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Not like all the others.

Nov 09, 2011

In Southern California there seems to be a Mexican restaurant on every block. Big and small, chains and singular, high end and hole in the wall, they all work hard to survive and thrive.

Certainly, one begins to feel that they are all pretty much identical right down to décor and menu. So, how does one make a restaurant stand out in such a mass crowd?

The answer is the level of service and hospitality shown to the guests.

Recently, I stopped in at a little Mexican restaurant in Anaheim just up the road from Disneyland. There are several other Mexican restaurants in the vicinity, one of which is just about next door to the one I chose. The place I selected looks quite plain and empty in front, but the large parking lot behind was packed, as was the restaurant itself. The interior was bland, the food was tasty but, not outstanding. They offer large portions for a very good price and that is the rule. Still, many other places could boast the same.

The difference came the moment I walked in the door. I was immediately greeted warmly by the hostess, who quickly showed me to a booth. Before I could blink there were generous helpings of chips and salsa and a glass of water. The waitress, smiling and cheerful, greeted me with a welcome and a menu, and then left me alone to decide on the fare.

She returned a few minutes later to take the order with the same cheerfulness, even though it was obvious she was heavily worked with the packed restaurant.

During the course of the meal she checked in regularly to refill iced tea, water, chips, salsa and ask if there was anything needed. She showed up automatically with take home containers. Not waiting to ask first, she came prepared.

Needless to say, she received not only an excellent tip, but I took time to find the owner and compliment her service.

It is also needless to say that in the multitude of restaurants vying for my attention in the area, I will be revisiting this seemingly unremarkable Mexican restaurant because of the one remarkable element that stood out so very much…service.

What makes your restaurant stand out from the crowd?