The Unlimited Breadstick Incident

I was 24 years old and out with friends at a well-known Italian chain restaurant, the kind that promises endless soup, salad, and—most importantly—unlimited breadsticks. It was a casual Tuesday night, and I had already cleared through three baskets before the waiter’s enthusiasm noticeably waned.

“More breadsticks, please,” I requested with the confidence of a man who knew his rights.

“Of course,” the waiter said, forcing a smile. Ten minutes later, a single lonely breadstick arrived.

“Just one?” I asked.

“Uh… yeah, we’re just spacing them out,” the waiter replied. Suspicious.

I decided to test this newfound rationing policy. I made direct eye contact and said, “I’ll take another round of unlimited breadsticks.“

A manager appeared soon after. “Sir, we just want to make sure you’re enjoying your meal and not… stockpiling.”

Stockpiling? What was this, a black-market breadstick operation?

I doubled down. “Are they unlimited or not?”

The manager hesitated. “Well, yes… but… in reason.”

“Define ‘reason,’” I said, because words matter.

After an awkward silence, six more baskets arrived. Victory.

But the triumph was short-lived. Thirty minutes later, the bill arrived—with an added charge labeled ‘Excessive Breadstick Consumption Fee – $7.99.’

I fought it. I had no regrets. But legal action seemed excessive over doughy carbs, so the battle ended in a compromise: they waived the fee, and I agreed not to request any more breadsticks.

Lesson learned?
If a restaurant promises unlimited, they better mean it.