Blake Schwendiman's Blog and Blook

Here's a general question: how hard is it really to work concessions at a movie theater? I ask because it doesn't seem to be difficult from my limited perspective, but it obviously is based on my observations. What I've noticed is that the relationship between the wait time in the concessions line is geometrically proportional to how busy the theater is. In simpler terms, the amount of time you wait grows out of proportion to the number of people waiting.

But I really don't get it. Here's what the choices are at my favorite theater:

1. Popcorn (small, medium, large)
2. Soda (5-6 flavors, small, medium large)
3. Water (small, large)
4. Pretzel (Ultra Salt, Cinnamon, Garlic Parmesan, Plain)
5. Hot dog
6. Nachos
7. Candy (about 10 varieties)
8. Icee (Blue, Red)

With that in mind, I typically order as such: "Small popcorn, Large Mr. Pibb, Snickers Poppers, Nachos"

I don't think that four items is enough to perplex the average person, but my experience is that no matter how clearly I speak, I will inevitably have to repeat each item in my order at least once. Equally as perplexing to me is how often the concession worker checks the order on the computer while filling it. Again, it seems to me that it would be fairly straightforward to remember to grab both the nachos and the popcorn on the same five-foot trip from the register to the poppers. In fact, it may even be possible to get the drink, popcorn and the nachos in a single trip.

Now here's the value of this entry: If you happen to be a concessions worker, I believe you could easily qualify for your company's employee of the month program and increase your general happiness by practicing the following improvement exercises.

1. Listen to the customer and remember the order
2. Plan your trips to minimize the number of trips you take between the products and the register
3. Try to look like you care (even if you don't)

You're welcome.