Toppings are serious business to ex-sandwich maker

When I walk into the Subway at Golf and Arlington Heights roads, I do so apologizing.

With years of food service experience behind me, I know I'm a pain. I fully expect the sandwich makers to talk about me when I leave.

I deserve it.

"Sorry, can I have extra pickles, but not so many they overlap?"

"Could you put the vinegar on before the lettuce and just two cucumber slices, please."

I'm not like this normally.

I'm like this because I used to work at the Subway at 864 W. Dundee Road for a time when I was in high school, so I know the great number of sandwich options available to someone who is paying attention.

I also know Subway employees subconsciously make sandwiches according to their personal taste. As an employee, I always put on more lettuce than necessary. When people asked for more olives, I'd give them an extra one maybe, or two.

Because olives are disgusting.

But for a $4 sandwich, I know I'm not supposed to be this picky. Last week, an employee accidentally put a tomato on my sandwich and I almost passed out.

To make up for my fussiness, I do leave a free copy of the newspaper behind. I also repeat "thank you" pretty much until I'm in the parking lot.

Another wrong sign: You better not just throw up a sign in Arlington Heights and hope it's correct.

People check.

I wrote about the misplaced apostrophe in the Peoples' Bank sign last week. This week, a reader pointed out that the Jewel in downtown Arlington Heights is called the "Jewel-Osco Vail Street Market."

However, it's located on Vail Avenue.