A 2021 Washingtonian article detailed the painfully specific way Diet Coke had to be served while Donald Trump was in the White House. As most pop culture enthusiasts may know, Table 72 at the Trump Hotel’s BLT Prime restaurant was reserved for the former president at all times. On hand would be a large selection of special-ordered jumbo steaks and shrimp just for its famous owner. Diet Cokes were required to be in glass bottles and chilled, ready and waiting for the thirsty Trump.
The steps for service were recorded in a “Standard Operating Procedure” document and began with a discreet presentation of hand sanitizer at the table, a habit the former POTUS had even prior to the pandemic (via Eater). The waiter may then greet Mr. Trump using a predetermined script that acknowledges the time of day and asks if Mr. Trump would like ice in his drink as there were pre-prepared bottles and glasses on hand just in case.
Opening the bottle live was a must, never in the back of the house and the waiter must specifically hold the opener “by the lower third” as well as grasping the bottle in the same manner. The said bottle is then gently placed to the right of Trump and refilled as needed until he left the table.
Likely not a fun time for servers, but at least they get a fun anecdote about it all afterward.
