I know that it’s hard for the local shop to compete with the national chains. You’d think they would “get it” and make sure they “one up” the McDs and QT’s of the world and “bring it” when it comes to customer service. However, I too often see it the other way for them…
Sam’s Tastee Treat. Ok. I love this place. The greasy fried burgers. The fries. The soft serve. Even the quaint/old/kinda gross decor and room for all of about 15 people to sit down. You’d think this place would totally cater to the local family scene. I can/could see baseballs teams with the Sam’s logo on them. Or any number of other things. However… The first thing you notice when you walk in is all the restrictions. Of course, there’s the typical “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service” fare. But, they go an extra mile. No cleats. No dogs. No smoking (ok, that’s pretty typical too). No cleats? Again, you’d think they would welcome the local ball players to come there after the big win for a dipped cone. Nope. Not welcome here. And the service? With a smile? Hardly. The guy taking to orders typically seems more bothered that you’re taking his time. And kids, well, I don’t think he hates them, but, he certainly doesn’t accommodate them well. I think his favorite “typical” customer is nobody! But, I keep going back. Maybe it doesn’t matter. If only he took the Ed Debevic’s approach and made the attitude his schtick…
Bing’s Convenience Mart in Altamont, MO on the way to Trenton, MO. We stopped there for a potty break. Again, it’s more of a “NO” place than a welcoming place. Restrooms are reserved “For Customers Only”. Ok. I get it. I try to purchase something from a place I use the restroom at. I feel it’s pretty common courtesy. But, you don’t have to make it seem like it’s a requirement. We all have to potty! You want me to take a dump in your driveway? And the fountain drinks… More “NO”. Ok, this is nowhere Missouri. And there is a sign on the front door that “For Health Reasons” there are no refills of brought in cups or even refills of cups in the store. Water is full price. Ice, full price. Health reasons? Ok, so, it IS nowhere Missouri. Maybe that’s a little different climate than my local QuikTrip. Perhaps they are right, I don’t wanna fill my cup right after Bubba brought in his 64 ounce, “been using it for 8 years without washing it” cup.
Makes me want to run that In-N-Out Burger in Olathe all the more… Maybe “Frank’s Restaurant” is closer than I think.
