Applebee’s Delivery Liaison Proves Marijuana Use In Workplace Isn’t Necessarily Harmful

Even America’s finest dining chain isn’t immune to potential drug abuse by their workers…

As we traversed Historic Route 66 in the great state of Missouri, we made a stop in Rolla, a mid-sized community just under two hours southwest of St. Louis. Staying at the Rustic Motel (the motel lives up to its name), the population was just big enough for us to make some money during the evening on my personal favorite delivery platform... DoorDash. One of the first orders I was assigned took me to the community's highest level of dining… Applebee's.

The Rolla Applebee's instructs Dashers to park near the "Carside To Go" entrance and call into the restaurant. This alerts the employee dedicated to pick-up orders that there is a driver present to deliver. The order is then brought out from the kitchen for transport to the customer. On this particular night, the employee may have overindulged in the usage of marijuana-related products before (and probably throughout) their assigned shift.

Making his way to my vehicle... the only one in this area of the parking lot... the worker (let's call him Scooter) walked up to my open window and relayed that the order was still being prepared and would still be a few minutes. Strongly smelling the scent of the devil's lettuce, I was quite impressed that he was putting together sentences after gazing into his severely bloodshot eyes. Scooter grinned throughout the entire interaction and ambled back inside. I sat quietly for the next few minutes in my car... awaiting Scooter and his return with my delivery.

Scooter came back out about five minutes later... looking somewhat surprised to see me as he exclaimed "Wow... you are back already? You are pretty fast." Beginning to chuckle, I explained to Scooter that I had never left and that I still needed the food to deliver. He looked pretty confused, and Scooter decided he might need to return to the kitchen. Ten minutes later, he walked out with the food and asked me if I was there for a Door Dash. Not wanting to prolong the entire ordeal, I answered in the affirmative and took the meal. Delivery was quick... and I was greeted with another order expeditiously.... from Applebee's.

Returning, I again contacted Scooter to alert him I was outside for another delivery. Rushing outside, he apologized for forgetting about me, and he was sure my order would be up soon. A bit bewildered, I soon realized Scooter was back on my original order. Before I could explain, he headed back inside, only to return a few minutes later, telling me my order had already been picked up. Giving him the name of the customer to clarify, Scooter was obviously confused and stated he needed to go back inside. Someone must have gotten him back on track, and he brought the new meal out to me and wished me the best.

I got a few other orders... none of them from Applebee's. With the dimes in wages piling up, I felt I could call it a night after one more delivery. Wouldn't you know it... the powers that be from DoorDash blessed me with one more trip to Applebee's. Driving to the restaurant, I prepared myself for another adventure with Scooter. And I am happy to say Scooter did not disappoint.

Again, calling inside to notify Applebee's about another delivery, Scooter emerged much later. Cautiously walking up to my car door, he inquired, "Are you here for a DoorDash or an online order?" It was honestly as if Scooter had never seen me before. Trying to contain my laughter, I gave him the name of the customer. Scooter again went inside.

After waiting for what seemed like an eternity, I called Applebee's again to check on the order status. Scooter walked out, but at this point, there was another car in the lot with me. Standing in between the two cars, Scooter kept looking back and forth at both of us, finally walking over to the other car. I couldn't hear their discussion, but Scooter looked over and pointed at me a couple of times. Eventually, he made his way back to my car. He looked as if he had important news.

Scooter sheepishly began to tell me that there was only one online order for pickup, and it was for the customer in the other car. He was genuinely worried (and genuinely high) that perhaps my order had not been received by the restaurant. With no desire to try to explain, I said, "OK... I understand. I will check on my order. In the meantime, I think I am just going to make my DoorDash delivery. Can you go check on that for me?" Scooter nodded and stumbled back inside, grabbed the online order for the other car, handed it to the customer, and went inside once again.

When Scooter emerged the next time, he had the DoorDash order and handed it to me. Before I could leave, it was time for the most puzzling statement of the night from Scooter. “Did you see the other car pull away? I'm not sure that their online order went through. I hoped they checked on it." Completely dumbfounded, I just rolled up my window, gave Scooter the "peace sign," wondered where he was getting his dippy sauce, and drove away.

Thinking back, I have to admire Scooter a bit... He was making money and worked his shift while floating... all while there seemed to be no issue with his state by the restaurant...