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Overwhelmed Workers Sob After Manager Abandons Them - The Host Gives Two Customers an Idea
Uplifting News

Overwhelmed Workers Sob After Manager Abandons Them - The Host Gives Two Customers an Idea

We all know on a practical level that waitressing is a tough gig. But the truth is — at least for most of us, when we're being served a plate of cold eggs — our 'understanding' nature goes right out the window.The person we want to be (someone who understands it's not the 17-year-old server's fault our eggs are cold) is not the person we are in the moment (someone who's giving the 17-year-old server a bad tip).Honestly, it's only human.But one Texas mother and daughter duo are proving they may be superhuman — or at least, just really empathetic. The Local Denny's Diner Was SwampedSugarlandSylvia Arredondo and her mother Idalia Merkel did the coolest thing possible when they arrived at a Denny's that was short staffed. Like, really short staffed.Two college students were left to fend for themselves when their manager had all but abandoned them at the busy restaurant.Arredondo and Merkel had come from a concert to grab a bite to eat and it seemed like a lot of other people had the same idea because the place was packed.Arredondo was confused when an older gentleman sat them at a table. It seemed like the "host" didn't really know what he was doing — because it turns out he didn't!The “Host” Gave Them a Great IdeaArredondo would soon learn the "host" was actually just a customer who was trying to help organize the chaos. He shared that his wife used to serve at a Denny's. He understood first hand how low the federal minimum wage was ($2.13) — and how dependent those two college staffers were on tips.As it turned out, only two college kids were working the late night shift. One girl was waitressing and one young man was cooking. They called their manager and co-workers for back up...but nobody picked up the phone.Understandably, the tag-team had been so overwhelmed by the crowd, the waitress broke down in tears. The cook comforted her, until he broke down in tears and she had to comfort him!"All we knew was this sweet young lady and young man showed up to earn a paycheck, and we were all determined to not let them sink!"Sylvia Arredondo, FacebookWell, this was all the ammunition this one mother-daughter team needed to jump in a do their part. Arredondo waited tables and her mother got to flipping burgers!Read Sylvia Arredondo's Story Here:Arredondo managed to snap a picture of her mother behind the counter and shared the post to her social media page with a detailed caption sharing the unexpected twist their night took.They Rolled up Their Sleeves and Got to WorkThis one crazy night was reminiscent of the old saying, "When the doctor thinks, the patient dies." Instead of trying to get everything right — Arredondo and Merkel didn't think — they just jumped right into action."I think at one point we even told someone, 'I know this is not what you ordered but it’s food, and if you’re hungry you’ll eat it!' No one had the audacity to argue with us!"Sylvia Arredondo, FacebookArredondo continued, "My mom instantly became a cook's helper and I became a waitress. Another couple started bussing and cleaning tables, another gentleman started washing dishes." It seems their work ethic inspired others to get up and do what they could — even if it wasn't perfect.One Person Can Change the Mood of a Whole RoomIdalia Merkel/FacebookIt sounds like a scene out of a movie. The whole restaurant was working together to make the night a success! Many of them were inspired by Arredondo and her mother leading the charge."Once it was all said and done, strangers were hugging strangers and thanking each other for coming together and for their helping hand. It literally took a village. It was so heartwarming to see others pitch in to help and Do The Right Thing!!"Sylvia Arredondo, FacebookGoing out of your way to be help clean up a mess you didn't create can be really hard most of the time because it requires patience. And when we're "hangry"? Patience can definitely be in short supply.But this mother-daughter duo put their grumbling stomachs on the back burner and got scrambling eggs on the front!This was one situation where there wasn't a silver lining. So these two incredible women made their own!More from Goalcast:

Grandmother With Hungry Grandkids Asks to Speak to Manager - His Unexpected Reaction Is Recorded by a Stranger
Uplifting News

Grandmother With Hungry Grandkids Asks to Speak to Manager - His Unexpected Reaction Is Recorded by a Stranger

In the bustling heart of Houston, at Frenchy’s Chicken on Richmond Avenue, something extraordinary unfolded on an otherwise ordinary Wednesday night for the Petties family. Lowe and Andre Petties, accompanied by their daughter Journee, were savoring a family dinner when they became witnesses to a moment that warmed their hearts.Why One Grandmother Wanted to Speak to a Restaurant ManagerWednesday nights at Frenchy’s were abuzz with customers eager to indulge in the 2-piece chicken special. On this particular night, amid the long lines, stood a woman with a three-year-old girl. What transpired next was a testament to the compassion and humanity that often hides in plain sight.When it was the woman’s turn to order, she hesitated, requesting a private conversation with the manager, Ahmed Elmadhoun. The reason was as simple as it was profound — she couldn’t afford to pay for the meal until the next day when her Income Tax Return would come in.She presented her IDs, a social security card, and a driver’s license. Her explanation unfolded — more hungry grandchildren at home, no money for food, and an empty gas tank. Rather than accepting her IDs, Ahmed did something unexpected — he asked her to hold on to them and disappeared into the kitchen.“For someone to walk in and hand me her social security card and her driver’s license– and she had the little girl with her. I felt like she was really in need. She was really going through a tough time," Ahmed told KHOU 11.Ahmed emerged with not just a 2-piece chicken special but a banquet of compassion. He cooked 25 pieces of fried chicken, added sides, included bread, drinks, and whatever else he could gather. Remarkably, he paid for it all out of his own pocket.The woman received not just a bag of food but a gesture that transcended a simple transaction. Ahmed, unperturbed by her embarrassment, assured her that tough times touch everyone. He went further, telling her that if she ever found herself in a similar situation, she should return.How One Man Proved the Importance of Doing GoodLowe Petties, moved by this act of kindness, shared the story on her Facebook. The generosity didn’t stop with Ahmed. Lowe's husband and another regular customer filled the woman’s car with gas, extending the web of kindness.The story didn’t stay within the confines of Lowe's Facebook. Local news stations picked up on Ahmed’s act of kindness, turning a spotlight on an unsung hero in the heart of Houston.Ahmed, humbly responding to the attention, said, “That makes me really happy they went home and all ate. We all need a little help now and then.”In a world often saturated with disheartening news, this simple yet profound act of kindness serves as a beacon of hope. In an era where selflessness can seem rare, Ahmed's actions and the subsequent ripples of goodwill remind us that humanity's strength lies in the kindness we extend to others without expecting anything in return.The woman, initially hoping for some food for one grandchild, found her worries eased by Ahmed and the compassionate community around her. It's a beautiful reminder that doing good should not be contingent on what we hope to receive in return; instead, it should be a genuine expression of our shared humanity.More from Goalcast:Woman Loses Expensive Prada Wallet at Restaurant – The Next Day, Her Doorbell Camera Captures Something ExtraordinaryTrembling Homeless Man Begs Restaurant Manager for Leftovers – His Response Teaches Everyone a LessonBoy With Autism Walks Into Restaurant to Pick Up a Menu – When He Doesn’t Come Back, His Dad Finds Out What’s Going On

White Castle Employee Feeds a Homeless 16-Year-Old Down on Her Luck - Years Later, She Decides to Get Married There
Uplifting News

White Castle Employee Feeds a Homeless 16-Year-Old Down on Her Luck - Years Later, She Decides to Get Married There

In the heart of a White Castle, where the scent of sliders meets the whispers of vows, a couple recently tied the knot, weaving together a tale of love, resilience, and the unexpected kindness of a fast-food haven.Jamie West, the bride, reflects on a poignant chapter of her life that unfolded in the 1990s. A homeless teen, West had navigated through the shadows of 94 foster homes. At 16, she found herself alone, battling the harsh realities of life, abuse, and addiction.How a White Castle Restaurant Welcomed a Homeless TeenPhoto by Polina TankilevitchIn a serendipitous encounter, she stumbled upon a White Castle, seeking water to quench her thirst. Little did she know, this visit would change the course of her life. A compassionate employee not only offered solace but filled her arms with sacks of slider hamburgers — simple acts of kindness that resonated deeply.West recalled the moment: “I walked into the White Castle, the first one I had ever seen, and this woman goes, ‘Oh, sugar, you poor thing. You go on in that bathroom and get yourself cleaned up,’ and so I did. I cried in the bathroom because I was being treated like a human.”"Every time after that, when I saw a White Castle, I knew it was somewhere that I would be safe to run to, and if I was starving, I would be able to get fed.”This extraordinary gesture wasn’t just a meal; it became a beacon of hope. In a world that often treated the homeless with indifference, White Castle stood as a sanctuary, a place where humanity triumphed over adversity.Years later, after overcoming her struggles, West found love in Drew Schmitt. The couple, embodying a tale of resilience, heard that a White Castle would open near their home in Arizona. Their excitement manifested in crowns, axes, and swords as they camped outside on the opening day, becoming the first to step into the newly opened establishment.Their unique connection with White Castle didn’t end there. Sharing her remarkable story, West and Schmitt were inducted into the restaurant's hall of fame. This recognition, an ode to their enduring love, marked the beginning of a new chapter.How a White Castle Employee Changed a Life With KindnessIn a medieval-themed ceremony, where love echoed against the backdrop of sliders, West and Schmitt exchanged vows. The flower girls, tossing dehydrated onions instead of petals, added a whimsical touch. The guests savored White Castle sliders, and instead of traditional rings, the couple sealed their union with Celtic ring finger tattoos.Reflecting on the unconventional wedding, West expressed gratitude: “We’re so thankful that we found each other and have become each other’s partners and best friends.”“We are happy beyond words for the joy that Jamie and Drew share, and honored that we were able to play a part in the greatest royal wedding ever!” White Castle vice president Jamie Richardson told TODAY.com. “Jamie’s story serves as a reminder of the power of kindness and being there for one another as we keep focus on our purpose of feeding the souls of Craver generations everywhere.”As the couple celebrated their 15th year together, West's wedding dress, a quinceanera gown, symbolized not only their union but the journey they had traveled. The wedding cake, shaped like a slider, paid homage to that transformative moment in West's life.In a heartfelt message to the White Castle employee who unknowingly altered her destiny, West said, “Thank you for being the reason I exist right now, not knowing what you were doing and just feeding somebody because you’re a good human.”Their wedding at White Castle isn’t just a celebration of love; it’s a testament to the profound impact of small acts of kindness and the resilience of the human spirit. In this unexpected venue, a homeless teen found not just a meal but a lifeline, and in the arms of love, she discovered a castle of dreams.More from Goalcast:Bride Wears Her Wedding Dress – And Sobs When She Finds Out What Her Mom Had Planned Behind Her BackHigh School Sweethearts Celebrate 50th Wedding Anniversary – Little Did They Know, They Would Be In “Tears” After Their DateBride Makes Her New 4-Year-Old Stepson Sob by Reading the Wedding Vows She Had Specially Written for Him

Manager Approaches Mom After Customers Complain About Her Child - He Pays for Their Meal After She Asks Him This Question
Uplifting News

Manager Approaches Mom After Customers Complain About Her Child - He Pays for Their Meal After She Asks Him This Question

*Featured image contains photo by energepic.comWe don’t always know what someone else is going through, especially concerning parenting. These days, parents face many challenges, and each situation is unique and specific to their personal circumstances.That means we should try never to judge, especially since we don’t always have all the information. Instead, we should try and lead with kindness, as one restaurant manager is reminding us all following his interaction with a woman and her child who has autism.A Busy NightTony Posnanski had been working in the restaurant industry for 15 years when he encountered a woman and a child who would forever change his life. You see, back in 2014, Posnanski was having a particularly rough night at his restaurant.The team was behind, and he needed to pitch in at various positions. So he was extra busy when a server asked him to speak with upset customers.At the table, the patrons complained about a mother and her child close to them, saying the child was being extremely loud. It wasn’t the first time Posnanski had received a complaint about a loud kid, but this time, it was different.As Posnanski approached, the mother knew what was about to happen. Before the manager could speak, she asked him a simple question instead:“Do you know what it is like to have a child with autism?”A Surprising ReactionPosnanski later wrote an open letter to the nameless woman and her child in the contributor section of the Huffington Post. There, he recalled that she didn’t rudely ask the question. She was actually quite sincere.“Your daughter could not have been more than five years old,” he wrote. “She was beautiful and looked scared that I was at the table. She looked like she thought she was in trouble.”The question threw the manager, and instead of asking them to quiet down, he high-fived the little girl and told the mother he was covering their dinner.“I know what I was supposed to say when I went to your table. I was supposed to politely tell you to please not have your daughter yell. I was supposed to offer to move you to another area. I was supposed to offend you by not offending you...” he wrote. “I did not do any of that.”A Life LessonPosnanski could not stick around to see the woman’s reaction since he was needed back in the kitchen. He was also sure the table who had complained in the first place wasn’t happy with how he had handled the situation. Still, he walked away with a big life lesson.“You asked me a question that I did not answer,” he wrote. “You asked me the question right away. You have been through this before in other restaurants. I did not want to be like other managers for one moment. I did not want to tell you what you always heard.”He explained how he wanted to write the letter to thank the woman and her daughter for what they did for him.“You have given me a great restaurant memory. One that I needed for the last 15 years,” he said. “You also taught me a valuable lesson. Sometimes doing the right thing does not make everyone happy — just the people who need it the most.”Doing the Right ThingSometimes, doing the right thing doesn’t necessarily mean doing the easy thing. It would have been easy for this restaurant manager to move the mom and her daughter or even compensate the complaining table. Instead, he showed compassion and understanding by paying for the mom’s meal, proving that she and her daughter matter as much as any other customer.We never really know what someone else is going through, so we should always try our best not to jump to conclusions or act out when our emotions cloud our judgment.At the end of the day, the only person whose behavior we are responsible for is our own. And while it might seem like a good idea to try and fix people, correct behaviors or even judge others for their actions, our job is to love. Sometimes, that can be hard, but kindness is always worth it.More from Goalcast:Boy With Autism Walks Into Restaurant to Pick Up a Menu – When He Doesn’t Come Back, His Dad Finds Out What’s Going OnBoy With Autism Was Too Overwhelmed to Get a Haircut – So the Barber Came Up With a Genius Solution10-Year-Old Girl With Autism Bullied At School — Turns Out Her IQ Is Higher Than Einstein’s

Famous Rapper Leaves Massive Tip After Accidentally Dining and Dashing From Restaurant
Motivation

Famous Rapper Leaves Massive Tip After Accidentally Dining and Dashing From Restaurant

Things aren’t always as they seem. Even when a situation appears to be cut and dry, it’s important to give everyone the benefit of the doubt, rather than making assumptions about the situation at hand. This lesson came to life in an instance where a famous singer named The Kid LAROI appeared to have dined and dashed. The situation was a misunderstanding, and there was a happy ending at the end of the tale.The Kid LAROI and His Unpaid Restaurant Bill Famous singer The Kid LAROI stopped at a restaurant called Dublin’s Pass Irish Pub & Restaurant on May 2. The friendly staff showed him to a private room where he and his friends could dine without interruption.The star had just wrapped a concert in Springfield, Missouri, and was enjoying some downtime with his pals. The group proceeded to order a variety of food items. They enjoyed two cheeseburgers, chicken wings, three orders of mac and cheese, a salad, and two brownies.The group was pleasant during their interactions with the restaurant staff, according to Dublin’s Pass Irish Pub. The Kid LAROI dedicated some of his personal time to posing for photographs and signing autographs for some of the servers.Several members of his group kept exiting the building for smoke breaks throughout the evening. The staff wasn’t particularly concerned when they saw the group walking out of the building.The Situation Took A TurnAt the end of the evening, it became clear that the group had evacuated without paying the bill.The group had racked up a bill worth $133.58 before accounting for the tip.The restaurant staff was left feeling they had been taken advantage of.The restaurant’s manager, Autumn Gray, expressed her discontent with the situation. She noted that her staff earns the majority of their income through tips. She was disheartened to see that she had given out free food and service without compensation, according to TMZ.People Assumed The WorstThe press quickly picked up on the story and began publishing articles that indicated the artist dined and dashed. Social media ignited with comments from people accusing the artist of being spoiled and many accused him of having a chip on his shoulder due to his recent fame.The Kid Laroi wasn’t facing any legal repercussions for his failure to pay the bill at the restaurant, but his reputation was becoming tainted when fans discovered he failed to pay the bill.An Innocent MistakeThe entire situation was just a misunderstanding, and when the artist was informed of the situation, it became clear the unpaid bill was an error, not an intentional attempt to flee before paying.RELATED: Struggling Waiter Doesn’t Know How He Will Pay for College – Then a Famous Customer’s Tip Leaves Him SpeechlessHe could have just avoided the situation, but instead, he rose to the occasion and admitted he had inadvertently left the establishment without settling the tab, according to Page Six.It was discovered that his security team was instructed to pay the bill at the end of the night, but somehow it was forgotten. The star wanted to rectify the situation, even though several days had passed since the error occurred. Making Things RightThe Kid Laroi’s team reportedly made contact with the restaurant staff in an effort to settle the $133.58 they owed.They didn’t stop there.As a kind gesture and apology all bundled into one, they tipped the server Monique $2,500 on top of the $133.58 they owed.The situation turned out to be an innocent mistake that was quickly repaired.

After a Stint in the School Cafeteria, This Ex-Janitor Now Owns and Operates His Own Restaurant
Career Growth

After a Stint in the School Cafeteria, This Ex-Janitor Now Owns and Operates His Own Restaurant

At the Posada Contemporary Southwestern restaurant in Livermore, California, a typical night sees about 250 guests filter throughout the space. To any passerby, it likely seems like many other successful restaurants in the area-- a fortuitous combination of experience in the industry, some financial backing, and maybe a fancy review mixed in on opening night for publicity. However, the origins of this restaurant are quite different. RELATED: Daughter Shares Heartwrenching TikTok of Dad in Empty Restaurant Waiting for Customers — Then the Miraculous HappensEduardo Posada, the driving force behind the restaurant, remains invisible for most of the night-- busy in the kitchen preparing popular dishes like Mahi Mahi tacos alongside other bestsellers like open-fire grilled shrimp with guacamole and basil-cilantro slaw. Posada does not hail from a fancy culinary school or have deep connections in the food industry. In fact, the 59-year-old goes back to the San Ramon Valley Unified School District — where he was a janitor. How a Restaurant Owner Transitioned From a Janitor into a Business OwnerInstead of a spatula, Posada wielded a mop and bucket, despite always knowing which he preferred. In the 1980s, when he was in his mid-20s, Posada enjoyed a stint making breakfast burritos and selling them out of the back of his car. Since those days, he held tightly to his entrepreneurial spirit, throughout quite the unexpected detour. While working as a janitor, Posada always dreamed of sharing his love for cooking with others. One fateful day, he asked the school principal if he could prepare a staff meal. She obliged, and Posada swapped his usual work tools for pots and pans, and navigated the school cafeteria in a move that would change his life. His efforts were received so well he was asked to do it again. More importantly, he received a much-needed injection of confidence. This courage snowballed and propelled him to take a bold risk and start a private catering company. After nearly ten years of running a successful catering company, Posada finally took the big leap and opened his own restaurant in 2015. Situated in a strip mall in Livermore, California, the restaurant has become a massive success and has even undergone an expansion since its opening. "It started with a dream," says Posada through his restaurant's website. "A dream to create and share delicious food made of bold flavors, quality product and from the heart inspiration."The expansion was necessary to satisfy increasing demand, a testament to Posada's success. After years of running his catering company, Posada became known for his culinary creativity, sharing with local news that “[the catering company] has been my platform to explore and test my menus before bringing them to the restaurant.”The restaurant is also a family affair now. Posada's son Alexis works as the manager, and his wife Bianca runs the service floor. Even the food on plates traces back to Posada's family. He credits his mother for much of his inspiration in the kitchen, remembering fondly her distinct spin on traditional Mexican recipes. Posada continues this legacy by reinterpreting various traditional dishes while maintaining relationships with local farms to ensure quality. He changes the menu frequently to incorporate the freshest ingredients, and to allow room for creativity in the kitchen. Posada is deeply thoughtful about the menu he puts together, and, luckily for those in the area, never let go of his passion during all those years working odd jobs. The restaurant has received glowing reviews, and Posada will definitely not have to return to any local high schools for work anytime soon. He is a shining example of not only following your dreamspo but holding tight to them while making sacrifices. In the age of instant gratification, many expect their goals to materialize immediately, and Posada's story is a reminder of the detours of life, and the often non-linear path to success. His story is also a testament to taking risks. Had he not asked the school principal if he could cook for the staff, he may have never stirred the confidence to go out on his own. Starting a business requires bravery, and Posada rose to the occasion in a spectacular way. Next time you imagine running your own business or taking a leap in the way Posada did, remember his patience and determination.