The long queue to the counter was unusually long. It seems as if the staff was having a slow day. When other patrons would have probably given up after standing in line for more than 10 minutes, Baker stood his ground and waited for his turn.
By the time he finally reached the counter, Baker was starving and thirsty. This was his first meal of the day and it was afternoon already. But the cashier and the staff behind the counter just looked at him with disdain instead of a welcoming smile.