Ben Bettendorf grew up in the restaurant trade. He went from working in his father's restaurants to cooking in some top local kitchens, and now runs one of the most popular sushi restaurants in Cape Town with his partner 'Papa San'. A life in front-of-house and kitchens has given him a rare insight into the delights (and the eye-rolls) of dealing with customers, and plenty of grist for his hilarious observations about working in the service industry. We chatted about Obi Restaurant in Long Street and his analogies about customer service moments. 

• www.rwm2012.com
• On Instagram @a_table_inthecorner
• Cover image sketched by Courtney Cara Lawson
• All profile portraits by Russel Wasserfall unless otherwise credited
• Title music: 'In Time' by Olexy via Pixabay