I recently discovered a new lunch option in NYC. The food is decent, the prices are reasonable and the staff is always friendly and accommodating. Having been there a few times, I recommended it to some co-workers and a few days ago brought 4 people with me.
Since the cafe is on my path to work in the mornings, the last time I was there I asked the man behind the counter how much they charge for a cup of coffee. He replied with "75 Cents but we're known for our cappuccinos and lattes. We make the best." "Good to know," I said, thinking that the price seemed worth giving it a shot.
This morning I decided to give the 75 cent coffee a test run. I shouldn't have been surprised to see the same worker there but I was. He remembered me, even asking how I liked my soup the last time I was there. (The Hungarian Mushroom soup was light in texture with lots of good flavor - slightly creamy with chunks of mushroom and carrots and the subtle but distinct flavor of dill.) I was impressed that he not only remembered me but also remembered what I'd ordered.
As I handed over my dollar bill, he gently pushed it back towards me. "This one's on me. Let me know how you think tomorrow."
While the food (and coffee) may not be the best, it just goes to prove the age old knowledge in the restaurant world that if your service is stellar, your customers will keep coming back, even if your food is mediocre. His simple gesture of a free cup of coffee let me know that he values my business.
I'll be back tomorrow. And I'll gladly pay 75 cents for my cup of coffee.
