Closing Time

Tonight, I went with a friend to order a chicken salad sub from Jersey Mike's. (A craving born while pregnant with Brady) We arrived at the closest location at 7:45 PM by my watch, which is set ahead to trick me into being more punctual. As we approached the store's entrance, I noticed that the "Open" light was definitely on, but most everything else gave off the aura of "Closed." Tables were turned over, the lights were dim, and an employee regretfully made eye contact with me as he was turning off the television. I felt in my heart that the only reason he didn't flip the switch on that "Open" sign was because he was sure that I had seen him see me. Sure enough, as we entered the store, the silence of the three employees spoke volumes about the emotions they were feeling towards our restaurant choice this evening. I asked if they were closed, though I had read the hours of operation plainly posted on the door. A girl elbow deep in soapy water she was using to wash the deli meat slicer forced a smile and responded, "We close at 8:00." I looked at my watch again just to be sure I was in fact entering before standard "washing the meat slicer" hour. In fact, I was. I knew that my choice of chicken salad was not going to upset her deliberate attempt to clean the machinery ahead of schedule, but I knew my friend's intention to order a club sub would not be met with gratefulness. Would you believe that my friend and I actually felt guilt at that moment? I proceeded with my order, apologizing all the while, as the employees making my sub had to unwrap cheese and tomatoes and dirty several utensils in its creation. Meanwhile, my friend abandoned her hopes for a sub so as not to upset the apple cart. (The Chinese restaurant two storefronts down was open until 10:30 PM and was perfectly willing to prepare her some sesame chicken.) I paid for my sub and exited the premises a solid five minutes before actual closing time, feeling sheepish and unwanted. It wasn't until a few minutes later that I started to feel deservedly annoyed by what had just happened. I've had my share of part-time jobs, both in food and retail. I know well the anticipation that comes from staring at the clock and wanting to go home the moment the store closes. However, I also know that a closing shift almost always requires at least fifteen extra minutes to fully "close" everything down. If a store's hours are 8:00 AM until 8:00 PM, then by golly there should be no washing of the meat slicer at 7:45 PM. If your business is sliced meat, then that's the last thing you clean. Why should I have to apologize for going to a location ahead of its closing time and expecting service? This was a business faux pas, and I feel that it must be rectified. At the moment, I'm feeling a craving for a club sub coming on...at right about 7:45 PM next Sunday night. Please, do join me.