Knowing a second language could come in handy

I was in suburban Chicago yesterday. I started my day at McDonald's for breakfast. When I entered the store a lady in what I would guess was her late fifties had just completed her order and received her food. A nice Hispanic gentleman, who based on his dress was a manager of some type, took my order in perfect, accent free English. While we were all waiting on my Sausage McMuffin to be prepared the manger-type was talking to another Manager.  She also spoke perfect English.

The older lady who got her food as I entered came up to the counter.  She had coffee all over her business suit and coat.  She loudly demanded to see the manager.  Coffee-lady claimed the lid was not on her coffee properly and wanted the McDonald's to pay her dry cleaning bill.  She was angry and flustered and kept ranting about an important meeting and how she had to go home and change.

Coffee-lady again asked the young manger who was waiting on me to see the manager. He finally turned the the other manager, who was making coffee and pretending to not hear the ranting Coffee-lady. and spoke something in Spanish. The other manager turned and stared at Coffee-lady.  Coffee lady was livid at this point.  She kept saying she just wants a number so she can get her dry cleaning taken care of.

The McDonald's managers spoke to each other in Spanish, as if each was trying to translate Coffee-lady's rantings. Both turned again and stared at the Coffee-lady. Coffee-lady again asked for a manager. Female manager mumbled something in Spanish. Coffee-lady cursed and said she would just call corporate. She then stormed out of the McDonald's.

The female manager handed me my food and told me thanks and have a nice day in perfect English. As I walked away she turned and told an employee in the back to check the trash and dining room. Normal McDonald's business continued.

I guess being bi-lingual is a real advantage in customer service.