I went to Sprouts recently (Herndon location) and they have a chart on the deli counter so you can orient yourself about what to ask. I asked for thinly sliced (I think it was #3?) and the guy told me I could go shopping and come back later to pick it up. I went (because I haven't had a problem before), did my shopping and came back at the end to pick up my order. I didn't check it and once I got home I saw the mother fuc$%r had given me thick slices, like the ones you order when you want to dice them.

I was so mad. I really contemplated going back to complain to management as that type of meat was useless to me. No one in my house eat ham that thick, and at $12.00/lb, it is pretty expensive.

In the end, I decided not to go because I didn't want to risk the guy getting a reprimand over deli meat, even though he was a sleazy ball.

Since then, I have been ordering our weekly ham from Giant because it is more convenient, but because of this past experience I always stand by and watch it.

I will go back to Sprouts soon as there is an asian market in the same mall and I need something from there. I will order it again but this time I will stand by and wait for it - to make sure I get what I want and I am paying for - service.

If he is not happy, he can leave and go do instancart or uber eats, etc. No one is forcing these people to work at the deli counter, and I say this as someone go works menial jobs (like waiting staff for catering/party service). I know how people can be assholes in costume service, specially for what/who they deem inferior to them. I am of the thought that as long as they treat me with RESPECT and are polite, it is their right to ask me to fulfill my duties - wash/clean after them, serve them, become invisible.

The deli counter worker job is to shave my meat if I request it.

I will confess here and say that I absolutely HATE, HATE when clients ask me to rinse their disposable paper plates and plastic cups to recycle in a party with 30+ guests, but if they request it, that is what I will do.

I absolutely hate when clients ask me to wash their common plate by hand instead of running the dishwasher, or put a drop of detergent mixed with a cup of water for me to use instead of giving me free access to the detergent.... but whatever. I will do it. It is what I am be payed for - to help the client and make them happy for those 4 to 6 hours.

Anonymous wrote:PP above--I forgot to mention that the food clerks (cashiers, produce, etc.) started out around $10/hr and maxed out around $15/hr.

No grocery store cashier was making $15/hr in the early 90s.

Now I want a sandwich with fresh bread and shaved meat

The reason it is annoying is because it takes more pressure to cut it shave, it requires more force to shave it. Honestly, cold cut meat was made to eat without it being shaved. Overall, eating from the deli isn't safe because flies due lane on the machine so you are basically prone to get a stomach flu from it. Even if the machine are sanitized flies will land on the slicer and your eating fly shit.
Be mindful that people in the deli are slicing all day during there shift. How would you like it to have 95% of the customer asking for only shave meat. See how your arm is going to feel after 8 hours of slicing shaved meat. But customer don't care because they are selfish and self centered. If you want it shave go home and dice that cold cut up the way you like it.
Always put yourself in someone else shoes. Be mindful!

Anonymous wrote:I still have no idea what shaved meat is.

Here is a chart of deli slicer settings and thickness:
- http://micuisine.com/lunapiercook/pdfs/deli_slicer_size_chart_12162018.pdf

Here is a picture of a platter with shaved meats:
http://winkingsmarket.com/2015/11

My mom always ordered her cold cuts "paper, paper thin". Now say that in a very heavy Long Island accent. When I got older, and would go food shopping (that's what we call it) for her, she would always stress that I ask for it that way. I just said thin. She would complain every so often, but not enough for me to say "paper, paper thin".

Anonymous wrote:most deli staff are just plain ole lazy. They should quit if they don't like their job.

But they are America’s Heroes!

Anonymous wrote:I really can't believe people give a 2nd thought to the way their meat is sliced.

It changes the texture and can impact the taste (more or less fatty). Also, we use it to reduce calories.

Anonymous wrote:I still have no idea what shaved meat is.

Very thinly sliced. If you have ever made a cheesesteak sub from scratch with the raw beef in the pillow pack, it is like that.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I worked in a grocery store deli in college. Shaving the meat is a total PITA. And a full pound is a lot and will take a long time. I never would have voiced a compliant, but inside I'd be seething.

+1
I worked in a deli once too and hated this request. Super time consuming as you have to wrap and unwrap each meat and then clean the slicer between uses. The worst was when people would ask for 1/4 of 5 different meats.

Some people don’t want to eat the same sandwich all week or they need to satisfy 5 different family members or guests.

We also used to make Dagwood style sandwiches for my stepson.

I still have no idea what shaved meat is.

Its happened to me before as well. Its super rude! That is their JOB to serve their customers even its a special request.

most deli staff are just plain ole lazy. They should quit if they don't like their job.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I worked in a grocery store deli in college. Shaving the meat is a total PITA. And a full pound is a lot and will take a long time. I never would have voiced a compliant, but inside I'd be seething.

+1
I worked in a deli once too and hated this request. Super time consuming as you have to wrap and unwrap each meat and then clean the slicer between uses. The worst was when people would ask for 1/4 of 5 different meats.

OMG YES. And then 2 slices each of 3 different cheeses.

What else were you going to do with your time? It's not as if you get to leave early if you have fewer customers. And if you didn't do this, there wouldn't be a deli counter job. We'd all be buying pre-sliced meats (or not if they're not to our specification)

I really can't believe people give a 2nd thought to the way their meat is sliced.