[Apoc]

Thanks for everyone's thoughts. I'll keep them in mind for the next time, and as anyone who has wandered around San Francisco can attest to, there will be a next time.

After the guy confronted me a little more aggressively, I made eye contact with the manager behind the counter and maneuvered out of the corner where I was standing so that I would have a path to the door, while telling the guy "I don't want any trouble" in what sounded to me like a stern voice but probably sounded more whiny and a little freaked out in real life.

The manager came over and told the guy that I hadn't said anything and that I was just waiting for my meal. The crazy guy didn't seem to really believe the manager, but I think the cashiers had hurried up my order at that point, because they handed it to me and I got the hell out of there, with a little glance over my shoulder to make sure the guy wasn't following me back to my office.

The situation made me think, though, so I was curious what OOT's opinion would be. One thing it definitely made me realize is what a crap job working at any fast food joint must be in any big city, with crazy people coming in all the time that you have to deal with. I have a new-found respect for the folks at my Popeye's and the situations they must have to handle - I almost wish they put out a tip jar, so I could thank them with more than kind words and thoughts. Maybe I'll write a letter to Popeye's corporate telling them how much I appreciate their employee stepping in.

Any other ideas for how I can say thanks for what I consider going above and beyond the call of duty for a normal fast food employee?

Apoc