At Hometown Buffet restaurant, they serve an all-you-can-eat buffet with a smile. One of my readers, Linda, shared a great story about their local restaurant in Citrus Heights, California. Linda goes to Hometown every Monday, and the staff has gotten to know her and her husband very well.
For the holidays, this Hometown Buffet was offering pecan pie for dessert, her husband’s favorite. As the holidays began to wind down, less and less pecan pie was available (they only offer it during the holidays – “while supplies last”). In January, the pie was only being served on the weekends and was usually gone by the time my reader went in on Mondays.
On this particular Monday, the pie was, indeed, already gone. Disappointed, Linda and her husband sat down to eat their meal. A few minutes later, Al, one of the managers, came out to their table – with a huge piece of pecan pie! He said to them, “I know how much you love the pecan pie, so I set a piece aside just for you yesterday afternoon, before we ran out.” These two customers were amazed, and thrilled! The pie was a larger-than-usual piece on a plate which was different from the typical buffet plates. The manager obviously knew the key to his customers’ hearts (and stomachs). She said to me, “Al made our experience great.”
Here are some of the other things Linda told me about this restaurant:
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Both of the managers, Al and “Bambos”, sit down to talk with their customers and see how things are going. She said to me, “People don’t seem to do that anymore!”
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If a customer needs anything, the wait staff usually figures out a way to come up with it.
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The service makes customers want to come back to the same restaurant location over and over again.
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“They don’t treat us like customers; they treat us like we are coming to dinner at their house.”
What do you do to ensure your regular customers are happy? If you are like most businesses, not much. The task usually falls to a few people who are very good at customer service and who implement “random acts of great customer service.” On the other hand, treating customers like family – what a great compliment! Companies that can create a positive experience which is consistent across customer touches (different touch points, different days) and exceeds expectations will win a customer’s heart. Old Country Buffet, the parent company of Hometown Buffet, also owns the restaurant chain Tahoe Joe’s, and I like how they describe their customer service:
“Tahoe Joe’s provides legendary service – the unique and powerful sort of personal care and attention that guests tell stories about.”
Organizations striving for that kind of customer service will surely achieve it; it’s in their DNA. Nice job, Hometown Buffet in Citrus Heights. You guys rock!
(Photo credit: Paha L)
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I`m one of the demanding Toronto real estate agents who really loves great customer service and fine cuisine. Probably I`m causing hard times for the waiters and managers but considering the prices for a menu I feel entitled to expect an outstanding treatment. There is nothing more disappointing than a spoilt dinner with your friends especially if the reason is the quality of the restaurant. Your article made me curious and I would definitely try this place.
Thanks for your comment. As a customer service expert, I definitely have high expectations, especially if the menu is high-priced. Hometown Buffet is an inexpensive buffet restaurant (not sure if they are in Toronto); Tahoe Joe’s is a little more upscale.
Al showed a great understanding of one of Customer Service’s key principles – Know Thy Customer. Great example. And all this from Hometown Buffet, which is not known as a gourmet restaurant, but rather an affordableplace for families to go eat!
My point is that great Customer Service occurs at any and every level.
- Brandon
Yes, Brandon, Al does know his customer. Amazing how many organizations don’t because they never talk to them!
This is also a great example of why customer service is also a form of marketing.
Thanks for your comment, Brandon. You rock!
I have been bringing my family to Hometown (Old Country) for many years. We come every Sunday and have encouraged many of our church members to come as well. Until a few weeks ago we have had excellent service and good food. For the last three times we have had very rude treatment in the meat area by Bernie Chamberlin (manager) and Thang. They are shockingly rude to some customers. I stood back and observed Sunday. One customer receives smiles and inquiries of satisfaction and the next customer meat is slapped on the plate, the serving utensil is snacked from their hand(if it is turned toward the customer and the customer touches it).Tis happened to me and another lady. I have noticed that it is racial(which is totally unacceptable) . I observed three Sundays to be sure. First of all we come there to support the restaurant because of longevity. However, many of our friends go to the new Golden Corral down the street.I have been there and the food and customer service is great. If we come back, Bernie and Thang will not get away with treating me and my guest rudely again. Even though it is Sunday and we are coming there from church, I will get another manager and settle the issue at that moment. I asked others who were with me and they could not believe the rudeness of those two, however, did not want to say anything. All customer are special and should be treated as such. There are other restaurants with great customer service in the area at about the same price who will welcome new customers. I bring large groups many times, with those two, I will not have my guest insulted. The rest of the staff is great.