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while standing in line to get a fountain drink refill at my local taco bueno, a few observations came to my mind that need to be expressed.
first of all, i am a seasoned veteran of the fountain drink experience. some might even call me a legend. i remember the first fountain drink experience i ever had. it was at the carl’s jr. on beach boulevard in huntington beach. it was love at first refill.
i am such a believer in the fountain drink refill counter, i usually won’t even go to an eating establishment that doesn’t have one. when i go to one of those kind of restaurants…you know, the ones where you can’t serve yourself, i find myself getting frustrated when i have to wait for another sip of iced tea or another half and half (if you have to ask, we probably don’t eat with each other enough.)
there is also a fountain drink refill etiquette that needs to be enforced. violators should be prosecuted, or at least banned from the refill line. here are a few lessons i have learned through the years. pass them on as you see fit.
you should never stand and talk to a friend at the refill line.
you should never send a child to the refill line.
you should have your drink choice decision made before you reach the front of the line.
you should only build a suicide if no one is line behind you.
you should have enough experience to recognize fountain drink refill line rookies, and have enough patience to let them work out their learning curve.
make sure the foam subsides before you move your cup. foam spillovers can cause a huge mess.
if you get foam spillover on your hands, it is acceptable to take a piece of ice from the dispenser to wash your hands.
if no one is in line behind you, you can press the water lever and wash your hands off. this is probably pushing the envelope on etiquette, but i would still cast my vote for it.
crushed ice is better than cubed ice.
the iced tea from the fountain is usually pretty bad. always look for the brewed tea on the side.
when you’re finished filling your cup, move out of the way.
there are times when two people can fill from the fountain at the same time, but be careful. if you attempt to move in to fill while someone else is there, look for body language that clearly communicates its ok to invade their filling space. a nod, a slight move to the side, or a verbal welcome to join are three of the most popular cues.
don’t ever share a fountain drink with a friend or family member. it’s stealing. plain and simple. don’t try to justify it. don’t. i mean it.
paper cups are much better than the trendy plastic ones. styrofoam cups are the best.
there’s seldom a need to buy a large fountain drink and never a need for an extra large. what do you think refills are for?
it is commonly expected for you to get one last refill on the way out. go ahead. you paid for it.
don’t ever bring an old cup into a restaurant and act like you just paid for it. i’ve slit tires for less than that…
be grateful that you live in a country that has fountain drink refills. freedom is a great thing.
now that you have been fully enlightened, don’t make me have to say this again…
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