I manage a small team, and we’re going through a lot right now so I’ve been buying lunch each week. I’m trying to be the supportive boss and buy them for they want, but it sucks. (It’s from office funds, not my own money)
Last week they wanted fast food, and couldn’t be persuaded to eat Burger King so I could get an impossible Whopper. We settled on McDonald’s.
Today is pi Day, so I thought I’d get them pizza. I got garlic bread sticks for myself. I didn’t see anywhere to customize, but they came covered in Parmesan. I probably should have known, but ugh.
I just want to enjoy something if I’m going through the trouble of getting the food. Now I’m sad. Anyways, thanks for reading my rant.
To copy other responses: Indian, Thai, or even TexMex (Chipotle).
Stop asking them then. If they complain, just tell them you’re trying to buy different things each day.
If they’re open to more diverse food options, Indian food might be a good one
I’ve definitely been there, but usually because I’m not the one choosing the food. When you’re picking you tend to have a little more wiggle room, and people tend to be a little more accepting of free food so you might want to be a little more strategic with how you frame things up.
E.g., instead of “do you want Burger King or McDonald’s” try “I’m gonna grab Burger King, do you want anything?” If the team pushes back a simple “unfortunately McD doesn’t have any vegan options and I’m starving.”
Most people will understand, especially because you clearly eat lunch with them regularly enough they should know you’re vegan.
The pizza one is tough but we’ve all been there before when menu items aren’t clearly labeled, but all I can recommend is using Happy Cow to identify restaurants nearby with vegan options, or calling ahead to see if the place you’re thinking of has vegan options before offering it as an option to the team.
I’m not Vegan, but I can empathize given my own food restrictions.
You’re trying to do something great for your team, and that in itself should be enough. Personally if I were in your position I’d just buy stuff that is fairly middle of the road (nothing super spicy, no unusual ingredients) but which complied with my dietary requirements.
If your team asks why there’s no meat, just be up front. If they can’t handle your generous and very nice gesture, they can elect someone else to buy lunch, or get their own.
When someone else buys food or rounds of drinks, I’m usually left without something I can eat, and that’s fine, I’m an adult. I thank them for the gesture and abstain, or get my own food.
The most reasonable response, downvoted simply for not being Vegan enough.
Sorry to hear that OP. It’s tough being vegan out there in a carnist world. :(
If you ever find yourself in Ottawa you’re welcome to come over for some yummy homemade vegan conciliatory pizza. XD
Thanks. Vegans are such nice people.
I’m sure my husband would make me pizza if I ask.
In better news, last night we had a friend over, we made home made pretzel rolls and put impossible burgers on them. My friend who isn’t vegan brought a home made vegan apple pie. She’s planning to try some recipes to find the best for Thanksgiving because she knows how much I love apple pie.
Ooh, that sounds delicious! And right around Pi day too, so excellent timing! I’m making pecan pie myself today. :)
