How Two Coworkers Outsmarted a Speakerphone Menace at Denny's (and Won)
Have you ever found yourself in a near-empty restaurant, savoring the sweet promise of a peaceful meal… only to have it shattered by a stranger who thinks the world is his phone booth? If so, you're not alone—and you’re about to meet your new heroes.
Today, we’re serving up a tale of petty revenge from the wilds of rural Utah, where two coworkers encountered the kind of speakerphone villain that haunts our collective dining nightmares. Their response? Delicious, creative, and extra crispy.
The Scene: Quiet Denny's, Loudmouth Intruder
Our story, shared by u/AntoineWeiner on Reddit’s r/PettyRevenge, begins with two coworkers on a road trip, stopping for lunch at a Denny’s so deserted you could hear the hashbrowns sizzle. They nestled into a corner booth, ready to decompress. But mere moments later, peace was obliterated by a man who stormed in, plopped down in the next booth, and unleashed a high-decibel argument on speakerphone.
The subject? The riveting logistics of Southwest Airlines, wheelchair accessibility, and long-term parking. As if that wasn’t enough, the man’s wife and her brother joined the call—turning the booth into a live-action family drama, complete with shouting in their native dialect. The original poster and his friend exchanged glares with the man, but he just doubled down, his voice growing louder with every ticket price dispute.
Petty Revenge, Served Sunny Side Up
This is where our heroes decided enough was enough. Instead of fuming in silence or resorting to a passive-aggressive sigh, they hatched a plan worthy of a sitcom.
One coworker slid into the booth on the other side of the phone-yelling man, effectively sandwiching him between their booths. Then, with the kind of wordless coordination only true friends share, he called his coworker—both of them immediately flipping their phones to speaker.
The Denny’s suddenly became an absurdist theater. Instead of airline squabbles, the air was now filled with:
“I DON’T CARE WHAT TIME IT IS, I’M HAVING FRENCH TOAST!”
“I HOPE THEY DO THE THING WHERE THEY GIVE YOU THE EXTRA MILKSHAKE IN THE METAL CUP!”
They ramped up the volume, shouting their orders back and forth as if they were separated by a canyon rather than a few feet of cheap upholstery. The waitress, sensing the vibe, rolled with it: “Ask your friend how he takes his eggs!” she played along.
“HOW DO YOU WANT YOUR EGGS?”
“SCRAMBLED!”
This comedic shouting match went on for two glorious minutes, much to the increasing frustration of Mr. Speakerphone, who was now trying to out-bellow them, one palm clamped desperately over his ear. Finally, unable to take the heat (or the eggs), he erupted: “You fucking assholes!” and stormed out.
Cue laughter all around. The Denny’s was quiet again, the coworkers left a hefty tip, and brunch was served in blessed peace.
Why This Petty Revenge Hits the Spot
So, what makes this tale so satisfying? For starters, it’s the perfect blend of creativity, restraint, and just the right amount of escalation. The coworkers didn’t confront the man directly or stoop to insults. Instead, they mirrored his own obnoxiousness—turning his antisocial behavior into a farce even the waitress couldn’t resist joining.
Petty revenge, at its best, isn’t about malice. It’s about restoring balance to the universe (or at least the dining room) with humor, style, and a sprinkle of karma. This story also highlights a universal truth of modern life: the unspoken code of public spaces. Yes, you can take calls in public—but if you treat a restaurant like your personal conference room, don’t be surprised if someone serves you a taste of your own medicine.
Speakerphone Etiquette: A Friendly PSA
Let’s take a quick moment for a public service announcement: Speakerphone is a privilege, not a right. If you must have a heated debate about airline tickets, maybe—just maybe—do it outside, or at least with your phone pressed politely to your ear. Your fellow diners (and their future blog posts) will thank you.
Conclusion: Would You Have Done the Same?
This petty revenge is a masterclass in playful payback, proof that sometimes, the best way to fight fire is with French toast. So next time you’re tempted to let loose on speaker in a public place, remember: somewhere out there, a pair of petty heroes might just be waiting to give you a taste of your own eggs.
Have you ever been the victim of a public speakerphone offender, or pulled off a similar caper? Share your stories in the comments below—and don’t forget to tip your waitstaff (especially if they play along with your shenanigans).
Original Reddit Post: Speakerphone madness