If you’ve ever worked in the food service industry, you know that answering stupid questions is just another part of the job.
Customers have a habit of tossing stupid questions at each other. All you can do is smile politely and answer their questions as patiently as you can.
The diner in Colorado made its patrons pay for their stupid questions. This small food joint has become a local favorite.
Customers at Tom’s diner in Denver will be charged 38 cents if they ask a stupid question.
The eatery has been open for 20 years and is still a popular spot for locals who appreciate the humor.
Hunter said the charge is not malicious. “It’s meant to be playful. It’s good to keep things light in today’s world.”
Tom’s was brought to the world’s attention thanks to a viral post.
In early January, a user posted a photo of the receipt for their meal of chicken tenders and mashed potatoes, along with a charge for “1 stupid question.
The people in the comments didn’t seem upset about the extra charge.
Most of them found the humor in the tab and supported the technique of shaming.
“If I got paid to listen to people’s stupid questions I’d probably be a billionaire,” one person commented.
Another quipped, “What’s an example of a stupid question?”
The photo of the receipt gained thousands of upvotes in just a few moments.
Everyone wanted to know this thing after the post went viral. Is this charge legit? Landry is happy to report that it is. It’s all in good fun.
The charge was first introduced in 1999 by the original owner.
There is a charge listed under “sides”, sandwiched between extra dressing and the vegetable of the day. The price has dropped a bit since it was originally 48 cents.
They aren’t trying to steal from their customers.
The staff is told not to charge customers who genuinely ask questions that the waiter thinks are stupid.
The more animated tables have the humorous levy reserved for them.
“When we have a good fun table that engages with us or when they ask about the charge, it’s always fun to add it on,” Landry said.
Some of the diner’s more colorful patrons want to get in on the fun and come up with the dumbest questions possible.
They include asking the waiter if the ice has any water in it, or if there are any dues for the turkey club sandwich.
“The majority of people really get where we’re coming from and understand it’s meant to be playful,” he explained. “Over the years, maybe a few people have been perturbed but the response is generally positive.”
Customers are usually disappointed if they don’t get charged extra, according to a user who used to work as a line cook.
“So,” this user wrote, “they’d ask and a server would add it. The ultimate stupid question? ‘Why didn’t you charge me more money?'”
Tom’s diner is always happy to serve up some laughs, from its menu items to its restaurant decor.
Under “Healthy Options”, the joint has listed items that are sure to lighten up your eating experience, as well as save you some cash.
They’re considering adding even more items, like “Don’t take yourself so seriously” and “Love Each Other”.
While you enjoy your meal, you can also take in humorous wall postings that say “Practice Safe Eating.
Please use your condiments.
As for what the future holds for Tom’s diner, he and his uncle want to keep growing and re-christening it to keep the customers coming.
“It’s all about not taking yourself too seriously,” Landry explained. “We’re not here for a long time, so let’s enjoy ourselves and try to make the most of this life.”
