Madman #1 (1992)
Writing & Artwork by Mike Allred
Colors by Laura Allred
Chef’s Note: Despite this being a common trope, it is highly unlikely that Frank would be allowed to “work off” his French dip debt by washing dishes because of such pesky little things as food safety standards and labor laws.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration: “PERSONS unnecessary to the FOOD ESTABLISHMENT operation are not allowed in the FOOD preparation, FOOD storage, or WAREWASHING areas,” which is an overly complicated (and capitalized) way of saying, if you don’t work at the restaurant, you’re not allowed in the kitchen, and that includes washing dishes.
Also, modern restaurant kitchens are tightly choreographed spaces full of knives, flames and scalding hot liquids. Inviting an untrained “volunteer” into a restaurant kitchen is inviting an accident and a lawsuit. “That would never happen for liability issues,” says Bucher. “There are way too many ways they could hurt themselves.”
That said, Gino’s should also think of the optics here. If I caught a glimpse of someone dressed like Frank doing the diner’s dishes I might think twice about eating there again.
Chef’s Note: Happy National French Dip Day!