the dying

Definition

The final, often frantic portion of service when the last few orders trickle in and the kitchen is desperately trying to close down. Everyone's exhausted, but nobody can leave until these last tickets clear.

Example Usage

We're in the dying now—just two more tables and we can break down.

Origin

Restaurant service terminology, referring to the dying hours of service

Fun Fact

Statistically, orders placed during 'the dying' take 40% longer because half the kitchen has already mentally checked out.

Source: Restaurant service jargon

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