South Carolina server forgets about table for 15 mins—so he comes up with a lie so clever, he wins them over: ’Why are you exposing our secrets’

It is widely known that a server relies on their memory working in the restaurant industry. Their ability to remember customers’ faces, orders, and their own tasks is their greatest asset. However, certain responsibilities sometimes slip through the cracks.

With that, mistakes do happen. After all, they’re only human. For instance, forgetting a to-go box request three times had reportedly taken place through the lens of a customer. When the occasional memory lapse occurs, one server recommends the opposite of the golden rule that worked out in his favor: lying. 

“Sometimes, as a server, you have to lie to your tables,” South Carolina-based server Zachary Kahler (@zacharykahler84) says right off the bat in his car. “Sometimes to save your own a–. Other times, because of stupid questions.”

Then, he recalls an incident that fell under the ladder to over 919,000 viewers. 

The Lie The Server Told That Won The Customers Over

“This one specific time, and I know I’m not the only person to do this, but our sections have flipped over, and I did not realize that this table was in my section,” he says.

For 15 minutes, customers patiently waited at a table for their server, i.e., him. In a bid to cover himself, he worked his ‘magic.’

“So, I go to walk past the table, like I’m just walking past, and I do a double-take,” the content creator says. “I’m like, ‘Hey, have you guys been served yet?’”

Since they hadn’t, he feigned confusion.

“Let me figure out who your server is. In the meantime, let me get some drinks going for you,’” Kahler recounts, which earned their appreciation.

Once he delivered the drinks, the server decided to bridge a bond through humor and sports.

“I see the dude’s wearing a Packers shirt and I’m like, ‘Oh. You’re a Packers fan. I should’ve left you here for longer,’” he recalls, quipping. “They’re laughing. We’re back on track.”

To seal the deal, he says he told them, “‘You know what? I’m gonna keep the table. I don’t know where that server went but we can’t find him. You’re stuck with me.’”

Unbeknownst to the customers, he was their original server. Because it all panned out, he reiterated his advice.

“Moral of the story: sometimes you just have to lie and if you’re not in the service industry, you’re gonna think it’s bad,” the content creator says. “But you probably don’t even realize how much you’re lied to.”

Servers Felt Exposed

Indeed, lying on the job happens more often than one might imagine. Study Breaks shared the top six fabrications servers have told to benefit themselves or their customers. Previously, one server encouraged others to resort to this if they’re feeling overwhelmed, and another did it to earn more tips.

On the other hand, just because a good portion of servers practice the art of dishonesty or half-truths doesn’t mean they want it out in the open. Most of them in Kahler’s comments section urged him to keep his mouth shut.

“Quit telling people this,” one viewer demanded.

“Don’t tell ppl our server business,” another echoed.

“Why are you exposing the secrets,” a third remarked.

Meanwhile, others couldn’t care less, chiming in with their favorite default fibs.

“THIS! i forgot to send in an order.. ‘i’m so sorry our systems just went down, i just want to make sure i have your order right.. can you tell me again what you got?’” one commenter revealed.

“*Makes mistake* ‘I’m so sorry it’s my first week here!!!’ (Been working there for 3 years),” another shared.

@zacharykahler84 #server #serverlife #bartending #servertiktok #bartenderlife ♬ original sound – Zachary Kahler

The Mary Sue reached out to Kahler via TikTok comment and direct message.

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