Family Ties

“Is this the restaurant everyone is talking about?” asks a man with glasses. He wears a black suit with a red tie, a little overdressed for our sort of food in my opinion. “I don’t know, is it sir?” I reply, a vague answer seemingly suitable enough for a vague question. He explains he is meeting a large group at a restaurant, but with the few tables we have, it becomes clear he is a little more lost than he thought. He might have been wearing glasses, but his sense of direction seemed a little fuzzy. He promptly left, seeming no less confused then when he entered.

Though he might not have been looking for this particular restaurant, it occurred that quite a few people were, as tables filled up quickly. There were a few regulars scattered around which greeted the familiar employees as they walked by. Among the groups walking in, I notice many families of different sizes and types. A group of what looks like two parents, a set of grandparents and two toddlers sit in a corner. The toddlers definitely seem to be the highlight of their dinner, with every action a roar of laughter from the adults followed.  Another family sits nearby, a little smaller, but also a young family. The couple wears matching football jerseys, as well as the dressing their child in a smaller size too. I find it cute that families show their pride for teams. As more families come to eat, it appears that they are not the only ones. Football has definitely become a family sport.   

Other patrons include what looks to be church goers; women attire consisting of flowery dresses and shiny shoes accompanied by men in suits and ties. These groups come and go in large numbers, more like an entire congregation rather than a family.  Diversity is amongst even them, with ages, gender, and many races. They are all rather noisy as everyone chatters and laughs. Big families always remind me of that movie, My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Their always seems to be a certain chaos to them.

After the lunch rush slows, employees in the restaurant are able to take a moment to look out the big windows. Rain falls to the pavement hard. It seemed hardly noticeable with the crowds, but now calm, we are able to see the grey clouds through the window and smell the fresh water each time the door opens. We all stand around joking and laughing with each other, though we knew there was work to be done. It seems nice, to be able to converse with one another. After weeks of working shifts with each other, it makes sense for colleagues to become close. Perhaps the employees at this restaurant are like family themselves?