Minerva, a creator identified by the handle @mini_minniii, shared in a video a unique method for handling children of impolite diners. Her video, which features on-screen text, posed a question to other servers about their experiences with rude customers. The clip then presented Minerva’s own anecdote on the subject.
The video shows a static outdoor scene with a large, leafy tree in the foreground. A two-story brick apartment building is partially visible behind the tree, set against a clear blue sky with bright sunshine. The visual context remains consistent throughout the short clip.
On-screen text in the video initially asked viewers, “What’s something that you’ve done as a server to rude customers?” Minerva then stated, “I’ll go first,” before revealing her approach. She claimed, “If you’re rude and you have bad a– kids that want mt dew, I put a splash of mt dew then 90% soda water.”
Creator’s video sparks discussion among service industry workers
The video’s caption further elaborated on her stance, saying, “Your kids shouldn’t have mt. dew anyways 👀 (there’s so much more).” The caption also included hashtags such as #serverlife, #tipping, #servertiktok, #serverproblems, and #customerservice, suggesting the video targets service industry workers.
Minerva’s video appears to have resonated with many users, particularly those who identify as servers. The comment section reportedly filled with other service industry professionals sharing similar experiences and tactics. Many users seemed to relate to the challenges of dealing with difficult patrons. Handling difficult patrons can escalate well beyond petty tactics, with one customer berating a McDonald’s employee with racial slurs and threats while demanding her order.
One commenter shared their direct approach, stating, “I don’t do anything petty but I will ask straight up in front of the whole table, very flatly, ‘why are you being mean to me?’ Like I’m genuinely curious.” This user indicated a preference for direct confrontation over subtle actions.
Another individual recounted an incident involving a customer who was upset about a beer order. The commenter wrote, “Finally I looked at his wife and said…wow….I guess he never gave you the option for the large. She laughed out loud. 😂” This response reportedly diffused the tension with humor.
A different server described a more subtle form of retribution involving drink recommendations for children. The comment read, “If they are rude and have kids with them, I’ll recommend all the stuff kids love like mozzarella sticks for a side or app and how about some cherry syrup in coke and now let’s all have sundaes! That way, if the parents say no, the kids whine and cry the whole time, and if the parents say yes, they kids go home all sugared up. Either way, it’s a nightmare for them. Enjoy”. Servers have found ways to turn drink orders into small victories over rude diners, like a woman who got a server to give free drinks with one bold question.
One user shared a story about a regular customer who frequented the restaurant with different companions. The server claimed to have asked the customer’s wife “how it was being in an open relationship and if she had any advice,” after the husband was reportedly rude. The commenter added that they “let her know that her husband was very regularly bringing other girls to the restaurant ❤️”.
A simpler, yet equally petty, action was described by another user. This individual stated, “I break their straws occasionally.”
