Customer service is dead. Right? Well, that’s what everyone says about blogging, and MySpace and Instagram and everything else that’s been taken over or gobbled up.
This post is a mash up of customer service, brand loyalty, personal perspective and a mom’s conundrum
Guess where customer service isn’t dead? At Chick fil-A. I should know because kidlet and I eat there once weekly during the school year because select soccer and taekwando do not allow a sit-down dinner at home.
On Chick fil-A
Here’s what happens at the Chick fil-A restaurant we frequent in Centerville the most:
- They greet you with a smile every time.
- They come to your table to ask if you need a refill and if everything is OK.
- They come to your table to clear refuse even though patrons do it themselves.
- They say bye when you leave and thanks for coming (when it’s not too busy).
- There’s a coupon for a free this or that twice monthly, and they text me with deals, too.
All age groups frequent the establishment, and it caters to sports teams, school clubs, senior citizens, fund-raisers, and more. The bathroom is always clean, and so too is the facility.
Differences of Opinion
This is why I’ve had a hard time. By now, everyone and their brother knows the President and COO Dan Cathy has views that may or may not mesh with mainstream America. While I don’t agree with Mr. Cathy on a number of perspectives, his philosophy on a variety of core societal issues is alive and present in today’s divisiveness. But, that’s his and my business, and I refuse to debate that on my blog or anyone else’s.
Because my user experience is so positive at Chick fil-A, and oh yes, the food is excellent for fast food (how could I fail to mention that minor detail?), I will continue to go there in spite of my disagreement over Chick fil-A leadership. (You know they’re closed on Sunday even in food courts, right?)
Those who have never been to a Chick fil-A more than a few times are hard pressed to form the opinion I have. When my choice as a mom is McDonalds, Taco Bell or Chick fil-A in a pinch, you can guess what I’m choosing.
Blog Comments
Every blogger has been enraptured with the PR debacle of Chick fil-A. As is my wont, I am not the first mover when it comes to new apps, channels, or breaking news (well, I do sometimes break a story). I let the other guys pave my way, and oh boy, did Gini Dietrich’s blog do a yeoman’s job.
(I’ll write about the highjacking, not good old blog jack, Kaarina, of Spin Sucks in comments another time.)
And, so, I’m a tad disappointed with myself for not supporting my own standards; does this make me a hypocrite? I don’t know; I’ve not come out and forcefully stated my opinions publicly like the founder of Chick fil-A. Was that a PR stunt? Lesser things have happened.
Visionary CEOs
Tomorrow, I’ll write about another CEO who does have vision and is trying to support Earth with his eco green actions.
So, my brand loyalty to Chick Fil-A has been tarnished. But, my brand loyalty will soon begin for Patagonia (until tomorrow, dear readers!).
Meanwhile, what say you on this issue? When customer service and food excellence outshine the shenanigans of the C-suite, what do you do?
