I must say, even if I am using the drive-thru at a local fast food restaurant, I expect good service (e.g. a smile, an interest in making sure my order is correct, fresh, hot food, with a nice attitude to match). So far, my standard for these types of restaurants is Chick-fil-A. Visit any Chick-fil-A in the country and you will get the same great service, no matter the time of day; too bad I crave it the most on Sundays…
My standard for all dining establishments is Tristan Restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina. From start to finish, the customer experience is exceptional, which explains my weekly visits while living there. Here are a few reasons why:
- Calling to make reservations is a breeze. SPARK: their reservations system tracked my seating preferences and I was always offered my favorite table + diners earned points, good for free meals/extra perks.
- Within 1 minute of taking my seat, there is always someone there to greet me, whether it’s the server or the manager of the restaurant. SPARK: everyone knows your name based on your reservation.
- My glasses are never empty. There is a server dedicated to making sure glasses are always full. SPARK: thin slices of lemon and lime are offered with the water.
- Palette cleansers are always great. SPARK: soon after you order your meal, the server brings out a chef’s starter, which is a bite-sized portion of a prospective menu item. These are hit or miss but who doesn’t like to give their opinion about and preview new dishes!
- When the meals are brought out, no matter how many diners there are, plates are sat down at the same time. For instance, if there are 10 people in your dinner party, five servers come out and place plates down at the same time. SPARK: that is the spark!
- SPARK: Did I mention my glass is never empty?
- Once I am done eating, the empty plates are never on the table long, as the servers are so attentive. SPARK: I’ve never felt rushed after the plates are taken. My drinks are still filled and I am made to feel as if I can stay at the table for another hour if I wanted to be. EXTRA SPARK: The servers ASK if I am ready for the check. They don’t just bring it over when they feel if I am ready for it.
- Upon leaving, everyone is very courteous and professional, thanking me for coming and expressing interest in seeing me again. SPARK: the hostess helps diners with their coats!
It’s pretty clear I am impressed with this establishment and I am a repeat visitor mainly due to the phenomenal service (the delicious food doesn’t hurt either)! Bottom line, every customer should be treated as if they would if they were the owner, which Tristan and Chick-fil-a do for me every time. If only all restaurants could make me feel this good…
Leave a Reply