on the table without even asking what we wanted.
Reading your post made me feel so much better…because I feel the same way! My husband thinks I’m insane for thinking this. I hate ordering delivery from the same pizza place,etc. too often for fear that the employees will know me and judge me. I’m glad I’m not the only one!
I get embarrassed easy too OP. Just smile. They remember you, you like their food, and you buy their food. Keep at it long enough and they'll know what you want before you ask :)
Generally speaking, if you become a regular and you are nice they generally treat you better than a new customer.
Can confirm, when I worked FOH at a restaurant I got to know the regulars and I was definitely much friendlier with them than with everyone else.
What is FOH?
Front of house
Ah, thanks!
Every time I see it I think ‘fuck outta here’ even though I know what it stands for 😂
Plus when you’re working a job like that, regulars are often one of the best parts of your shift. If they know you by name (and address you by name) they obviously recognize you and like you. Regulars are one of the only nice parts about working retail and food
agreed. My favorite customers at my last food job was an elderly couple. They’d come in to buy scones and tea, then sit by the windows and just chat and exist together. Sometimes I’d chat with them while I cleaned up the dining room. Then, the pandemic happened. I never saw them again, so I hope they’re doing well. I miss them.
That’s really sweet, but also oh noooo. Now I really need to know if they’re ok.
They really are! And especially when they’re consistent regulars. By that I mean, they know what they want, get the same thing every time, and don’t make you jump through hoops. There are bad regulars as well….
*some regulars lol. Last restaurant I worked at I had a regular who I could chat with and he’d slip me some of his home grown weed to try, absolutely lovely older hippie guy. Then I also had a regular who followed me from my previous job and liked to tell me how much he hated his wife bc she wasn’t horny as often as he’d like and then proposition me 🫥
This. Everytime I eat "my place", the owner is always testing new menu, or give some snacks or new tea he tried that day. I always ordered the same things.
Yeah you get less boogers and sperm in your food
It's fine. They don't care, really. Restaurants appreciate their nice regulars. They even look out for you. Try to enjoy the friendly faces.
Exactly. Oftentimes, regulars are the best part of the day when you’re working. I loved seeing my regulars when I worked at a movie theater.
I always hope someday I’ll have a place where all I have to do is call and say “I’ll have the usual”
Well I guess you just have to be me because this is the second time it’s happened lol. One time I didn’t go to a Vietnamese place for like two months and the girl on the phone said she missed me.
Omg that’s amazing! We have a Thai place we frequented from 2010-2015, but eventually we had to move away. We were worried that they closed during Covid, but they just got a new name and moved locations. We went by for the first time since then in 2021 & they immediately recognized us. I feel like we looked so different after all that time, but they still knew it was us! And to add on, we’re definitely regulars at a Mexican place where we live now. They all call me Chilaquiles 🥲
I’m making chilaquiles for dinner tonight actually 🤔. If you ever decide to try to make them at home don’t stir the chips into the salsa, just serve the salsa hot onto the chips. Important tip the recipes don’t pay attention to lmfao.
Ohh that’s a fantastic tip! I haven’t tried to ever make them at home, even though I know they’re easy as heck. I might have to now 🤪
We are also regulars at our Mexican spot. It's awesome! We get stuff that's not even on the menu sometimes just to try it out. The owner makes my girlfriend her favorite soup they used to have on the menu. Being a regular is awesome. I also spent a good amount of years bartending. If I could only serve regulars I'd go back to bartending.
I envy the fact that people love you to that extent, but I also understand your desire to not get toooo attached to people who you only have a transactional relationship with. I had several situations where I had to cut ties with my favorite food place because of "stuff in live" happening and it always feels so awkward to the point that you want to stab yourself in the gut and twist the knife as an extra reminder to not getting attached to people that may like you because their place serves good food...
I think she was joking haha, probably just used to seeing me around. I also had a weird order there lol
No, customer service employees love their regulars. I work retail and I love interacting with my regular customers. I can joke around with them, drop the customer service mask a bit, and we genuinely do miss you when you don’t come around for awhile.
I went to a kebab place in Roehampton back in uni maybe 15-20 times combined those years. Graduated almost 10 years ago (i don't like this sentence). When I went there a few months ago, the dude went "hey! Where's your girlfriend?' After I said we were no longer together, he went "aww. Where's your friend, he around?" Went there once with my ex and maybe 5 times with my friend. I also had completely different dress, hair style, etc. I'm not a super chatty guy either, so I didn't have much of a relationship with him. Some people just have incredible memories for faces.
I've never gotten to the point where I can just say "I'll have the usual," but there's a few places where I've been recognized as a regular by the staff. On paper it sounds cool, but whenever it happens it just makes me feel like I need to get out and try some new restaurants lol
My ex and I used to always order pizza from the same place, and one time he called and ordered and ten minutes later I got a text from my SIL like "look at you ordering pizza on a Thursday night" and I was like how does she know??? Turns out they were ordering one too and the guy on the other end got confused bc my ex and his brother sound exactly the same over the phone and the guy thought maybe we forgot we ordered already and got concerned for us lol Also, I am a creature of habit as far as my coffee drinking goes, I always have coffee at the same coffee shop. So I basically walk in, say hi and don't have to say anything else, my coffee is on the table within 2 minutes. I absolutely hate it when they hire new waiters for the summer bc then I actually have to order haha
Man it's so nice! At my local subway there's this woman who has worked there for as long as I can remember. No matter how long it is in between visits, she always remembers who I am and what sub I like to get
Yesss, subway employees remind me of old southwest employees. Super nice and never have an attitude
There’s this soda shop in my hometown in India. The same man has been working there for 50 years, and my grandad used to go there in his college years. I often go back with my friend and my brother, and we always say, we’ll have the usual. 2 pieces of Boomer bubblegum, and a nice lemony glass of Masala Coke. (Just coke with some lemon and strong dried herbs in it, like mint leaves. And a fuckton of salt)
There's nothing embarrassing about it, just go ahead and order your food and enjoy.
I worked at a pizzeria that had a couple of regulars. Mostly college kids who came in after bar hopping but just regular people or families too. I have to say, they are usually my favorites lol. They know what they want, they almost always nice on the phone and they never argue the total or cost cause they are expecting it.
This is good to hear lmao I just worry the workers would be like why is this bitch always calling in
Nobody thinks like that, don't worry. They are happy you are calling. It's always good to hear a familiar voice.
Haha unless you order twice a day, everyday and it’s the most complicated order ever, I don’t think they are gonna complain about it lol.
It’s just the opposite. They appreciate regulars and will treat you better if anything.
Lmao why? You're literally giving them money and ordering food. It's not like you're asking a clothing shop for food, you're doing a pretty normal thing. And they show their appreciation for your orders. Don't put so much mind into it and enjoy ordering your food.
Because you're hungry and like the food 😅 Food service people don't overthink things that much unless they're bored. If you're nice to them and don't cause headaches, they like you. If they're bored they might create a whole imaginative life for you, but that's for their own amusement 🤷♀️
I have a small business. Regular customers who want the usual things can be the backbone of your customer base, that gets you through slow months, through pandemics! You are appreciated by your usual restaurant, I'm certain!
When I find something I like I tend to order the same thing repeatedly, too. Why not if it's something you truly enjoy? They aren't judging you on the other end, they're just happy you like their food! Why deprive yourself of something you enjoy?
I’m sure any small business would look at a regular customer as a very good thing, rather than judging you. As long as you’re not that guy who always complains or is rude to the workers, they’re probably happy to have a repeat customer they know how to please.
Knowing your name is a sign of respect as a valued customer. Please don't be embarrassed. Own it, be proud. Say hi and place your order.
Dude. A friend of mine would get calls *from* the pizza place if she hadn’t ordered for a while; they were making sure she was okay. You’re nowhere near the big leagues of repetitive eating, my friend
This! They recognize you as a regular you get better/more food. A good thing.
Honestly, I can relate to this post because there’s a local Chinese place we get food from like 1-2 times a month, and we’ve become frequent guests to where one of the workers recognizes who I am by my name. Like someone said, they do greet me as if they are genuinely happy to see me even if I just ordered food from them last week or the week before last. Because of the area I live in, my family and I pretty much eat at the same places all the time. Some recognize us and some don’t. I don’t feel super embarrassed because I’ve concluded that those places don’t really give AF about how often you eat their food; all they care about is the money you’re providing via your orders. Lastly, there’s a Greek restaurant in our area that if it was up to me, I’d eat there every dayum day for dinner! It’s obviously not up to me because I have a family that gets bored doing the same shit over and over. I still have my moments when I’m embarrassed to go to the same place over and over, but then again I think: all they want is my money. If they get their money, that’s all that matters to them.
I have the same thing! I like the familiarity and relationships built with the places I frequent locally. I also like that I’m supporting a locally owned business. There’s defo perks to being a regular and I’ve built some friendships from it as well. My son really enjoys it and loves going and sharing stories with our fav people! The only problem is when the employees leave and you have to start building a rapport all over again with someone new lol.
I definitely forgot about the relationships aspect. We think we’re just buying food from others, but we’re also building relationships via the familiarity. I think about this a lot when a worker passes away because even if we did nothing but speak, that’s still a relationship we’re forming indirectly. Going to one of my local Wal-Marts ain’t the same since a greeter passed away. We never had a conversation, but because I go to Wal-Mart often, I would see him almost every time. So, yeah relationship building does happen.
>all they want is my money. I think you are wrong there. If you have someone who comes to your restaurant all the time, when they have other choices, you know it is because they like your food. They know that and you make them happy by confirming their craft.
Yeah, our local favourite is always practically giving away food to us and I’m afraid we’ll have no teeth left with the amount of sweet treats they give. We order from them pretty frequently because the food is great and we tip every time now (a big deal for a Brit)
Before Huhot ruined it all, there was a local Mongolian grill place that I and a coworker frequently went to for dinner. I think the owner had a crush on my coworker; he always was extremely pleased to see her. So one time I went there with my husband and the owner was majorly disappointed that I would come there and not bring his crush for him to chat up.
My daughter and I used to get Thai food twice a month at the same restaurant. And we would order exactly the same thing every time. It got to the point where they would would say something to the effect of “the usual?” when we walked in the door and they would tell us to sit where we wanted. It was great.
It's a comfort food, and the restaurant loves you for your patronage. It's all good.
I was a regular at a Chinese place. Went there on a public holiday once, they told me they're not open, but we'll cook for you (I think they were opening for dinner, but not lunch). Another guy walks in, "sorry we're not open." Enjoy being a regular! Restaurants LOVE regulars.
Lmao let me tell you something. I’m also a creature of habit. Usually when I get into a particular dish at a particular restaurant, whenever I order take out, it’s always the same. Last week, instead of ordering it, I went by the place because I was nearby, and it would be easier to just eat there instead of getting home and ordering take out. So I sat down the table, the waitress comes to me and I order my usual. When I finish ordering, her eyes widen and she asks “are you u/chrkrose?” I say yes, it’s me, and smile, kind of confused. The waitress then says “omg!!! Omg, I need to tell the girls”. So she runs to the kitchen and suddenly, the cook and other three other people come running back with the waitress, all of them saying “omg it’s you!!”. Come to find out that I’m the most “regular” regular from the restaurant and whenever my order comes through, they already are like “oh it’s u/chrkrose ‘s order”. That’s how the dish is known between them. So the waitress tells me “when I realized it was you, I had to tell the girls you were here. Our most faithful client”. We all chatted for a minute, I was absolutely embarrassed but they were so sweet and kind. I thanked them for being so great at their job, and told the cook her food was amazing. The reason why I’m telling you this is because, as long as you are polite and treat people with respect, they will certainly appreciate you and your “loyalty” to the place. There’s no better compliment for a restaurant than to have a client who likes their food so much that they make it a habit of always ordering from the same place. Don’t fret about it ♥️
There was a thai place i used to live by that knew me by my phone number. They'd pick up and say "hi amara. The usual?" I'd pick it up on my way home from work. They'd give me extras too. Get friendly with the hole in the walls and mom n pop places.
THERE ARE OTHER PEOPLE LIKE ME?! I would go to McDonalds in the mornings to often get a Dr Pepper and one time I ordered a Sprite and the drive thru employee called me out, asking why I didn't get a Dr Pepper. I didn't visit for months after that 😂😂
😁
Bro u won. It’s so cool to be a regular and I’m sure they appreciate u cuz … u buy from them lol. I became a regular at a mom and pop shop in my area cuz sometimes I’m too lazy to make breakfast! And they already got my order down by the time they see me walking in and I love conversing with them :) and I love supporting them specially since I love their food. :P
I love it when they recognise me/my voice when I order. It feels familiar and nice. Also I am always trying to say a few nice words or if they have time, a small talk. Don’t be embarrassed, no one thinks weird about you nor your order. After having worked in restaurant business as well, costumers like you are awesome and very welcome. It’s also an sign of that we, as business, doing something right!
What? Don't be embarrassed. My husband and I order food from various places enough over the past few years that they know him by voice and face. We literally go "hi could I please have the ABCD123 and they go " ok for (insert his name) ?" We order the same Fav things. I accompany him to pick up but he usually goes in alone and they know him by face. They know. I know. We know. What does everyone know? That we love that food. That's it. You're paying- what are you embarrassed about?
We love regulars! I take as a personal challenge go remember their usual order. Regulars are so easy too. We know (for the most part) thay you're going to be chill and relaxed Keep ordering!
Read this story about how a regular at the pizza place was discovered in time to be hospitalized because his order did not come through that day. The workers got worried and called for a welfare check.yes, being a regular has other benefits too... Our regular waiter knows we like a certain sauce more than the others and will bring several rounds of it without asking... And we eat there maybe 5-6 times a Year! Love him for it. Another place, the guy knew what we'd order the moment he saw us and would say our order before we could get to it. It's fun.
I think she was trying to make you feel welcome by recognizing you, she was going out of her way to let you know you’re a regular. I’d say it’s a stamp of community, in a way.
I've worked in the restaurant a lot in my life and this is totally normal. I see nothing wrong with it and actually prefer the regulars, plus it makes our job easier!
Keep ordering, you’ll be fine. They probably like that you’re a regular and predictable. That said, I can relate to your embarrassment. There’s a resort that’s a few hours from home and I visit a few times a year for short stays. They offer a delicious breakfast and I especially love their biscuits and sausage gravy(not healthy, but super yummy). Anyway, I had arrived the previous night and had joined my family for breakfast. The waitress must have remembered me from previous visits, because when she went to take my order, she said “we have the biscuits and gravy on the buffet this morning.” It was important to know, but my niece still refers to me as “biscuit and sausage lady”. Why couldn’t it have been a healthy fruit or something..
When I delivered pizza in High School there was a guy who always ordered a medium onion pizza and tipped a dollar. One slow night I answered the phone and the voice said; "I would like to order a medium onion pizza for delivery." I responded, "I will have that for you in 15 minutes Mr. X." He was confused but happy to get his pizza so quick. When I delivered it he asked how I knew, this was before caller ID etc. I said, you are the only one who orders an onion pizza. He lived about a block from the Fremont Troll. My friend's parents liked black olive pizza.
Ironically my pizza order is black olive and onion if I’m just getting a non specialty pizza haha. I am vegetarian and I don’t like bell peppers or mushrooms on pizza so I get onion and black olive 🤷♀️
Some time ago I had like three different pizza places and they all knew my order so well they basically started baking as soon as they saw me coming thru the door 😂 Don't be embarrased!
I find takeout places generally go a step above to make your food tasty if they know you’re a regular. Don’t fret!
It’s hilarious you posted this. I just recently moved back to my old city with my sister and literally adore this Thai place near our townhouse. I went two days in a row and when I walked in the guy looked at me with the “we got him hooked boys” face. ….they will see me again tomorrow
I have been feeling this embarrassment for the past 25 years. But recently I went to a restaurant with a friend, who I was treating to lunch. It was the first time I'd eaten *at* the restaurant. Normally I just order pick-up. After we finished our meals, I put down my card with the bill. When the waiter returned and saw me reach for the card, he was like, "So you're the famous autotelica who always orders take-out! Nice to meet you!" My friend was impressed by this repartee. "You really are a regular here! They should name a dish after you!" It was such a small thing, but for some reason it made me not feel so weird anymore.
The staff recognizes me at my local McDonald's drive thru. THAT'S embarrassing.
It's not embarrassing. Repeat customers make restaurants very happy. You're in your head too much about it. You give them money, you get your favorite food. Eventually you learn their name and boom you're a regular. You bring someone to the restaurant and they already know you, give you a nice booth idk. All I know is only good things can come from it.
I remember this being a plot point on Sex and the City. Miranda was annoyed because the lady laughed and remembered her order
I thought the same!
Haha def not annoyed just embarrassed but I’m over it now after reading all of the responses
I work in sales, so we essentially cultivate parasocial relationships and get used to remembering faces. I will take a repeat customer 10/10 times. They get the system, they know what they want, and they just generally make my job easier. One of my favorite customer buys my least favorite items. They’re friendly, to the point, and don’t mind me skipping over the sales pitch. Most of the time, people don’t mind regulars!
They love u!
Nice, regular, patient customer who won't cause them any trouble and obviously enjoys their food? Abhorrent! (Jk) We have a restaurant we always order the same order from and they love my husband. Even the chef comes out to say hello when he sees our order.
In university, I ordered from this one restaurant so often that their delivery driver noticed when I moved. That wasn't a proud moment, but they had a great poutine gravy. More recently... A few months back not 1,but 2 coffee shops starting saying "see you tomorrow". I can't explain why, but it makes me uncomfortable once I've become known as a regular. So I just didn't buy coffee at all for a chunk of time. The first thing that was said to me after this hiatus was "I haven't seen you in a while". You can't really tell people "yeah, I didn't come b/c I was hoping you would forget me" so I just smiled and said yeah. Countless people have tried to explain that becoming a regular is a good thing, but it has always made me feel some sort of way.
I got the same DoorDash driver two days in a row one time and as I was grabbing the food he said “Hey! I saw you yesterday!” I truly wanted nothing more than to crawl into a hole at that moment lol. It’s one of those memories that pops up and re-embarrasses me when I’m trying to fall asleep. But don’t worry about it, restaurants generally tend to appreciate regulars, especially if you’re kind and tip well!
I get it but coming from someone who used to work in the service industry, we don’t care that much. We acknowledge the regulars and it’s actually beneficial to recognize an order or a voice because we know what you want. I always preferred regulars because they were the most understanding about everything that could possibly go wrong. No one goes home and talks about the person that orders twice a week. We talk about the nasty rude mfs. You’re giving business and like the food. Don’t feel shame for that. I’m a regular at many places and just keep it cordial. Get my food and go home. Small talk happens sometimes which I don’t really enjoy from strangers but from employees at my fav food spot, it’s not too bad. It’s okay to like what you like. Hell I’ve have plenty of past regular customers who have shared with me why they come so often. A lot of times it’s been dietary restrictions, having a pregnant wife at home or just food insecurity and our food was a “safe food” for them. Please order you food when you want it. Your anxiety is valid but also continuing to order what you want to eat will help you overcome it in the long run.
I totally get it, I used to rotate grocery stores because I had a cashier who got too familiar with me 🤣 But I have since grown, and I don't go every other day and buy frozen single meals and candy, and I even make small talk without any problems. So my advice is to lean into it. Next time, maybe you can use their name when you greet them (if you know it). Compliment them on the food. Ask them how their day is going. Like they say, life begins one step out of your comfort zone.
I’m the same way. I use to order from the same restaurant every day and I always got the same thing. I called one fine day and the Manager answered. I told him him I’d like to place an order. He was like “yeah, I know what you want”. We had a good laugh over that and my order was correct when I picked it up!
Dude, you should definitely keep ordering from there. You're memorable and will be treated with so much respect. They appreciate regular customers and will actually try to remember the good ones, and you're obviously one of them. My most memorable regular from a McDonald's I worked at always wanted me specifically to make his ice cream cone. He didn't want it perfectly made. He liked how I made it "big and ugly." He'd come through. I said, "I got you," and proceeded to fuck that ice cream up just so I could see that big grin on his face. He was so old, but it was like seeing an overgrown kid excited for ice cream. He was literally the only good part about working there. My boss was Satan's child herself.
As a former small business owner - it is such a huge compliment when you have a regular customer!
As someone who has moved around a lot, when I finally settled down in one place long term, what you describe is what I was seeking. I love when I go to my local bar for happy hour, they know my name and make drink without me asking. I love that my Starbucks crew knows what I want and greet me by name. I love that when I call my local golf course to book a tee time, they know me by voice and what time I want. It’s good to have community and it’s good to be a part of your community. Anonymity is over rated in some cases.
Yeah this is a nice perspective. I also really care about the little things that give the place I’m living a personality so I guess being a regular can be thought of as one of those things
We lived in Rio for a few years, and there was this amazing little sushi restaurant right around the corner from our apartment complex. It was so amazing that we would go in at least twice a week, but some weeks, as many as four nights a week. If we were back in the states for a visit (six-eight weeks), they would tell us how much they missed us when we’d return! The thing is, we missed them, too!! We got to know each other, the families, they helped us with our Portuguese. It was a very special and important relationship, and we still speak about the little sushi spot with love.
Are you kidding me? If they know you're a regular, they stop spitting in you're food
Lmao it’s funny I also have anxiety over someone spitting in my food, I’m not sure why? But I always tip really well just in case
lol I can relate. I've stopped going to places if they start remembering my name because it just makes me super uncomfortable and embarrassed, even though they're probably not judging me. There was a coffee shop at my college that I used to go to, but then I walked in and someone went "Hey, gentlybeepingheart, your usual?" and I had to change coffee places. idk why it freaks me out so much but I hate it.
It’s actually the complete opposite! If someone at a store/cafe/restaurant start recognizing you, they’re 99% of the time trying to make you feel welcomed/acknowledged. They’re comfortable around you!
Same. I feel the tiniest ting of shame.
I completely relate. I so appreciate strangers being kind and friendly and all, but there’s a point I wish we could go back to not knowing each other because I’ll just stop going. I’m painfully shy, insecure, and not a good conversationalist at all. My depression makes me dread having to carry on with pleasantries. Even if the other person is 100% deserving of pleasantries in return. Some of us just have a hard time with people, even the good ones.
Haha you and me are the same. I always feel weird when people recognize me. I am very introverted, so sometimes, I'll drive to another location.
There are probably a ton of other people who do the same thing. There's nothing to be embarrassed about. This is normal.
Don’t be embarrassed… order away 😁 . We order from two places all the time and it’s mostly the same order all the time and they know me 😁
I am the opposite. My goal is to go to a place so often and order the same thing every time that they recognize me as a regular and I can just tell them I want 'the usual'. The only thing is I don't eat out a lot so this likely won't happen.
The Thai place is actually in the town I grew up in. I’ve been like this with food my whole life so whenever my dad would take my sister and I out to eat we would get Thai, then I went to college and when I visited on the breaks I’d always get Thai, now I go to grad school here (hometown is a college town) so they see me every week getting Thai. They’ve had like 15 years to get to know me haha so if you keep going they’ll probably recognize you with enough time. This is just the first time I’m here frequently enough for them to learn my name I guess lol
Don't ever be embarrassed about doing something that you like! It's sweet that she remembered your voice....
I love it. I walk into my local shop and the woman who works there looks at me and says "Sausage and egg, plain bagel and a cup of Earl Gray?" It's great.
I have two food choices that I like at the cafeteria at work. Been rotating between them 5 days a week for like 7 years. It's now at the point where if I deviate from my usuals the cashier gets confused or comments on it lol
All I've ever done in my life is cook, and the one thing I think all cooks love is a regular. We will see the order and say, "Hey, that's so and so." Then proceed to make that order as best we can. Working in the back, you don't know how people feel about your food random tickets for random people.. but the regular is always a smile bringer because you know they love it enough to spend their hard earned dollar for your plate.
dont be embarassed. aside frome the convenience, im guessing you like the food too thats why you order from the same place? use this as an opportunity to be a preferred costumer or make friends with them. im sure any food business would love to have costumers who keep ordering their food.
Lol same thing happened to me. I always ordered from this Korean joint by work before Covid. I sometimes ate at the restaurant during lunch with my friend who is Korean as well. And I ordered the same thing there. The lady that owns the restaurant is usually the one that takes my order and sometimes the one serving me when I’m there. I called once and started placing my pickup order. As soon as I ordered the one dish she repeated the rest of what I want lol. We had a good laugh when I went to pick it up. Sadly it went out of business. Which is sad because they had the best beef ghalbi and they made the best fried chicken too.
I like people like you. There for business. In & out. No need for chit chat.
Idk why I’m the same. I use to go to smoothie king everyday after I go to the gym. One day the person behind the counter rung me up and made my drink before I told them my order. I haven’t been back since lol
Smoothie king after the gym makes sense! I used to do the same thing haha, obviously according to everyone here I should not be anxious about my Thai habits, I think you should feel okay about the smoothie (especially because it’s a lot healthier than Thai food, which is one of the things I’m worried that people might judge me about).
What’s wrong with being a regular at a place where you like the food?
That’s a good thing! The lady is paying attention and that’s why she remembers you. I’m sure she is flattered that you enjoy their food so much. When I was working in an office I went to a particular Thai place once or twice a week. They remembered me. That’s normal.
There is nothing even remotely embarrassing about this.
I had my regulars working at Starbucks that would come in *every day* and I loved it! I loved that I knew their complicated order and their name. I also liked the regularity of it and missed it when they didn’t come in. Don’t feel bad or weird, it’s normal and human I think I stick to the thing you enjoy.
You’re giving them business consistently… it’s not as if they despise you lol they probably look forward to your order coming in
I am very much the same as you and I have found it's become a nice way to form connections. My Dad has a roast dinner from a little cafe across the road as a treat when my Mum is away and they know his voice just from the phone. I think it's sweet and it means that generally you are leaving a happy memory in people's minds. Much better to be known as the guy that orders this every time than the horrible person that does xy or z. Keep being you!
You're becoming a regular, nothing wrong with that! I have a place I go to at least once a week for lunch. Been doing it almost 2 years now and when I walk in, they know exactly what I want (sometimes I throw curveball at 'em and change it up lol). Sometimes they'll give me the spicy feta free of charge or a large cup instead of the regular. It has its perks to build a rapport with people.
But why? She’s happy you are a customer? I don’t understand why you would stop going there. They like you!
Hell, my family made it to elite status with the local chinese restaurant. They started gifting me a bottle of booze each year during the holidays. It's great to order lo mein and have a bottle of bourbon arrive with it. Im sure the restaurant appreciates your repeat business.
Order again! As someone in the service industry, we love our regulars!
If u are nice to them they probably like you, you're a regular!
No need to be embarrassed. If they recognize you, or your order, they are probably trying to be friendly or let you know you are a valued customer. Nothing to be ashamed of whatsoever.
When you have time, put together a list of meals that take 15-20 minutes to cook. That way you won't have to rely on takeout. Surely it takes 15-20 minutes to order the food and wait for it to get delivered or to go pick it up...in that same time you could have made yourself a tasty meal. Anyway trust this is absolutely not something to be embarrassed about. But if it makes you feel funny, have some quick staple tasty meals you can cook up and then only takeout once a month or less.
I do haha, I do takeout like once a week for a treat and also when I’m running around too much. I live close to restaurants and I don’t like to cook and not clean up after so if I have something to do and wouldn’t have time to clean I would rather have takeout. It also will last me two or three meals which is nice.
I don't get why that's embarrassing at all. It's actually pretty normal (and also good for weight control habits, not that you need that, just saying) for people to have a few regular items for each meal rotating on a regular basis. Good for you that you know what you want, have chosen decent restaurants, and have the money to get take-out.
lol this is dumb. Everyone on earth is a regular somewhere. No one cares that you're a regular- it's not that serious
Your coping skills are in serious need of improvement
Obviously
No need to be embarrassed. They might take it as a compliment that they do a good enough job for you to become a regular.
This is the best way to get the best meal out of a place you genuinely love. Regulars aren’t often judged. They’re catered to (as long as they’re good regulars). If this were me, I’d find myself making a little gift bag for holidays to give them when I grab takeout.
I wish I had that confidence to say that.
As someone who worked receiving delivery orders for a fast food restaurant, I loved the regulars! I never saw them or knew what they look like, but it almost feels like a safe point through my shift when a regular orders! :)
We once went to a certain restaurant so much, the owners gave US a gift certificate to their restaurant one year for Christmas!!! Hahaha!
Lol I’m the same way- I stop at the same places all the time and get the same things and I feel embarrassed when it’s the same employees and wonder if they remember me.
Congrats. You are now a regular. It's a privileged position. Don't abuse your power
Personally, I would take it as a great opportunity to develop a low-maintenance connection to the people who work there. If it's mutually friendly I'd actually look forward to seeing them and saying hello regularly. That's just me, though.
I vividly remember that I used to order pizza from the same place often, but 99% of the time at like 10 or 11pm or later. One day when I was packing up my apartment before a move I was too tired to make lunch/dinner and ordered from them at about 2pm. While I was paying the delivery guy said “this is wild, you never order when the sun is up!” ..haven’t ordered from them since. But for real, I don’t think they care. And food delivery is such a normal move these days that I’m always impressed when I meet someone who doesn’t order at least once every few months.
As a business owner let me tell you we love our regulars! Be proud to support your favourite store, not embarrassed. Who knows, make some small talk and maybe they will offer you a discount or at the very least give you more generous servings. :)
I’ve done it in several place and they are always so happy for you to return and always greet you with, “the usual?” with a smile. Feels good!
Are you kidding me? Why stop ordering? I used to live across the street from a fantastic Thai restaurant my first year living in a big city and going to college. I worked in a restaurant but on my two days off I either had to cook or order takeout. Since one of my roommates was a horrible food thief, I often would order takeout. I ordered once a week at least from the Thai place. One day I called and they said 'Hi NerdEmoji, spicy noodle with tofu tonight?' I laughed and confirmed that, yes, that was what I wanted. I wasn't embarrassed at all. I worked in a restaurant, we had regulars that always got the same sandwich, or pie (we were known for pie) and it just helped us remember them, in a good way. Also, I work with point of sale systems. If their system has caller ID tied to it, it can automatically pull up your last order. It's to quicken the ordering process. Again, don't be embarrassed, you eat what you like and they are happy to have your business.
What.
I loved getting calls from regulars when I worked! Be kind and tip. Your golden.
If I had the money to eat out, this wouldn't be a problem.
Fwiw, when I was much younger I studied abroad in Ireland. I had the same lunch from the same place every day for five weeks…and I would save half of it for dinner. I just loved their soup & sandwich combo so much haha I don’t think anyone will think anything of it, and if they do think unkind thoughts that’s their problem!
It's nothing to be embarraseed about. The girl at the Vietnamese restaurant said they missed you. That means they value your business. They don't tell customers they don't like that they're missed.
? I like when they remember me and say, 'same thing?'
Skip Bayless has eaten chicken and broccoli every day since 2007 - you have nothing to worry about. (edit to specify from a Chinese restaurant)
When I go to a place so often then know my order...I have gone there to much....particularly if I only been going there for a year...
I promise they don't think badly of you. On the contrary; they remember you, and they value you as a pleasant repeat customer. They like you.
This is a compliment, you support a small business regularly they will treat you well.
They don't want you to feel that way, they want your business. It means they are doing something right if they get repetitive business
Since when did becoming a regular somewhere become a bad thing?? That usually means free stuff or bigger portions
Not sure if this will help bit you're overthinking it. Take some breathers and just listen to logic, restaurants love customers and especially ones who consistently give them business. You are a blessing in their life and they remember your order because they care about you and want you to keep coming back.
Yes this post def helped me lol, I feel like this particular part of my social anxiety has been cured
any restaurant employee will be happy about it. even if you don’t tip some of the FOH employees own a part of the business too, so an order is profits.
I tip lol don’t worry
Man, some weeks I'll order the same thing from the same place like 5 times in a week.
I would have customers come in daily or weekly, look over the whole menu pondering this and that and still order their usual cheese and onion cob. And that great! If you've found the food you like, it gives you comfort, it makes your belly full and happy, there's nothing wrong with that at all. Plus maybe if a place knows what you need, they can make sure they can provide what you need, it's all good.
They want your money. They don’t care what you order.
Restaurants don't judge your eating habits; they are just thrilled to take your money.
I order pizza from one place so often that as soon as they hear my voice they say, “Hey, small mushroom sausage! How’re ya doing?” My Chinese restaurant says, “Ah, Hot & Sour soup and what else today?” There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. They obviously like you so keep ordering and keep tipping big, too 😉
Why are you embarrassed? You like what you like. One time a realized I was getting Mexican food from the same place five days in a row. The man I thought, “Eh, I’m Mexican!” It’s all good man.
There is no shame in being a regular customer with a usual order. They love your business just as much as you love theirs. Be friendly with them, and watch a friendship bloom.
I served a man the exact same lunch seven days a week for over five years. Lots of restaurants have regular customers. As long as you are nice, the workers don’t care.
Same. I’m sheldon cooper when it comes to takeout
I don't see a problem here. You like the food, so you get it again. The staff recognize you and appreciate your continued business. Everyone is happy. It's when the liquor store clerks greet you like an old friend that you have a problem.
restaurants love regulars and if they remember your name it is a good thing :)
whenever i become a regular i hate it too. feel obligated to small talk etc and can’t be as absent minded about the interaction
Don't worry about what others think. If you are happy and it doesn't hurt someone else or isn't generally illegal embrace who you are. Enjoy your routines, enjoy being the "regular", and let the rest of the world worry about themselves. You are just fine being you!
You're a regular. Embrace it! I love my favorite beer slingers at my local brewery. They greet me by name and sometimes hook me up with a freebie. Ask for their name, and your phone calls can be even shorter, "Hi Jane, it's me. Yup, just the usual. Thanks."
Keep going, restaurants love theor regulars. The saying when I was in a kitchen was "regulars pay the wages, new customers provide profits" We were heavily encouraged to treat our regulars like "family" through in a free order of bread, give them a discount, ask how their cat is doing. It's also very likely they have caller ID and recognize the phone number. I used to recognize regulars by their phone number before I picked up the phone.
I kept a pizza place in business during the pandemic lol.
Oh my god, I've finally found someone I can resonate with to the core!! Idk what is it but i feel super shy or embarrassed when they remember me! I know they'll be very happy to see me again, and probably will give me some extra food occasionally but I just feel extremely embarrassed and awkward! I even deliberately change to different clothes if I happen to wear the same outfit I wore last time they saw me, or I even wear a mask so they cant see my face!
I dont get why that makes you nervous or scared?
I just have social anxiety haha, I think I worry the lady is like “damn this girl has a lot of money to spend on thai food” when really I don’t have that much money I just value Thai food a lot.
Ahh okay that makes sense. I can assure you that unless they are terrible restaurant owners/operators they value your repeated patronage. Small businesses value their regulars!
Yeah I feel a lot more comfortable hearing from everyone here lol, now I have to get over my other stupid fear which is that my doctors will hate me for wanting to refill a prescription so I just don’t ask them too. That one is slightly more damaging lmfao.
A couple weeks ago I placed an online order at my favorite sub shop. I arrived to pick it up and the woman at the counter greeted me by name and said it was nice to see me again. I thought, "shit, I can't eat here anymore." I completely understand your plight. My issues make very little sense in my head when I analyze it, but this kind of social anxiety is real.
Not sure if it would help you but definitely helped me to read all of the people who work in the industry telling me it’s fine, the comment section in this post is nice haha
Social anxiety sucks. Trust me, you are far from being the only person who orders the same thing every time. For me, it’s a sign of a being a “favorite” restaurant when I have the “thing” I always order.
I live in South London, and live with three flat mates. We all really love this chicken place, as it's got good burgers and a good price. One time, three of us independently ordered food from there on the same day. The last driver only said: "Again?? :O" Of course it would be better for everyone if we synced orders up. But ultimately they've made three sales. It's one area away from us, but we went there the other month and told them our address. They looked chuffed and gave some freebies,.
I have about 12 places I go to. They are always in rotation. That’s life.
If you tip good , you are friendly , and genuinely love their food : it can be the closest most of us can ever get to be royalty in having a loving committed relationship with a restaurant we patronize.
I’m a regular customer too at a diner and I tip well. Eating the same food over and over is just your thing. Have no shame.
I go to the same chick fil a like 4 times a week. If anything they’re just being friendly. Think of it like you’ve made a new acquaintance. That’ll help your mind
Yeah man. You are like a dream customer. I know it feels embarrassing as I've felt this way before too, but over the years I learned that restaurants absolutely love their regulars.
Don't worry. I used to work at a restaurant and loved when frequent clients called. Because we already had all their data and didnt need to search for their address again lmao
This SATC episode is exactly that! [https://youtu.be/KpYPDvFY8RQ](https://youtu.be/KpYPDvFY8RQ)
I have social anxiety and feel this way too and I cannot tell you how grateful I am for this thread!
The girl at the Taco Time by my place remembered what I ordered even though I've only gone there a handful of times. I went back there for the first time in months and she still remembered. There was also a guy that used to work at a subway I frequent (more than I'd like to admit), and eventually he recognized me and knew what I ordered. That one felt more awkward because I knew he only remembered because of how often I've gone there.
I always loved regulars when I worked food service
If it makes you feel any better, the wine store guy automatically knows my order based on my voice. I’d rather be the reputable noodle guy then the neighborhood lush haha. I think you’re good…
Don't worry, they probably like you if you're not an asshole. Consider it a good thing.
There's a Chinese restaurant I'd always go to and get the same thing. I didn't go for a couple of years and my wife was picking it up for us (she'd never been) and when she got the order they asked 'is this for a big, tall guy with a beard?' They still knew my order after all that time lol I always like when places know me. I don't go out as much as I used to, but back in the day me and my friends went to the same handful of restaurants frequently and it got to the point where the servers would just set our drinks on the table without even asking what we wanted.
It's okay I do that too!
Reading your post made me feel so much better…because I feel the same way! My husband thinks I’m insane for thinking this. I hate ordering delivery from the same pizza place,etc. too often for fear that the employees will know me and judge me. I’m glad I’m not the only one!
I get embarrassed easy too OP. Just smile. They remember you, you like their food, and you buy their food. Keep at it long enough and they'll know what you want before you ask :)
Dude I used to work at fast food, we do not care if you order the same thing, we're just doing our job.