It’s easier to be nice. Some people would disagree. I wonder what you think.
I have a monthly lunch with my friend Susie. Last week it was time to go south of town. We switch off. I live north, whereas Susie lives south. She’s always good to pick some local fare and in Burleson, TX, you can find lots of quaint places.
One of those places is the J & J Oyster Bar. On the drive over I was thinking that it never really matters where we go to lunch. I just enjoy the time I get to spend with Susie. However, Susie knows what a guest service freak I am; and I’m pretty sure she picked this place for that very reason.
We stepped across the threshold of this house, which had been converted into a restaurant. We were barely in, out of the heat, when this sweet voice rang out with 3 simple, very nice words, “hello wonderful people!” I swear I stood a little taller. I know I smiled really big; and Kathy, our waitress and the manager of the facility, matched my smile.
That isn’t all; it gets better. Kathy asked us about our drink needs, and shared that a long island tea was the special for the day. I was tempted but it was still just 11:30 a.m. so I passed! What impressed me is that she made no assumptions about what we would want and sold her product as she explored our needs. Brilliant!
As she returned with our drinks, Kathy suggested that we might like a soup or an appetizer. I ask which soup she recommended. She very genuinely said, “oh that’s hard, they are all so good.” Kathy turned to let us know she’d be right back. In a couple of minutes Kathy returned with a small sample of all 3 soups and 2 spoons. Amazing! She was right, all three soups were delicious. I ordered the gumbo.
I’m going back to this little restaurant in Burleson, TX and I’m taking my video camera. They have an incredible culture of service and it’s very NICE. I think that if you’ve been looking for a core value, “be nice” might be a cool place to start. If you are unsure how to deliver nice, go meet Miss Kathy at the J & J Oyster Bar at 125 W. Bufford St. In Burleson, TX.
