[nabs-l] food courts and counter restaurants

[Ashley Bramlett]

Hi all,

Food courts are crowded noisy places. They hand you the food on a tray. But often the customer has to get their own drink from a row of drink spickits. I am talking about the row of them where the cups are at the end and the drinks are gotten by pressing something to release the liquid.

So any tips on them?  How do you deal with these drink areas? Does someone help you? I suppose you could memorize it if you went there before. How do you find an empty table since your hands are full with the tray, unless you ask someone to carry it for you. Then, how do you find the trashcan? Do you explore where the trashcans are before you get your food? Do you ask someone to read the menu to you while in line, or do it beforehand? Some venues have their menu online which I use if possible; other times they don’t.

Next, how do you deal with restaurants requiring you to order at the counter and pick it up at the counter? A fast food place usually gives you the food right there at the counter. You do not  sit and wait. So that isn’t an issue. If I have to say, wait for fries, I do so right at the counter, as anyone else would.

Restaurants where you do this include:
Johnny Rockets in some locations
deli places such as Philadelphia mikes
Fudruckers
Corner Bakery



How do you find the counter and locate your seat? For me, I’m not good at reversing routes, and all tables look the same! I’m asking since I may order at such a restaurant with a blind friend and could use some tips on this.

Thanks.
Ashley