"Get closer than ever to your customers. So close that you tell them what they need well before they realize it themselves.”
– Steve Jobs
I realize I discuss my regular guests to the restaurant a few times in different blogs but I thought I would delve a little bit deeper into an explanation of why they continue to awe and inspire me.
The Wednesday Night Ladies
Susan, Sue, Mary Ann, and Marianne also known affectionately as the Godmother's. These ladies started coming in about eight years ago and have been loyal guests just about every week. Actually, another woman named Gail, who has proposed marriage to me a few times, was the ringleader of the weekly ritual and has since moved away but the rest continue to meet up as often as possible. Imagine a group of sixty-somethings gathering to gossip and discuss politics over lots of wine. They always remember my birthday and bring cake and Christmas goodies for the whole staff and celebrate the accomplishments of my coworkers and their children. Truly top-notch and the best hugs ever!
The Pierce's
Carolyn and Dennis usually come in about once every few weeks like clockwork. There's always another couple with them but my faves are Judy and Will. The ladies tend to be a little more adventurous with their meal choices while the guys get the same thing every time, a NY strip with housemade worcestershire and bacon-cheddar mash. I always have to be at the top of my game with this crew. I keep the drinks coming without them having to ask and I'm always ready for a quick come-back to the smart ass comments. They definitely keep me on my toes and you'd know them by huge laughs coming from that table. They're often engaging with the tables near them and getting everyone in on the fun and they tip like crazy. Even when Dennis was going through some serious medical issues, he always had a positive outlook on things.
The Richardson's
Jackie and Joe have been my favorite people for the past fifteen years. Joe is a marine biologist and does eco-tours of the beach and surrounding islands and Jackie recently retired but took on a part-time position as a tour guide for a local historical site. They are the sweetest pair and I've watched their kids grow up and get married and start families of their own. I can tell you and them exactly what they are having every time they come in because it's hardly ever changed.
The Seasonals
I could literally go on and on about my regulars in great detail but I have already gone way too long but I will give a special mention to my favorites that come a few times a year or more.
The Peterson's from Charlotte, NC
Dr. and Mrs. Morris from Texas
The Steven's from North Georgia
The Locals
Sandy and Marcus
Brian and Becky
Tracey and Tyler
Dean and whatever woman he's dating that week
I'm leaving out quite a few but at my age it's understandable. I really am thankful for all these people and many more that I will think of immediately after I post this blog.
I was recently thinking of a way I could give back a little and thought I might write some personal thank you notes and buy them an appetizer or a glass of their favorite beverage as a small token of appreciation. What do you think about this? Ideas would be cool as well.
As usual, thanks for tuning in.
Peace!
