Waiter Grover

Waiter Grover is Grover's most frequent occupation. As a waiter, Grover usually works at Charlie's Restaurant, although he has also toiled at O'Brien's Fast Food Restaurant, an airport restaurant, and a few other locations.
Grover's most frequent customer is Mr. Johnson, a Fat Blue Anything Muppet, who has become increasingly frustrated over the years with the poor service that Grover provides. In the earlier skits, Mr. Johnson and Grover's roles were switched; Mr. Johnson was calmer, but Grover was usually the victim. Other customers that have been served by Waiter Grover include Simon Soundman and the Count. 
The framing story of the video Let's Eat!: Funny Food Songs involves Grover working as a waiter at Planet Storybook. He was also a waiter at his own tribute in A Celebration of Me, Grover, and a waiter during the Muppets anniversary celebration in The Muppets: A Celebration of 30 Years, handing the bill to Jim Henson. He has appeared in a number of Sesame Street video games, most notably Counting Café and the iPhone application, "Grover's Number Special," wherein Waiter Grover counts the items he needs to make Mr. Johnson's food. Grover also works as a waiter at Shoanan's local coffee house in the 2010 revival of Shalom Sesame. 
In episode 211 of The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo, Grover appears in a restaurant setting as the studio chef instead, while still giving Mr. Johnson a difficult time in preparing his order.
In 1993, a song titled "Oops!" was written, in which Grover sings while constantly spilling beans on Mr. Johnson, with Elmo, Telly Monster, and Zoe providing back-up vocals. The song was never used on the show.Lyrics for the song
==Sketches==
Mr. Johnson
For occasions where Grover served Mr. Johnson in a non-restaurant setting see: Grover and Mr. Johnson	Mr. Johnson
For occasions where Grover served Mr. Johnson in a non-restaurant setting see: Grover and Mr. Johnson	Mr. Johnson
For occasions where Grover served Mr. Johnson in a non-restaurant setting see: Grover and Mr. Johnson 	Mr. Johnson
For occasions where Grover served Mr. Johnson in a non-restaurant setting see: Grover and Mr. Johnson
Picture 	Title / First Appearance 	Description 	
 	Alphabet SoupEpisode 0276 	Mr. Johnson wants a bowl of hot alphabet soup, and he really wants it to be hot. He looks to make sure that each letter of the alphabet is in his soup, but he is missing some. By the time Grover brings in all the missing letters, the soup is cold. 	
 	Picture MenuEpisode 0332 	Grover opens a menu, and shows Mr. Johnson a large picture of a specialty sandwich, which comes with potato chips on the side, a pickle on the top, and an olive inserted on a toothpick. When the sandwich arrives, Mr. Johnson complains that it doesn't match the picture on the menu - it doesn't have potato chips, a pickle, or an olive. After Grover finally gets the order right, Mr. Johnson says he doesn't have time to eat it, since his lunch hour is over, and leaves. An exasperated Grover throws a tantrum in the kitchen. 	
center 	Chicken Soup Episode 0358 	Grover serves Mr. Johnson a bowl of chicken soup. Johnson says that he can't eat the soup, and Grover can't guess why. "That settles it," Johnson sighs. "From now on, I'm bringing my lunch to work in a paper sack." He finally explains to Grover that he can't eat the soup because he doesn't have a spoon. 	
 	Bacon and EggsEpisode 0408 	Mr. Johnson orders bacon and eggs, but he can't decide how many of each he wants. Mr. Johnson says that Grover took too long and it is now time for lunch, so he asks for two hot dogs and two pickles. Grover then throws a tantrum in the kitchen. 	
 	HamburgerEpisode 0705 	Mr. Johnson wants a hamburger. The restaurant offers two sizes: the big hamburger and the small hamburger. When the small hamburger is too small, he orders a big one. Because there have been some problems with the big hamburger, Grover tries to convince him to order several small ones. Mr. Johnson finally loses his patience, and demands a big hamburger. Grover winds up delivering a colossal-sized hamburger that he is barely able to carry; the burger is so huge that he crashes through the doors and walls, causing damage. Grover then asks if Mr. Johnson prefers his ketchup in "the bigger bottle or the little bottle." 	
 	All Out of FoodEpisode 0976 	Grover informs Mr. Johnson that the restaurant is out of a lot of items that are on the menu. The only thing still at the restaurant is milk...but there are no glasses. 	
 	Fly in the SoupEpisode 1134 	Mr. Johnson has been served a bowl of soup, but flags down his waiter to make a complaint. He asks Grover to inspect the fly that's in his soup, but Grover looks under; next to; and above the soup before he agrees to bring out a new bowl. The kitchen is all out of what Mr. Johnson ordered, so Grover brings him Cream of Mosquito. 	
 	First/LastEpisode 1307 	Mr. Johnson orders soup, roast beef, and peach pie, wanting them in that order (one at a time). Grover doesn't understand the order and keeps bringing the wrong item. Upon being brought the pie twice, Johnson explains that he wants that after "everything else," prompting Grover to bring everything else on the menu. 	
center 	Soup and SandwichEpisode 1330 	Mr. Johnson orders soup and a sandwich, and says that he wants the sandwich before the soup. When Grover brings the sandwich, Mr. Johnson has changed his mind, and wants the soup first. When Grover brings the soup, Mr. Johnson has decided that he wants the sandwich first. Grover ends up giving Mr. Johnson both the soup and sandwich so he can decide what to eat first. Mr. Johnson tells Grover that he has decided to get a cup of coffee before the soup and the sandwich. 	
 	Special of the Day #9Episode 1377 	Grover recites to Mr. Johnson all the items on the menu, which are numbered. Number nine is the special of the day. It turns out to be a real number nine, but Mr. Johnson doesn't want it. It's medium rare, and he likes his nines well-done. 	
 	Grover, the Singing and Dancing WaiterEpisode 1793	Grover is a singing and dancing waiter at Casa de Comidas (literally House of Foods in Spanish). When he brings Mr. Johnson's order, he sings and dances while still holding the tray, and spills Mr. Johnson's food on the floor. He keeps on doing this whenever he brings more food, until it's time for Manolo, the guitar player to take his break; he tells Grover he's going down to the corner for a hamburger and some fries. Grover brings out numero uno, literally the number 1, much to Mr. Johnson's dismay. 
This segment was taped on January 10, 1983, written by Luis Santeiro, and directed by Lisa Simon. 	
 	Just Following OrdersEpisode 2418 	Grover has a new method of remembering orders: he makes up a poem to remember what is ordered, and who ordered it. Mr. Johnson orders a cheeseburger with French fries and a pickle, which Grover interprets as "Round and tasty on a bun, pickles, French fries, yum, yum, yum!" He also describes Johnson as "In a hurry to be fed, beady eyes and big blue head!." Grover's method proves flawed, however, as he brings Mr. Johnson a grapefruit on a bun. Grover eventually realizes his mistake, but declines to fix it, as it is his lunch break, and he heads out for his own cheeseburger.
;Notes
*This segment was taped on September 11, 1987 and was directed by Jon Stone.
*This sketch was incorporated into the plot of Episode 2696, where an angry Mr. Johnson comes to Hooper's Store to order a cheeseburger, but he gets a call from Grover to come back, promising to provide better service. Afterwards, Mr. Johnson returns to Hooper's for the cheeseburger, but Gina reveals she sold it to another customer: Grover!	
 	Grover's Fast Food RestaurantEpisode 2582 	Grover is the newest employee at the O'Brien's fast food franchise that serves such delicacies as O'Fish, O'Salad, O'Rye Bread, and O'Milk. However, this is a different kind of "fast food" restaurant: the food zips by the customer on trays across the counter, and falls to the floor if it's not caught in time. Mr. Johnson is not ready for this, so he asks if there's any "slow food." There is, but it's served by a turtle, who takes longer than Mr. Johnson wants to wait. 	
 	Missing the PlaneEpisode 2616 	Mr. Johnson goes at an airport restaurant and has just a few minutes left to catch a plane to South America. Grover is the waiter, and when he learns about Mr. Johnson's trip, he gives a big lecture on South America, making Mr. Johnson miss his plane. 
This segment was taped on August 21, 1989.Documents provided by trusted source 	
 	Most Important Meal of the DayEpisode 2724 	Mr. Johnson wants to order a couple of poached eggs on toast, but Grover tells him that they are all out of eggs, so he brings two corn cobs on toast. Grover gives a lecture on where eggs come from by bringing a cornstalk, chicken feed, and a chicken to the table. 	
 	Pavlov's WaiterEpisode 2848 	Upon Mr. Johnson's latest visit to Charlie's Restaurant, the waitstaff has been implemented with a new service device. Grover instructs his guest to ring the bell three times to get his attention, instead of yelling across such an upper-crust establishment. After Mr. Johnson has trouble deciphering the speed with which he must ring the bell, he calls Andre the manager out to address his concerns. Andre, having been interrupted while eating a sour cream soufflé, doesn't think there's anything wrong with the bell. In fact, he thinks it looks so good that he eats it, as Mr. Johnson notices the time, and rushes out of the restaurant.	
 	Much Ado About NothingEpisode 2991 	In a Monsterpiece Theater sketch, Grover laments to Mr. Johnson that the restaurant doesn't have anything he orders. 	
 	Charlie's BirthdayEpisode 3005 	In honor of Charlie's birthday, Grover is only serving items that begin with a "CH" sound. Mr. Johnson orders a cheeseburger, chips, cherry pie, and chocolate ice cream, and he actually gets his food in no time, but before he can eat, the table (which the plate is on) gets taken away because it does not begin with a "CH" sound. 	
 	Finally, a New Waiter!Episode 3061 	Mr. Johnson gets a new waiter named Piño, a Spanish-accented monster. Then, Grover comes by, and argues with Piño over which one of them will serve Mr. Johnson. 	
center 	Al FrescoEpisode 3105 	Mr. Johnson has lunch at Charlie's Outdoor Al Fresco Fresh Air Cafe, where he's disappointed to find Grover waiting on him. The wind picks up, and blows his food away - but when Grover gives him the bill, the wind dies down, and he has to pay. 	
 	Back/FrontEpisode 3217 	In a miraculous feat for Mr. Johnson, Grover serves up a large bowl of spaghetti exactly to his liking. While Grover tends his other tables, he keeps bumping up behind Mr. Johnson and forcing his face into the meal. Grover solves the problem by moving the table away from him, so he can run in front of Mr. Johnson. 	
 	More SpaghettiEpisode 3233 	Mr. Johnson wants to order some spaghetti at an Italian restaurant called Guido's Trattoria and Spaghetti Joint. Grover brings the food, but it turns out to be just one noodle, angering Mr. Johnson. Next, Grover brings him only two noodles, then one noodle again. Finally, Grover brings him a large plate of spaghetti, with a lot of noodles. It proves too heavy for him, and he spills the spaghetti all over Mr. Johnson, who storms off in a huff. 	
 	Tomato SurpriseEpisode 3756 	Mr. Johnson wants a hamburger with fries, but Grover strongly suggests that he orders the tomato surprise instead. Mr. Johnson relents, and asks for the tomato surprise, only to find that it means a giant, talking tomato (David Rudman) will be dining with him. Surprise! 	
 	Chicken CastleEpisode 3771 	Grover works at a fried chicken restaurant, Chicken Castle. He serves Mr. Johnson an empty bucket. When he demands a full bucket, Grover squeezes into the bucket. (Cameo appearances from Papa Bear and Baby Bear in the beginning.) 	
 	FoodElmo's World: FoodEpisode 3816 	A brief original segment is shown at the end of Elmo's quiz to illustrate that grown-ups eat...unless Grover is their waiter. 	
 	Put a Lid on ItEpisode 3900 	Grover brings Mr. Johnson his milk stirred, but not shaken. Mr. Johnson explains that he wanted it shaken, not stirred: a milkshake. As Grover tries to accommodate him, he drops the glass of milk, and the sketch breaks out into "Put a Lid on It" by the Squirrel Nut Zippers, but with different lyrics. Mr. Johnson is named Fred during the song. 	
 	Russian RestaurantEpisode 4111 	Grover is joined by two musicians, and they have to sing when telling the customer what is on the menu. Mr. Johnson keeps ordering, and Grover asks if any is left, to which Charlie replies "Nyet" ("no"). After realizing that Charlie is out of a lot of food, Mr. Johnson asks Grover what he does have. Grover knows that the restaurant has one bowl of borscht (soup), because Grover was saving it for himself, but he lets Mr. Johnson have it.
;Notes
*This is one of the few skits where Charlie's voice is heard.
*The sketch was written by Tony Geiss and directed by Victor DiNapoli.Gikow, Louise Sesame Street: A Celebration - 40 Years of Life on the Street pages 196-197
*Eric Jacobson and Carmen Osbahr perform the two Anything Muppet musicians "Sasha and Masha." Assistant puppeteers include David Rudman and Joey Mazzarino (who operate Grover's arms and legs during his "borscht dance"), and Matt Vogel.	
 	Rhyming Day Episode 4139 	It is rhyming day at Charlie's Restaurant, which means the customer has to make up a rhyme with whatever he orders. Mr. Johnson wants a tuna sandwich on rye. Grover brings him an apple pie, but that's not what Mr. Johnson wanted. Grover then learns that they are all out of tuna on rye, so Mr. Johnson asks for a cheeseburger instead...but what rhymes with cheeseburger? 	
 	Elmo's World: RestaurantsEpisode 4720 	Waiter Grover appears briefly in animated form, causing trouble for Mr. Johnson as usual. 	
 	O is for OppositesEpisode 5419 	The tables are turned as Grover is the customer at Kal Penn's soup restaurant. After Grover gives him a hard time with his opposite-themed orders, Kal quits and Grover assumes the role as waiter, at the same moment when his regular customer arrives. 	
Other Customers	Other Customers 	Other Customers 	Other Customers
Picture 	Title / First Appearance 	Description 	
 	Cluck-Cluck SandwichEpisode 0449 	Simon Soundman wants a chicken sandwich, which he orders as a "cluck-cluck" sandwich. Grover has trouble figuring out what his customer wants. Simon Soundman says that his brother always eats at that restaurant, implying that Mr. Johnson might be his brother. 	
 	The Count Orders a Hot Dog Episode 0644 	The Count has come to order hot dogs - lots of hot dogs. But when Grover refuses to get more hot dogs because the Count will only count them, and not eat them, the Count uses a hypnotism spell to get more. 	
 	"People in Your Neighborhood"Episode 0903 	Grover appears as a waiter to sing to Bob about his job. 	
 	The Leslie Mostly ShowEpisode 1453 	Leslie Mostly interviews Grover for The Leslie Mostly Show. 	
 	Grandmother's Birthday Episode 1958 	Grover prepares a table for a family, who is celebrating their grandmother's birthday, but Grover doesn't know her name, so when each family member refers to her as a different relative, Grover thinks there's more than one party going on, so he ends up bringing out six cakes. 	
 	Carrot Time 	In a commercial send-up, Biff walks into a dull restaurant that livens up when Grover serves them carrots. 	
 	Veggie CookiesSuper Healthy Monsters 	Cookie Monster visits the Nouvelle Cookie Parlor, where Grover provides him with some cookies made with vegetables. Although Cookie is hesitant to try them, he takes a bite and is hooked, eating all their stock. Grover provides him with the veggies they were made from to eat. 	
==Street scenes==
Picture	Episode / Year 	Description
 	Episode 41402007	Grover and Mr. Johnson appear briefly, affected by Zoe's magic spell making everyone dance ballet. Grover is seen wearing his waiter shirt and wrist cuffs, suggesting the two danced over from a restaurant scenario.
 	Episode 46082016	Grover the Dinosaur Waiter brings in foods for a game called "Feed the Dinosaur."
 	Episode 48222018	While not appearing formally as a waiter, Grover offers his services to Mr. Johnson at Hooper's (who recoils at the sight of him).
 	Episode 49322019	In the episode's coda, Grover is hired as the new waiter at Baby Bear's Just Right Café (to Mr. Johnson's dismay).
 	Episode 53282023	Waiter Grover, working at Hooper's Store, and Mr. Johnson deal with the results of the letter C going on vacation, and the other letters taking her place (resulting in C-word items becoming new things).
 	Episode 54022023	With Chris absent from Hooper's, Waiter Grover runs the shop with the aid of an octopus chef who can only cook bread.
==Other appearances==
Picture	Production / Year 	Description
 	A Celebration of 30 Years1986 	Waiter Grover is glimpsed at work in the banquet hall during the special, most notably presenting Jim Henson the check at the special's end.Grover also waits on Kermit and Miss Piggy in a TV Guide .
 	Counting Café1994 	The game centers on Waiter Grover collecting items in the kitchen to fulfill his customer's orders.
 	Get Set to Learn!1996 	During "Cookie's Kooky Cookie Game," Grover appears at the kitchen door with breakfast, lunch, and dinner items when it is clicked. He also serves Cookie Monster a plate of cookies when each round is completed.
 	Elmo's Reading Basics1998 	Grover appears as a waiter in the "Cooking with Cookie" game.
 	The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland1999	Grover abandons his post as waiter to become Super Grover and rescue Elmo's blanket.
 	Elmo in Grouchland CD-ROM1999 	As in the film, Grover appears briefly as a waiter before transforming into Super Grover.
 	Let's Eat!1999 	Grover takes up a job at Planet Storybook and tries to get Mr. Johnson to eat a healthful meal.
 	Ernie's Adventures in Space2000 	Grover works as a space waiter in Cosmo's Diner.
 	A Celebration of Me, Grover2004 	Grover works as a waiter at the Flyer's Club during his own celebratory banquet. "I gotta make a living," he states.
 	Grover's Number Special2009 	The "Waiter Grover" routines serve as the basis of the game.
 	Shalom Sesame2010 	During his stay on Rechov Sumsum, Grover is seen working as a waiter at Shoshana's Cafe in "Chanukah: The Missing Menorah."
 	Growing Hope Against Hunger2011 	To help combat the country's hunger problem, Grover combines his waiter and superhero alter egos to become "Super Waiter" (merely adding his waiter shirt cuffs to his Super Grover costume).
 	Good Morning America2014 	Waiter Grover spills prune juice on "that bald blue guy" during "Another Good Morning Here on Sesame Street."
 	Real Grouches of Sesame Street2017 	In the third part of the online video series, Grover works as a waiter at Diva Garbagedump's Fur Lounge.
 	Sesame Street Memories2019 	During Jack McBrayer's video, Waiter Grover pursues Mr. Johnson for leaving his restaurant before he could take his order.
 	See Amazing in All Children2021 	In the video "The Pizza Problem," Grover works at Hooper's Store for their special Family Night.
 	Sesame Street Alphabetically2023 	Waiter Grover illustrates the letter K with a bottle of ketchup, spilling it on Mr. Johnson.
==Book appearances==
* The Sesame Street Neighborhood Coloring Book (1976)
* Grover's Super Surprise Book (1978)
* The Sesame Street Dictionary (1980)
* What Do You Do? (1981)
* Which One Doesn't Belong? (1981)
* Seasons of the Year (1982)
* Elmo's Easy As ABC (2005)
* Grover's Guide to Good Eating (2007)
* What's the Word on the Street? (2008)
* You're My Little Cookie Monster (2025)
==Sources==
==External links==
* ToughPigs Anthology: Troubled Waiter - sketch transcripts
==See also==
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Category:Grover Sketches