As consumers, we usually see only the final product — the beautifully plated meal at a restaurant or the spotless waiting room at the dentist — and rarely get to know what’s happening behind those swinging doors. Plenty of businesses know this and don’t hesitate to take shortcuts.
Current employees might speak up occasionally, but no one spills the beans quite like former workers. For instance, a former cook once revealed the secret recipe behind McDonald’s Big Mac sauce, while a military aircraft mechanic exposed the real truth about “military-grade” equipment.
If you want some of the juiciest secrets from industry insiders, scroll down, take notes, and maybe check from where your local deli is actually sourcing its mozzarella.
#41
Instead of throwing away the expired (been to long in the tray to
Keep warm) chicken nuggets in McDonald’s I ate them.
Keep warm) chicken nuggets in McDonald’s I ate them.
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1point
#42
The education industry and also basically the special education industry is an industry that is running on scams and also which are just harming vulnerable children and their parents and also at times, creating false labels and creating issues for them.
1point
#43
I worked at this one pizza place in a northern California town many years ago. They were quite successful from 2010 to 2015. Around 2012 they had opened a second location.
After a few months people, employees, and the owners began to notice a funky smell in the area. One of the bosses blames it on the faulty sewer system of a town founded during the gold rush. Some people just assumed it was from the refuse of partying tourists who flood the downtown during the weekends.
In 2015, the owners of this pizza place decided to move the original location to a bigger building, close the second location, and consolidate the workers into one spot. The official statement was to simplify operations.
This wasn't the truth.
There had been complaints by customers that they were find slugs in their drinks. Drinks were a soda fountain so it was obviously self service. No way an employee would be able to plant a slug in the cups before a customer would go use the soda fountain. One of the bosses even thought it was sabotage. Well, they shortly discovered what the problem was:
The drain for the soda fountain went directly under the building and dumped everything onto the foundations. The soda was laying under the building in a pool of fermenting and rotting sugar. Slugs would travel up into the drain following the source of the delicious nectar. The cost of repair would have been enormous so the owners decided to leave and let someone else fix the problem.
It was absolutely insane, lol. I haven't worked for that pizza spot since 2020. I still, to this day, get people saying they miss that second location and I tell them the story of why it actually shut down.
After a few months people, employees, and the owners began to notice a funky smell in the area. One of the bosses blames it on the faulty sewer system of a town founded during the gold rush. Some people just assumed it was from the refuse of partying tourists who flood the downtown during the weekends.
In 2015, the owners of this pizza place decided to move the original location to a bigger building, close the second location, and consolidate the workers into one spot. The official statement was to simplify operations.
This wasn't the truth.
There had been complaints by customers that they were find slugs in their drinks. Drinks were a soda fountain so it was obviously self service. No way an employee would be able to plant a slug in the cups before a customer would go use the soda fountain. One of the bosses even thought it was sabotage. Well, they shortly discovered what the problem was:
The drain for the soda fountain went directly under the building and dumped everything onto the foundations. The soda was laying under the building in a pool of fermenting and rotting sugar. Slugs would travel up into the drain following the source of the delicious nectar. The cost of repair would have been enormous so the owners decided to leave and let someone else fix the problem.
It was absolutely insane, lol. I haven't worked for that pizza spot since 2020. I still, to this day, get people saying they miss that second location and I tell them the story of why it actually shut down.
1point
#44
They were absolutely committing accounting fraud, claiming both the Work-in-process and the raw materials that went into them as assets concurrently so that they could borrow against both.
I had no idea at the time, just doing the inventory transactions the way the boss said to. Later when I was in business school it dawned on me, "Oh! That was fraud!"
I had no idea at the time, just doing the inventory transactions the way the boss said to. Later when I was in business school it dawned on me, "Oh! That was fraud!"
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1point
#45
I still work there at a different area, but when I worked in the warehouse we'd have to use forklifts that ran on gasoline and LPG, one of them had been having engine troubles where it was overheating frequently after being on for a few minutes. We'd let the lead know about it, stopped using it and were told it would be fixed ASAP. The issue more or less got pushed under the rug despite my shift's concerns about it, and eventually one day, someone forgot, turned it on and left it idle while they went to get breakfast, and it managed to catch fire. My coworker (not the one who turned it on) managed to sprint over to a fire extinguisher and put it out before it got too bad, but it was near 2 other forklifts, and we may have been seconds away from half the warehouse exploding because of it. I just end up thinking about that from time to time...
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1point
#47
I use to deliver at disneyland. They have an abundance of pallets in the back because of all the semi trucks that do drop ship. I would go home each day with at least 40-60 pallets. I sold them to a pallet yard, their buying price was $8.25 a pallet. 5 days a week 40-60 pallets x 8.25 do the math.
1point
#48
I have too many such stories...this is one the unfortunate outcomes of working for short stints in multiple places...
A. The PR lead of one of my companies while I worked at Pune around 16-17 years ago..he was gay...he used to hire good looking gents at junior temporary positions under him all the time. He came out later, some 10 years afterwards....but I knew from then on as I was privy to his internet activities...he is a friend and we are in touch now....but I could not tell him that I knew since then onwards..
B. The HR head and the Receptionist of a very famous company of Ahmedabad were having a roaring affair...they had the usual flirting over IM (desktop to desktop in the same building). They used to visit the company guest house on Saturdays some times. The guest house caretaker was given special instructions to disappear during that time. He was bengali and I had good relations with him..(once in a while when he cooked good food he used to keep aside some for me). He told this to me..and I could not share this with anyone while I was there. Later on I came to know that few other people had suspected this.
C. This incident is different. 1999. City of Rourkela. Not connected directly with me. But with a fried, but I was a direct witness. My friend was the branch manager at a private bank. Once every 2-3 months he would get intimation from the owner of a mine from a place called Joda, to be ready for a large cash deposit. The vehicle would come late at night, around 11 pm or so. Since large amount of cash was involved, he had to make provisions for extra security but at the same time very few people would need to be present. The customer himself used to provide additional security from his side and food for all the people for counting the cash. The incident where I was present the amount was some 2.5Cr..and the notes were stuffed into the bags like clothes..all denominations..sorting and ordering them took the larger part of the night.
A. The PR lead of one of my companies while I worked at Pune around 16-17 years ago..he was gay...he used to hire good looking gents at junior temporary positions under him all the time. He came out later, some 10 years afterwards....but I knew from then on as I was privy to his internet activities...he is a friend and we are in touch now....but I could not tell him that I knew since then onwards..
B. The HR head and the Receptionist of a very famous company of Ahmedabad were having a roaring affair...they had the usual flirting over IM (desktop to desktop in the same building). They used to visit the company guest house on Saturdays some times. The guest house caretaker was given special instructions to disappear during that time. He was bengali and I had good relations with him..(once in a while when he cooked good food he used to keep aside some for me). He told this to me..and I could not share this with anyone while I was there. Later on I came to know that few other people had suspected this.
C. This incident is different. 1999. City of Rourkela. Not connected directly with me. But with a fried, but I was a direct witness. My friend was the branch manager at a private bank. Once every 2-3 months he would get intimation from the owner of a mine from a place called Joda, to be ready for a large cash deposit. The vehicle would come late at night, around 11 pm or so. Since large amount of cash was involved, he had to make provisions for extra security but at the same time very few people would need to be present. The customer himself used to provide additional security from his side and food for all the people for counting the cash. The incident where I was present the amount was some 2.5Cr..and the notes were stuffed into the bags like clothes..all denominations..sorting and ordering them took the larger part of the night.
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1point
#49
I work for a games publisher. You'll be able to guess which one easily.
- The Football Manager games on PSP were literally nothing more than roster updates after the first time.
- The Xbox One/Series X version of FM 2021 is literally the mobile version repurposed for a controller. The main game will run on a toaster - unless you don't have a PC I wouldn't bother.
- The Total War games have run on the same engine since Empire. Same issues and limitations pop up with every new release. There's a lot of technical debt with Warscape but they don't want to put the series on hold just for a major rework.
- Most of the team that worked on Sonic Colours and Sonic Generations are no longer working for the dev team. There wasn't much confidence in Sonic Forces from the off and it ended up being released as a budget title and priced as such. Though it sold quite well considering. From what I've heard about the new one they're working on, they've once again proved to have not learned their lesson.
- The Football Manager games on PSP were literally nothing more than roster updates after the first time.
- The Xbox One/Series X version of FM 2021 is literally the mobile version repurposed for a controller. The main game will run on a toaster - unless you don't have a PC I wouldn't bother.
- The Total War games have run on the same engine since Empire. Same issues and limitations pop up with every new release. There's a lot of technical debt with Warscape but they don't want to put the series on hold just for a major rework.
- Most of the team that worked on Sonic Colours and Sonic Generations are no longer working for the dev team. There wasn't much confidence in Sonic Forces from the off and it ended up being released as a budget title and priced as such. Though it sold quite well considering. From what I've heard about the new one they're working on, they've once again proved to have not learned their lesson.
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1point
#50
Most stuff in spoons is microwaved. Even the poached eggs ( vacuum packed pre poached from Brakes ) when it was busy we would run out of McCain chips we would run over the road and buy the cheapest frozen ones instead. During busy period most food like burgers were bulk cooked on a grill and stored in a thing to keep stuff constant temp using water.
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1point
#51
So I worked for a supermarket that starts with M whilst in college/part way through university. It had a few major management and working restructures whilst I worked there.
The first when I started was the introduction of loads of gimmicks to make our food look fresher than it was. The mist they sprayed over they fruit and veg? Did nothing but customers loved it, when they got rid of it they were genuinely upset enough to say they'd shop elsewhere.
Dalton Philips was brought in and it seemed like all of his ideas were misplaced or poorly timed. I remember in my induction with a handful of other people one lady asked about Online Shopping as the shop didn't do it yet. The words of the trainer at the time was simply "We will never do online shopping, the customer loves the in-store experience far too much." Even at 17 I thought that was really stupid. They have online shopping now but only after Dalton was sacked.
Same with their local stores. They opened so many in weird locations and were far too pricey compared to tesco express or the co-op. Loads of staff were encouraged to move to the locals if it was closer for them and that way the stores would either lower staff costs or be able to train new staff in the big shops. Which on paper sounds alright but when all the locals were shut down lots of long working staff lost their jobs as their was no room for them back in their old stores.
They opened a child and baby type chain store that once again was overpriced and they all flopped.
Two new uniforms and logos in a two year stint. Despite being in the red.
The bonus card and vouchers were literally costing the company money, which is why now the deals are so lackluster compared to 2012ish. After Dalton's 5 year stint he left with a stupid amount of money and the company was in massive debt.
So on to the next shake up, from top tier level all the way down to the store front. New plan was make everyone at a certain level a manager. The checkout manager and deputies? Now all managers on equal level and pull. Same with every other department. Checkouts suffered worse as too many chefs in the kitchen. Couldn't do right from wrong, but you could easily play the system to get annual leave approved. I got caught out once and feigned ignorance. What could the manager who said no do? One of the other managers said I could have the time off.
Checkouts tried to make members of the team "runners" you didn't get paid more but sometimes you got to hold the keys to the DVD case and stand by the checkout desk. Caused massive discourse when new 17 year olds were given it over women who'd be in the company since the Safeway days.
That lasted for about six months, then all the shop floor mangers were given new roles so their power didn't overlap.
For a time when pretty much every store was in the red there was a lot of cross department work to save on overtime/expenses. Checkouts are quiet but the fresh pizzas need to be made? Or the cafe needs someone in pot wash. Have fun! No training or spare uniform/PPE are provided though. On many occasions I'd be in the pot wash a good few hours then back on tills in a dirty shirt that's had dirty dish water sloshed on it.
All the benefits and stuff was slashed to save money and all the good mangers jumped ship. I think it's doing better financially now. I'd never go back but at times I do miss the chaos that was retail.
The first when I started was the introduction of loads of gimmicks to make our food look fresher than it was. The mist they sprayed over they fruit and veg? Did nothing but customers loved it, when they got rid of it they were genuinely upset enough to say they'd shop elsewhere.
Dalton Philips was brought in and it seemed like all of his ideas were misplaced or poorly timed. I remember in my induction with a handful of other people one lady asked about Online Shopping as the shop didn't do it yet. The words of the trainer at the time was simply "We will never do online shopping, the customer loves the in-store experience far too much." Even at 17 I thought that was really stupid. They have online shopping now but only after Dalton was sacked.
Same with their local stores. They opened so many in weird locations and were far too pricey compared to tesco express or the co-op. Loads of staff were encouraged to move to the locals if it was closer for them and that way the stores would either lower staff costs or be able to train new staff in the big shops. Which on paper sounds alright but when all the locals were shut down lots of long working staff lost their jobs as their was no room for them back in their old stores.
They opened a child and baby type chain store that once again was overpriced and they all flopped.
Two new uniforms and logos in a two year stint. Despite being in the red.
The bonus card and vouchers were literally costing the company money, which is why now the deals are so lackluster compared to 2012ish. After Dalton's 5 year stint he left with a stupid amount of money and the company was in massive debt.
So on to the next shake up, from top tier level all the way down to the store front. New plan was make everyone at a certain level a manager. The checkout manager and deputies? Now all managers on equal level and pull. Same with every other department. Checkouts suffered worse as too many chefs in the kitchen. Couldn't do right from wrong, but you could easily play the system to get annual leave approved. I got caught out once and feigned ignorance. What could the manager who said no do? One of the other managers said I could have the time off.
Checkouts tried to make members of the team "runners" you didn't get paid more but sometimes you got to hold the keys to the DVD case and stand by the checkout desk. Caused massive discourse when new 17 year olds were given it over women who'd be in the company since the Safeway days.
That lasted for about six months, then all the shop floor mangers were given new roles so their power didn't overlap.
For a time when pretty much every store was in the red there was a lot of cross department work to save on overtime/expenses. Checkouts are quiet but the fresh pizzas need to be made? Or the cafe needs someone in pot wash. Have fun! No training or spare uniform/PPE are provided though. On many occasions I'd be in the pot wash a good few hours then back on tills in a dirty shirt that's had dirty dish water sloshed on it.
All the benefits and stuff was slashed to save money and all the good mangers jumped ship. I think it's doing better financially now. I'd never go back but at times I do miss the chaos that was retail.
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1point
#52
Toyota (had) a reputation for no redundancies when you were hired.
The easiest way to achieve this was to have 50% contractors and be very reluctant to make anyone permanent. Downturn and the contract line workers could be booted no problems.
The mechanics/line engineer subcontractor was raking it in and billing £120/hour because they knew Toyota needed them and didn't want to play along to get on staff.
A well known opticians (that you should've gone to) operates as mostly franchises. As an organisation they offer lots of very good opthalmic training for franchise staff free, but the franchise owners don't tell the staff about it as the owner doesn't want to promote them or pay them more.
Also a fair amount of the franchise owners drive shitboxes to work and, say, an Aston Martin at home, to keep staff in the dark.
The easiest way to achieve this was to have 50% contractors and be very reluctant to make anyone permanent. Downturn and the contract line workers could be booted no problems.
The mechanics/line engineer subcontractor was raking it in and billing £120/hour because they knew Toyota needed them and didn't want to play along to get on staff.
A well known opticians (that you should've gone to) operates as mostly franchises. As an organisation they offer lots of very good opthalmic training for franchise staff free, but the franchise owners don't tell the staff about it as the owner doesn't want to promote them or pay them more.
Also a fair amount of the franchise owners drive shitboxes to work and, say, an Aston Martin at home, to keep staff in the dark.
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1point
#53
Worked at checkatrade for a bit after they got bought out by homeserve. Apparently it used to be a good company that did work for its members, but when I started there it was like walking into a dumpster fire every day. Insane yearly monthly prices (highest was about £140 pm) would be decided by your trade and how well you seemed to be doing through the site, so the more reviews you got the more your page would be boosted, but likely your monthly membership would shoot up when it came to your renewal date (which, by the way, was automatic if you didn't say no), but we were not supposed to tell members that's how prices are decided, we just had to 'convince them it's worth it'. seemed like it was verging on a pyramid scheme to me.
Not to mention the absolute state of management and staff as a whole, processes would change almost every week so no one actually knew what the hell they were doing and ending up with really pissed off builders screaming down the phone at them. Having to try and keep a straight face whilst explaining to a window cleaner why their monthly membership has almost tripled was near enough impossible, made worse by the fact you had to pull a reason out of air because you had no idea either.
Was only there for about 6 months temping, but by the sounds of things it's not got any better.
Also that annoying radio ad was purposely made to get stuck in your head and drive you crazy.
Not to mention the absolute state of management and staff as a whole, processes would change almost every week so no one actually knew what the hell they were doing and ending up with really pissed off builders screaming down the phone at them. Having to try and keep a straight face whilst explaining to a window cleaner why their monthly membership has almost tripled was near enough impossible, made worse by the fact you had to pull a reason out of air because you had no idea either.
Was only there for about 6 months temping, but by the sounds of things it's not got any better.
Also that annoying radio ad was purposely made to get stuck in your head and drive you crazy.
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1point
#54
All of the other preschool teachers were sleeping with parents of the kids.
0points
#55
Had rats there somewhere, they closed it some couple years later.
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0points
#56
The big printing companies use their rejected,scrap and salvaged paper in the middle of big jobs. The beautiful nice perfect stuff is used at the beginning and end if the customer is there okaying the job or checking progress. The customers billed for the name brand stuff.
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0points
#57
I work in one of the big4 accounting firms and when my manager is too busy, they would ask me to send out a draft directly to client without their review.
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0points
#58
Everything the client gets delivered is ChatGpt. They charge lakhs of retainer for generating stuff. Waste of money and time (and water).
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0points
#59
I used to work at a family artisan pasta factory called "La Tua Pasta" in Park Royal, London. We also used to make free-range egg pasta that was made from the same batch as the non free-range one.
The owners were Italians and the production manager was a Slovak.
One day, rhe manager kindly pulled us aside, and explained that with eggs, unlike with meat, there is no difference, and no one can check.
It is unnecesary to say that the free range products were way pricier...
Recently I checked their website and saw that the place was bought by an English couple. I don't know if they still do the same things.
The owners were Italians and the production manager was a Slovak.
One day, rhe manager kindly pulled us aside, and explained that with eggs, unlike with meat, there is no difference, and no one can check.
It is unnecesary to say that the free range products were way pricier...
Recently I checked their website and saw that the place was bought by an English couple. I don't know if they still do the same things.
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0points
#60
All buffet restaurants - the food is all prepackaged and/or frozen. Nothing is scratch made.
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0points
