Having only so many places around the office where I prefer to eat lunch it's not necessarily surprising that some of the employees at said establishments start to recognize me after repeated visits. And when the cashier has a clear look of recognizing me and offers a more sincere question about how I'm doing, I must admit it's somewhat flattering. But on the other hand, it's also slightly awkward, because it suggests a level of familiarity in our "relationship" that's not quite been achieved.
Not that I'd prefer some mindless recitation of a standard greeting that everyone gets, and not that it isn't generally pleasant, but the reality is that we're not friends or, really, even acquaintances.
Of course, when they already have my order ready by the time I get up to the cashier because the cooks in the back spotted me waiting in line, that's particularly awkward, as the other patrons who ordered before me look on semi-incredulously.
They should patronize the place more often… and always order the same thing.
Not that I'd prefer some mindless recitation of a standard greeting that everyone gets, and not that it isn't generally pleasant, but the reality is that we're not friends or, really, even acquaintances.
Of course, when they already have my order ready by the time I get up to the cashier because the cooks in the back spotted me waiting in line, that's particularly awkward, as the other patrons who ordered before me look on semi-incredulously.
They should patronize the place more often… and always order the same thing.