The Mischievous Nature of Hospitality

Hospitality Pranks and Mischief

Working in the hospitality industry is not for the faint-hearted so it attracts individuals with unique characteristics and loads of resilience. As an industry veteran, I've often found myself in schools, identifying potential hospitality enthusiasts among students who struggle with theory, are distracted or just won't stop talking. It's a field that thrives on diverse talents and people from all walks of life.

Hospitality is a melting pot of personalities and that's what makes it both challenging and incredibly fun. We nurture our colleagues while also enjoying a good-natured tease. While times have changed with the introduction of robust legislation that prohibits some of the more extreme hijinks, the mischievous nature of hospitality workers remains unchanged.

For the newbies in the industry, brace yourselves for the mischief in the kitchen and front of the house. I recall a night before April Fools' Day when the head chef and I rearranged the keys on the executive offices' keyboards. The next morning, confusion reigned as passwords needed resetting, leaving them scratching their heads. Very naughty I know and I’m much more mature now!

Front-of-house staff in particular, need to beware of the classic "empty the coffee machine of hot water" prank. Some have unwittingly spent 40 minutes attempting the never-ending task before realizing the joke.

I’ve dedicated more time than I probably should have to orchestrating the ideal prank. One of my favourites was a spent coffee puck topped with caramel sauce, cream and a strawberry. Although my head chef was too savvy to fall for it, the unsuspecting apprentice gladly tasted the "new brownie recipe," struggling to get the coffee grounds out of his mouth.

Chefs seem to derive the most pleasure from pranking their own counterparts. Here are a few favorites:

• Frozen Knives: Leaving knives lying around, only to find them later frozen in a bucket of water.
• Equipment Retrieval: Sending colleagues to other restaurants to fetch nonexistent equipment like the bacon or plate stretcher, the left-handed pan or the long weight.
• Uniform Freeze: Wet uniforms left in the freezer overnight for an unexpected icy surprise.

While the hospitality industry has evolved with time, the spirit of mischief among its workers remains an enduring aspect. Laughter and camaraderie, often expressed through harmless pranks, contribute to the unique and vibrant culture that makes hospitality an industry like no other. So, whether you're a seasoned professional or a wide-eyed newcomer, be prepared for the unexpected twists and turns – and remember to share a good laugh along the way. After all, in hospitality, the joy is often found in both the service and the shared moments of humor.