When you work in the service industry, you get used to certain comments. But sometimes, a customer says something so out of pocket, it catches even the most seasoned workers off guard.
That’s what happened to former Ojos Locos worker Maria (@ookaymaria), who shared a storytime that’s racked up over 1.1 million views on TikTok.
Former Ojos Locos worker shares uncomfortable interaction
Maria says she worked at Ojos Locos for about a year before quitting four months ago. During her time there, she came across all types of customers, but one interaction still sticks with her.
“There was this one specific guy who was in his 40s,” she begins. “He came in on a regular busy night… ordered his food, beer, tipped, and left.”
At first, he barely spoke. But the following Tuesday, he may have gotten too comfortable.
“He asked for me specifically,” Maria says, adding that Tuesday is “lingerie day” at Ojos Locos.
“He was much more talkative this time,” she recalls. “We chatted for a little bit.”
But then, his daughter walked in. “He blurted out—I wish I was joking—‘Oh yeah, I told my 13-year-old daughter you were my girlfriend,’” Maria says.
She stood there stunned. “We didn’t talk at all the first time… and then the second time, he’s that comfortable? I thought he was gonna follow it with ‘LOL, JK’… but he didn’t.”
Harassment like this isn’t uncommon in restaurants
For women working in the service industry, uncomfortable comments are hardly unusual.
A 2021 report from the One Fair Wage organization found that more than 70% of women restaurant workers have experienced some form of harassment at work.
It also showed that harassment increased during the pandemic, when tips were already more unpredictable than ever.
When behavior like this gets shrugged off, it becomes even harder for servers to speak up or feel safe. And in jobs where tips pay the bills, it’s often easier to laugh things off than risk upsetting a customer.”
Commenters chime in
Some viewers focused on the substantial tip the man left.
“$40 tip hmm I would’ve been like, ‘40 is all your girlfriend gets?’” one person joked.
“Those guys live in a fantasy world,” another wrote. “Dating a random girl they fantasize about out of nowhere.”
Some were a little too excited. “Go to Ojos on Tuesday,” someone wrote, accompanied by a note-taking emoji.
But others warned that Maria’s experience is all too common. “Ojos Locos is a dangerous spot,” one person commented. “You mostly deal with men who are older and get little action. You just doing your job gets misconstrued.”
@ookaymaria another story #storytime #ojoslocos #relatable #fyp ♬ original sound – MARIA
The Mary Sue has reached out to Maria via Instagram and TikTok messages. We’ve also contacted Ojos Locos via a contact form on their website.
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