For decades now, food service workers have been bound to the act of pleasant customer service. They must remain positive, even towards the rudest customers, and keep a smile on their faces their whole shift.
That appears to be changing slightly as a chain of diners is opening where not only are the staff allowed to say what they want, but they're actively encouraged to be mean, and customers are prompted to bring the same heat.
The cheekily named Karen's Diner is a retro-themed 'interactive diner' where the waiters' attitudes are part of the experience.
Having originally opened in Sydney, Australia, they recently expanded to the U.K. with a Manchester location. The joint has reportedly been a big hit with locals, offering a unique outing and even supplying free drinks to anyone named Karen.
The Australian branch has a TikTok account on which they proudly share how making customers cry means they're good at their jobs.
In one video, they encourage the entire restaurant to participate in a collective booing at a vegan who came in (though they do have vegan options), and liberally swear at their clientele, telling them to "get the [expletive] out" when it's near closing.
As they explain on their website, "At Karens you will be greeted and waited upon by rude waiters who in return are expecting you to give it full Karen. A place where you can complain until the cows come home because we literally don't care."
They promise "kick-ass" burgers, wings, fries, and "well most things that are cholesterol heavy."
They also serve alcohol, with a selection of beers, wines, cocktails, and shooters with names like "I've Been Waiting 10 Minutes For Some Service" and "You've Just Lost My Business".
However, if you're looking for a fun night out where you can blow off some steam and eat some good food while doing so, Karen's seems to be the place!
Just make sure you come with a good sense of humor about you, as they truly do not seem to care if they hurt your feelings.
