I like La Madeleine. The coffee is hot and the refills are free. It's convenient, comfortable, and not as loud as SBKS. When I'm near church I usually am at the one on Lemmon.
La Madeline is self-serve. You go through the line and order. You get your own drink refills. They bring your food out, but otherwise your left alone. They don't have "wait staff" like many restaurants. Although, consistently the staff will come around to check in, chat briefly, and say, "Can I get you anything? Would you like a refill on your coffee?" It's my responsibility to get my own coffee. It's not their job to do this. AND YET... What does it look like for us at Central to practice this level of hospitality? To go beyond assignment or expectation? To "attract, retain, delight"? Who have you surprised recently by reaching out to them, taking an extra step, so that they experienced a small joy at being seen and served? Perhaps you sent a note or made a call? Perhaps you greeted someone you didn't know. Perhaps you even offered to refill a coffee cup. And regarding STARBUCKS , they're also rockstars at hospitality. If you go more than once a month they work really hard to learn your name and your drink order. Churches ought to be "out serving" the service industry when it comes to engaging visitors. We do this not to reinforce a consumer mentality, but to convey care, and then bring people into the circle of carers where they begin serving also. "Come, and I will teach you to fish for people." Matthew 4:19
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