A couple of years ago,
Taco Bell was running a promotion where participating stores were open late, some as late at 2 a.m. I was back from college for the summer, hanging out with high school friends. We went to a late movie, then needed a place to eat. Microwave burritos at 7-11 not sounding particularly appetizing, and Riley's too far away, we decided to hit the
drive-thru at the Taco Bell in
Vinebrook Plaza.
So, at around five past one, we pull into the parking lot... the only car in the whole place. We pull into the drive-thru, ready to place our order. The conversation goes something like this...
Voice: Welcome to Taco Bell, may I take your order?
Me: Can we get eight hard tacos... a chicken soft taco... a chilito... a small diet coke... and a medium regular coke?
Voice: No. We--
Me: No?
Voice: We're running out of meat. You can only have five tacos. And no chicken.
Me: What? You don't have any chicken?
Voice: Look, we have to stay open until two, we've got no more chicken, and we're running low on beef. So I have to ration the meat. No more than five beef entrees per car.
[Side note: I swear to God he called them entrees...]
Me: OK, fine. Five hard tacos, a chilito, a small diet coke, and a medium regular coke.
Voice: $6.04 at the window.
When we got to the window, he tried his best to apologize.
No biggie. The problem was, though, that five tacos was only going to partially stave off hunger, especially since the chicken soft taco got
86'ed. So (and keep in mind that we're the only car in sight) I go right back into the drive-thru (which is clearly visible from the teller's window.
Voice: Welcome to Taco Bell, may I take your order?
Me: Could I get five hard tacos and a chicken soft taco.
Voice: I'm sorry, no chicken.
Me: (playing along) No chicken? Man. OK, just the five tacos then, OK?
Voice: 3.79 at the window.
When we pulled up to the window, the guy gave us this look like we done the most evil of deeds. He sincerely looked like he was going to cry. He took the money, gave us our tacos, and then said, "You guys are going to get me fired."
I really think he had his own issues to deal with. Shit, if I worked at Taco Bell, and sold ALL OF THE FOOD THEY HAD IN THE PLACE, I would expect a big-time raise and a medal that said "World's Best Taco Bell Saleman".