Good service is easy to spot and hard-to-find. Mediocre service occasionally stands out but only because it's
cream-of-the-crap.Last week I had opportunity to speak at Lumbermen's Merchandising Corp. annual sales meeting in Dallas. The meetings were held at Dallas Convention Center and hotel we stayed at was Hyatt Regency at Reunion.
The first night I had dinner at Centennial Café Restaurant on second floor of hotel. The food was good and service, I mean server, was outstanding.
It was a slow night and Abdul was covering one half of tables in restaurant. Here are some of my observations:
1. Abdul was always smiling.
2. He was energetic.
3. He walked fast and with purpose.
4. As soon as I was seated at table he asked me for my drink order.
5. Two minutes later - it was there.
6. He wrote down my order which included some special diet requests.
7. It took four minutes for bread to be served. The meal was delivered exactly how I ordered it.
8. When it was time, plates were removed quickly and quietly.
9. He was there when you needed him and not when you didn't.
I went back to same restaurant next night. This time however, place was really hopping. I asked for a table with a light, so I could finish a good novel I was reading.
The hostess put me at a table with lots of light and it was right next to reception podium, where she greeted all customers. She didn't move or walk fast.
She pointed to my new server who immediately disappeared into kitchen. I never did see him for rest of evening - let me explain.
Abdul approached hostess and spotted me. He said, "Welcome back." I asked if he could be my server and he said it would not be possible since he was limited to his station on other side of restaurant.
