ADVERTISEMENT

Working in the hospitality industry can be as challenging as it is rewarding. Sure, you get to meet a constant stream of new and interesting people while on the job… but some of your customers are going to be nightmarish to serve. Not to mention that your job itself probably means lots of stress and tough hours.

‘Chef and Hospitality Memes’ is a popular public group on Facebook that skips the sunshine and daisies and shows the truth about working in hospitality, with a comedic twist. We’ve collected some of the community’s freshest, funniest, and most relatable memes to serve you, so go on, scroll down, and have a taste of quality humor.

#1

Mural showing pandas wearing sombreros in a local restaurant, humorously illustrating relatable hospitality work memes.

Chris Maness Report

Add photo comments
POST
Amy
Community Member
2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love this. I wonder whether the panda in the tree always had bunches (pigtails in the US I think?) or if they were added with the sombreros!

View more commentsArrow down menu
RELATED:

    While a bit of stress can be a positive thing, too much of it too frequently can harm your physical, emotional, and mental health. According to the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, one of the most important aspects of managing your stress in a professional kitchen is to identify your unique stressors.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    For example, one person might handle the heat and the noise of the kitchen extremely well but have trouble dealing with lots of orders, or vice versa. Once you know the core issues, it’s easier to address them.

    #4

    Front-of-house staff in clean uniforms standing confidently, kitchen staff depicted as rugged pirates on a ship.

    Saneqkia Ricks Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Mrx Mrx
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If the kitchen staff is sober and good looking there is something fishy.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Something else that helps keep stress at bay is being organized and disciplined. You can create a to-do list for yourself, keep your workstation tidy, and separate larger tasks into more manageable ones to stay calm.

    Meanwhile, the more efficient you are with your decisions and actions, the more on top of your tasks you’ll be and the less overwhelmed you’ll feel.

    #7

    Pink humorous notice from hospitality staff listing reasons for kicking someone out of the bar, reflecting working in hospitality memes.

    Chef Memes Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    XenoMurph
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The traditional game of "Guess the BP censored word!" ..... dou che bag?

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #9

    Woman wearing a hospitality work shirt featuring a low-rated BBQ review, humorously illustrating working in hospitality memes.

    Karen Brooks Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Armac
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why would anyone go to a BBQ restaurant and expect vegan food 🤪

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT

    At the same time, it’s important to take care of your health if you want to perform well at work. That means eating well, staying hydrated, getting plenty of sleep, getting enough movement, disconnecting from work, spending time with your loved ones, doing things that you love (besides work), etc.

    The better your physical and mental well-being, generally, the better you’ll perform in a professional setting.

    #12

    Funny hospitality meme about giving to church but neglecting the waitress serving Sunday brunch, illustrating working in hospitality.

    Michael May Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Khavrinen
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don't forget to leave a fake $20 bill with "Christian" messages as a "tip", in case the waitress didn't notice what jerks you are!

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT

    The hospitality industry is much bigger and wider than you might realize. It includes jobs that you probably have in mind right now, like cooking food and waiting on guests.

    However, it also encompasses areas such as tourism, travel, recreation, sports, wellness, and entertainment, plus event planning, hotels, bars, nightclubs, theme parks, beverage services, etc.

    #13

    Two chefs in a kitchen looking amused with arms crossed, relatable hospitality memes about customer meal orders.

    Zhef's Life Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Mreoww
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you’re n any Asin restaurant, that’s a terrible mistake. I’m Asian myself and I can barely handle some of our dishes.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT

    And though there can be big differences depending on the specific niche you work in, your job will almost inevitably revolve around interacting with and providing services to lots of customers in some way.

    Naturally, that means that you should know how to stay calm, cool, and collected under pressure while also finding a diplomatic way to tackle any problematic customers that you (inevitably) run into.

    #18

    Man making a sarcastic face with work meme text about hospitality employees wanting to just get paid and go home

    Michael May Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Kim Kermes
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My family has manners, consideration for others, a sense of fair treatment and thinks logically. And they're ...eccentric...

    View more commentsArrow down menu

    Knowing how to communicate well and work in a team are good ‘soft’ skills to have, no matter your job. But they become more and more essential the more fast-paced and stressful your day-to-day tasks are. If your job involves tons of pressure, then you, inevitably, need to find a way to work well in those conditions (or look for a job that better suits your skill set, needs, and temperament).

    #20

    Hospitality worker reacting with sarcasm to being short staffed, illustrating relatable hospitality work meme.

    Michael May Report

    #21

    Chef holding a knife with a caption about funny customer orders, illustrating relatable hospitality work moments.

    The Chef's Circle Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Khavrinen
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I read a restaurant post once where a guest claimed to be allergic to "crunchy".

    View more commentsArrow down menu

    At the time of writing, the ‘Chef and Hospitality Memes’ group boasts 400.4k members from around the world. This is up from the 356.6k members the group had on Facebook in January 2025, the last time we covered their active community. Currently, the community is run by the ‘Support Local Businesses’ digital marketing agency.

    Honestly, it’s no wonder that the group has seen so much success over the years. Its content is focused on incredibly relatable topics and niches, from food and cooking to the stress and challenges people face at work. After all, we all need to eat, and most of us reading this probably have a job that can be very tough at times. And what’s relatable tends to be what goes viral.

    #22

    Close-up of a funny burnt crumb in an air fryer, illustrating relatable hospitality work humor and kitchen struggles.

    Chris Maness Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #24

    Handwritten sign on restaurant door explaining closure due to a funny hospitality incident involving chili and staff drama.

    Craig Carr Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Kit Black
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes the tooth covered in alex's blood... in the chili, you don't want to throw away... this note will be exhibit a in the lawsuit and also in the fines rendered by the department of health🤣

    View more commentsArrow down menu

    Another factor that is a big part of the ‘Chef and Hospitality Memes’ group’s popularity is the focus on quality humor.

    Though internet memes don’t necessarily have to be funny to spread, posting hilarious images that your audience resonates with and has a strong physical reaction to certainly helps. If your joke lands well, it can be very powerful.

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #26

    Text meme about working in hospitality stating emotional struggles of food service workers in walk-in coolers.

    Virginia Richardson Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I worked at a grocery store during the pandemic for two and a half years. Can confirm the dairy cooler area was THE spot for hiding and crying, even if you didn't work in the dairy dept XD

    View more commentsArrow down menu

    It’s natural that you want to return to the (digital) place where you felt like you had a good time and laughed a lot. If the community sharing all of that awesome content is friendly, warm, and inviting, it’s only a plus.

    Human beings are hardwired for social behavior and empathy, so it’s only natural to want to belong to some sort of community. If you don’t have many chances to connect with other people face-to-face, you can always try doing that online.

    #29

    High-rise apartment building in Hangzhou with dense population, humorously illustrating relatable hospitality work stress.

    Chris Maness Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Rose the Cook
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There are 450 apartments in our complex in Beijing while the apartments are numbered the 30 buildings aren't. Just a few days ago a delivery person came to our door, he had the right apartment but wrong building. Out of curiosity and having nothing else to do we watched him enter 3 more buildings before coming out empty handed.

    View more commentsArrow down menu

    Have you ever worked in the hospitality industry before, dear Pandas? What was your experience like? What would you say were your most and least favorite parts of this type of work?

    What advice would you give anyone who’s completely new to working as a chef or server and might be feeling a bit overwhelmed at the moment? We’d love to hear your thoughts—share them in the comments below.

    #36

    Sign in a bakery humorously warning customers on mobile phones that food service may be delayed, relatable hospitality meme.

    Chef Memes Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Spittnimage
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ON your phone not you are your phone - at least that's what I hope they meant.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #37

    Eggs with sad and crying faces drawn, mourning a fried egg in a plate, relatable hospitality work meme humor.

    Njüë Påtöh Kīñyūã Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    ZovThePhoenix
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It was completely un-egg-spected, but the yolk's on the chef, he shell be haunted.🍳🥚👻🤣

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #39

    Man reacting with disbelief paired with text about having a good day, relatable meme about working in hospitality.

    John Bonhan Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium
    Unlimited content
    Ad-free browsing
    Dark mode
    #46

    Three people with captions under Do You Smoke question, humorously describing hospitality work roles in a meme.

    The Chef's Circle Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #49

    Text meme about inflation joking that you can eat food dropped on the floor for up to 7.3 seconds, relatable hospitality humor.

    Theo Tierney Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #50

    Metal kitchen strainer with wooden handle illustrating a relatable hospitality meme about straining your voice.

    Chris Maness Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #51

    Memes depicting the relatable chaos of working in hospitality with waitress, manager, and chef roles.

    Tito Raps Teevee Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #52

    Man in sci-fi uniform reacting to kitchen tools and equipment, illustrating relatable hospitality work meme.

    Tito Raps Teevee Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh god, so I have a healthy respect for knives, especially good-quality kitchen knives. But the things I actually end up cutting myself on? The rim of my dog's pressed-metal foodbowl whenever I wash it, the "WHY IS IT SO SHARP" edge of the metal lid on one of my water bottles, etc. XD

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #53

    Black plastic milk crates stacked outdoors against a wall, illustrating working in hospitality humor and daily challenges.

    Sprucing up the break room for the crew…

    Nathan Southwick Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #54

    Man in plain clothes on the left and man in clown makeup on the right illustrating working in hospitality over 10 years.

    Zhef's Life Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #55

    Man in a raw meat costume standing in a butcher shop, illustrating relatable hospitality work humor meme.

    Robert Palmer Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Mreoww
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I…don’t really get the hate. Yeah, there are some obnoxious weirdos, but at least 90% are fine. I’m vegetarian and lactose intolerant as well, so I basically eat a vegan diet, and I swear I’m a normal person.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #56

    Squidward looking sad through blinds at SpongeBob and Patrick, illustrating relatable hospitality work memes.

    Michael May Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #57

    Screenshot of a hospitality worker's message describing smooth service and humorous moments in hospitality work.

    An EOD email from a head server I thought you’d be able to relate.

    Dalyvis anonimas Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #59

    Customers asking if still open five minutes before closing, showing the stress of working in hospitality kitchen staff.

    David Taylor Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Kim Kermes
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We're open for 5 minutes but the kitchen closed 30 minutes ago. Restaurants add kitchen closing times to your hours!

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #60

    Humorous hospitality meme showing the Italian flag colors representing basil, mozzarella cheese, and tomato sauce.

    Sean Gebo Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Toothless Feline
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not really a joke. That’s the claimed meaning of the toppings on a margherita pizza.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #61

    Chef in hospitality kitchen looking annoyed when a customer arrives 10 minutes before closing, relatable work meme.

    Oscar Vlad Rivas Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #62

    Broken stove with detached top after adjusting clock, illustrating relatable struggles of working in hospitality humor.

    Chris Maness Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #63

    Group of hospitality workers in casual attire sitting tiredly on chairs, illustrating relatable hospitality work meme.

    Zhef's Life Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #64

    Person yelling in a busy kitchen illustrating relatable memes about working in hospitality and handling tasks alone.

    The Chef's Circle Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #67

    Three shocked men reacting with surprise, illustrating relatable memes about working in hospitality and line cooks.

    Tito Raps Teevee Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #68

    Text meme about working in hospitality showing a funny conversation between a boss and employee about weekend shifts.

    John Bonhan Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #71

    Chef Gordon Ramsay in a kitchen, reacting with surprise to a large monster figure, hospitality work meme.

    Chris Zgrabik Sr. Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #72

    Cartoon showing cooks with a wheelbarrow full of spinach, illustrating relatable hospitality work humor.

    Michael May Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #73

    Man in vintage suit holding energy drink can, tired expression, illustrating relatable hospitality work memes about lack of sleep.

    Liam Telfer Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #74

    Man with mustache in a dimly lit hallway showing a relatable hospitality work meme about kitchen jobs and camera crews.

    Levi Black Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #77

    Text meme stating a group of line cooks is called a heard, relating to working in hospitality humor.

    The Chef's Circle Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Sarah Belt
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    (You shout 'heard' in response to commands/requests in a kitchen, in case anyone didn't know.)

    #78

    Stacked blue and orange plastic crates creatively arranged to form a chair in a hospitality workroom.

    Lee Wilson Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #80

    Digital thermometer showing 50.9 degrees with meme about hospitality workers dealing with hot kitchen conditions.

    Chef Memes Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Rachel Pelz
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Was thinking US unit first...but 50 degrees Celsius...that's hotter than hot.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #81

    Man in suit struggling to get through fence, depicting relatable meme about working in hospitality kitchen frustrations.

    The Chef's Circle Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #83

    Comparison of normal life and chef's life showing relationships, meals, and rest in hospitality work memes.

    James Tuynman Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #84

    Man smiling confidently in a leather jacket, illustrating relatable moments working in hospitality with coworkers and boss.

    Michael May Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #85

    Hand holding a hospitality order receipt listing multiple allergy notes for a chicken burger and Mexican bowl.

    Tom Pine Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Armac
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have long suspected that a lot of people who do this just don’t like those items.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #86

    Hospitality worker washing dishes in a busy kitchen illustrating relatable working in hospitality memes.

    Tito Raps Teevee Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Owen
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was a dishwasher at 18. It was shady AF. 12hr shifts only, no breaks allowed. Under minimum wage. Got fired for eating some fries that came back untouched instead of throwing them in the bin. Thank god for that. F**k that place.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #90

    Young worker humorously crawling up stairs labeled with hospitality work challenges, illustrating working in hospitality struggles.

    Freza Freza Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    TerathNinir
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Someone straight out of education in any field is not competent to jump right into work -- unless they had actual work study or apprenticeship. The CPA at my job can barely do actual accounting. 😬

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #91

    Man in suit with beard and text about ordering food late while working in hospitality, relatable hospitality meme humor.

    Michael May Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #93

    Two scenes showing hospitality workers at 2 AM exhausted and 5 AM energetic, illustrating relatable hospitality work memes.

    The Chef's Circle Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #94

    Tweet about the relatable experience of losing track of days while working in hospitality and restaurants.

    Chef Memes Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    UKDeek
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Disagree with this completely... I work shifts in healthcare and I am forever forgetting what day it is. In my little world there are only three days - day shift day, night shift day or day off.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #96

    Relatable hospitality meme showing kitchen staff reacting to server ringing in an 86ed item multiple times in a humorous way.

    James Tuynman Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #97

    Scene from a movie with two people embracing in the rain, humorously illustrating working in hospitality challenges.

    Oliver Hunter Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #98

    Person wearing headphones and a cap playing guitar in a busy hospitality kitchen with laptop and food supplies nearby

    Chris Maness Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Sparkle Bean
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    he's gonna be so upset when that laptop hits the sink filled with water...

    #99

    Phones placed in kitchen trays and containers playing music, illustrating relatable memes about working in hospitality.

    The Chef's Circle Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #101

    Chat conversation warning about injury from peeling rotten potatoes, relatable working in hospitality humor.

    Chris Maness Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #103

    Man in chef uniform excitedly checking phone and waitress in green apron texting about food in window, hospitality memes.

    Tito Raps Teevee Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    #104

    Wrestler holding championship belt labeled easy day facing huge prep list, illustrating hospitality work struggles meme.

    Mick Phillips Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    See Also on Bored Panda