You know the one, the one that goes that extra mile. Or they have the perdect location, whatever the reason.
Mine is a Chinese restaurant called The Lucky Dragon. It’s probably not the best Chinese place in town, but where they’ve won me over is there service and delivery. I can call them at 7:00 on a Friday night and I’ll be eating by 8:00. They remember my basic order, and recommend selections based on that. Occasionally they even bring something free they’d like me to try. I never have to ask for hot mustard, or extra soy sauce. In short this place wants my business and show it everytime I call.
Mike, the proprietor of Smoke Shop. He’s a good guy all around, but what I’ll always remember him for is the morning of 9/11. I needed a cigarette as I rarely have before or since, but I had no cash. I drove over, knowing he wouldn’t be open yet, and hung out with the retirees on the patio of the bagel shop. When he did arrive, I gave him time to get set up, then went in.
“You know I wouldn’t ask if this weren’t an emergency—” He just handed me a pack. I think he was thinking the same thing I was: that by nightfall, it might not matter if he got his $3 or not. I did pay him back, BTW.