Good Morning @ Coco's

Every morning my friend Marlene and I go to breakfast at our local "Coco's" restaurant. This has become my time to get out and socialize with people instead of just sitting at home watching TV and listening to my dog snore all day. Everyone at the restaurant has become like family to me and they pretty much cater to my every whim. The whole crew at the restaurant treat me like I am the most important person that walks in the door. However I also know they treat all of the customers as if they were special.
The whole cast of characters employed at the restaurant is quite unique. Starting with Dave, the manager, he is the one that over sees the every day operation. The first day I met Dave was interesting to say the least. One of the former assistant managers had failed to leave a note regarding a credit I was owed and when I mentioned it to him he gave me a very puzzled look. When I tried to explain what was going on he acted like I was trying to "pull a fast one" on him and just get a meal for free. However once we got everything straightened out he was pretty cool. Since that day Dave and I have become pretty good buddies. We enjoy harassing each other and always trying to see who can get "one up " first. In fact on his 62nd birthday I filled a box full of "old fart's" medical supplies as a gag gift. It had everything necessary- from a tank of oxygen to get him breathing fast- to everything possible to keep him "regular"- and even something called "monkey butt powder!" Naturally everything was wrapped individually and to make it more dramatic I made him open it in the middle of the restaurant. I have to say he was a great sport.
Of course we are always greeted by one of the hostesses, Alyssa or Monica, who make sure we are always seated quickly and with the waiter or waitress of our choice for the day. I like to mix it up so everyone gets to put up with me at one time or another.
Then there are the servers. Andy just loves to talk politics with me- haha! We've had some pretty intense conversations, often having other customers chime in. But, he still loves me! Diane shares all of my same political persuasions and we have even attended some of the same famous "tea parties" in protest of OBAMA'S taxes he wasn't going to increase, and his socialistic policies. Arlene used to wait on us every day until we started coming in earlier than she does. She shares our love for animals and always makes sure my dog, Dusty, is well taken care of.(Her steak is cooked just right!) Karen is always bubbly and a kid at heart. every Halloween she dresses as a different Disney character. She also seems to be on the same bathroom schedule as me and often times as she's humming me a tune in the other stall my cell phone will ring and scare the pee right out of her! (It screams "hey, your phone's ringin" over and over. Kelly and my friend Marlene have a common love for the QVC channel and they are always comparing the jewelry they have purchased. Alecia always seems to be happy and laughing and in general just in a good mood. She always has a smile on her face.
Paula has got to be the hardest worker in the place. She is the bus person, she washes dishes, tries to keep up with everything the server's need done, and still has time to clean and stock the restrooms in her spare time! Cherie is the newest manager and she is another person who is always trying to keep doing something to keep the restaurant going. And I can't forget Alfredo who makes my doggy's steaks. We finally got it down. she likes them medium rare!
Last, but not least, we have the other regulars besides Marlene and me. I don't know all of them by name but we are all aware we share the same love for "Coco's" and the people that make it work. There is Miss H who always has a story to tell about her health problems, her pains, her chemo, or even just her views on life. Frank comes in with his computer and sometimes will sit all day long, through different meals, working on whatever things he he has to do for his classes. He is also retired military- HooRah!!! and many thanks. There are others but I've tried to mention the "stand-outs."
As I said in the beginning, these people have all become like family. I am so happy they allow me to be a part of their restaurant. Thank you all for being my friends! You are the best!