So I met some new friends at Bar-B-Cutie on Donelson Pike for lunch today. The food was great. I’m a huge fan of bar-b-que, so I was literally in hog heaven. However, the food isn’t what truly stood out for me.

As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by a friendly little lady by the name of Joan Hodges. I wish I would’ve taken her picture, because you would immediately want to give her a squeeze and call her grandma.

Joan’s only responsibility in this restaurant, one that she has held for quite some time, is to chat up each and every guest in the joint. The people I was with had been in there before, so she chatted with them as if she knew every little detail, because she did!! Joan’s only job is to make sure that each and every person who walks through that door feels like not only a valued guest, but a member of the family.

She doesn’t sell anything or push a product.
Joan creates an atmosphere where you can’t help but feel like you’re at home.

To me, that’s an amazing service touch. Seemingly insignificant, but truly remarkable.

So what do you do in your business that adds the extra “wow factor?” Do you go that extra mile to make your customers and clients feel like family? Do you add little personal touches that no one else thinks of?

Bar-B-Cutie does. Maybe that’s why they had a line nearly out the door at lunch-time today.