Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Receipt and Review

This morning, I took the kids to the pediatrician's office for flu shots. We didn't really talk about it much beforehand so as not to freak them out. Avery went first. She cried before anything happened because the nurse told me to hold her wrists. Honestly, I think that's the only reason she cried. I wish I'd just let her sit there and take it. She's not the type to thrash about and be difficult. She might have squeaked a little. Stuart didn't make a sound. Of course, it probably doesn't hurt to be poked in the fat. That's all he is right now, bless his heart.

Since they did so well, I took them to the Cool Springs Galleria food court for lunch. At first, Avery asked for McDonald's, but when she saw Chick-fil-A, she changed her mind. Poor Mickey D's doesn't have a prayer when situated next to the home of the Original Chicken Sandwich. (For the record, I'd have been fine eating at McDonald's. I'm happy as long as I have some sweet tea. Of course, Chick-fil-A has great fresh-brewed tea, too.) I think it's fantastic that a Happy Meal toy doesn't wield power over my almost-3-year-old. I appreciate that Chick-fil-A provides educational books or games as kids meal bonuses.

I tend to hang onto receipts from even drive-thru experiences. (I clean out the door pocket of my car every Tuesday, for some reason.) I don't keep receipts long, but I like to keep a brief record of where my money is going since I put everything--I mean everything--on my credit card and pay it off every month.

The new benefit of keeping my receipts is that I can tell you, the reader, what exact location of a particular restaurant I visited (Chick-fil-A #00431) and, in most cases, the name of the person who served me (Billye).

I've been to this particular Chick-fil-A before many times. It's probably my favorite place to eat in the Galleria food court and it is convenient for feeding children. Its proximity to one of the main entrances at the mall tends to cause a bit of a traffic problem, especially during busier lunch hours and on Saturdays, but most passers by don't seem to mind. The operator of this location, Jeanne Hammontree, wasn't working when I was there today, but when she is there, she's a great example of smiling service and a great model for her employees.

Part of the Chick-fil-A Corporate Purpose is to "have a positive influence on all who come in contact with Chick-fil-A." That's a pretty tall order, but they execute it very well almost every time. Whomever is responsible for hiring and training team members is well-equipped and thorough. You'll be hard-pressed to find a Chick-fil-A crew member who is not well-spoken, appropriately dressed and systematic--even the teenage employees.

So kudos to Chick-fil-A #00431 for a good dining experience. My only request was that I get a little more of a smile from Billye next time.

I'd love to hear about your Chick-fil-A experiences. Have you been to this particular location? How was the service?

4 comments:

The3Barnetts said...

I love Chick-Fil-A, as far as fast food restaurants go. For the most part, they have all been very clean and the service relatively fast. And I like the fact that I can eat there without feeling too terrible afterwards. And good idea with this blog! You should visit Niffer's if you are ever in Auburn (which I know is unlikely). It's where I used to serve and its got a great atmosphere.

Christy said...

Chick-fil-a is a weekly event in our household. It is convienent, kid-friendly and just has good food. We frequent the Brentwood one, but have used the Gallaria one too. We also like that the 'toys' are always educational.

Keeley said...

I have been to this Chick-fil-A many times, in fact that is the location of my very first job. There was a different operator when I was there, and quite frankly I am glad to hear he is gone. Even after working at Chick-fil-A for almost 2 years, I still go there and love it every time. Everyone is always so polite. The "my pleasure" thing was not in existence when I was there, but the philosophy and vision was the same. Gene says that Chick-fil-A is the model that many fast food restaurants strive to be like, but it is not that easy. It is a good Christian organization and takes pride in that. I love the idea of this site. I always critique restaurants too, since I have worked in so many for so many years.

Nancy said...

Laura, I left you a review on my blog: www.discriminatingreader.blogspot.com

Link it if you want to or tell me how else you'd like it. We had a GREAT meal in D.C.