Last week I was in Sioux Falls for 3 days for the Midwest Area Chamber Executives Conference. It’s days of training, networking and hearing about what is working in other communities. This year we received a tour of downtown Sioux Falls as part of the training. Connie Larson from Millbank sat next to me and gave me a REAL tour. She grew up in Sioux Falls and was able to tell the before and after stories of downtown. She also suggested I go eat at JL Beers while I was in town.
I was meeting Tim Coffey from Clear Lake to go over some details of a project, and we decided to meet at JL Beers. I got there first and was greeted at the door by a lovely young woman who asked my name, how many in my party and suggested I wait by the front window for Tim. She also made sure I got a gluten free glass of ale while I waited! In fact, she took my order and delivered it to me, even though she was not the server.
Let me back up. Outside the restaurant was a pig. He gave me a big hug. He escorted me to the door. He was happy. He was very, very pink. I noticed he was outside during the noon rush only, posed for pictures with many people – most who did not come in, and was the friendliest pig I’ve ever seen.
Tim arrived and we had a table for two. It was a high top, with a beautiful inlaid image of a bike. The menu consisted of two pages of burgers and 6 pages of beer. Yes, they serve beer. Notice the name: JL Beers. The burgers are simple, big and awesome. The ale I had, a Zombie Killer, had peach in it and some wild cherry. It was light, good and just enough. I also had a 1919 root beer with my meal.
JL Beers started with one location, created a brand that was friendly, had great beer choices, a simple menu and is known for their customer service. You can now find them around the Midwest.
Six Customer Service Tips Employed
- if possible, escort your guests to the door
- greet your guests like guests, and at the door
- give them a name tag to wear
- make sure they have a beverage while they wait
- take the order, bring the food quick, and leave us alone
- the manager stopped by for a short visit – thanked us, answered a few questions and wished us a nice visit.