The exterior of the Subway sandwich shop at 327 East 11th Street is nothing special. It's got the same green and yellow lettered sign that decorates the front of the more than 33,000 franchises across the world.
The difference is only apparent once you step inside. The sandwich makers or cashier immediately greet you with a pleasant "Welcome to Subway" that is perhaps even faster than the "May I help you?" that has made Gates famous.
The line at the counter then moves with the same efficiency. During the crowded lunch hour, sandwiches are put together for a mix of city employees and construction workers, quickly but not hurriedly. This location validates the idea of a sandwich artist. There is artistry involved in making a sub that has the right mix of condiments.
This Subway also happens to be convenient for me. I'm often in the area around lunch time, so it's a natural stop. But the service is better than that of other sandwich shops, making me wonder how much farther I'd travel to get a better sub from a friendly face.
It's difficult to create an assembly-line-style dining option where the diners don't feel like widgets. But the Subway on 11th Street has been successful in building a dining experience, even if it's not in a sit-down environment. I've never been forced to wait as somebody took a call, and in seven minutes I'm out the door with my sandwich.
So how about it. Are all fast food franchisees not created equal? Where else can Fat City readers find unexpected instances of great service?
[Image via Flickr: swruler9284]
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Werners on Johnson Drive has great service with smiles. The price is fair and the sandwichs are great!
The counter guy at the Taco Bell on Linwood (near Costco) during lunch most weekdays is fantastic. Friendly and hard-working and obviously enjoying himself. And he cleans the lobby in about 60 seconds, when there's a break in the line.
Sonic on 78th Street, just south of State Avenue in KCK.
This happened 3 years ago, but the service was so abominably good I remember it like it was yesterday.
I ordered a Supersonic Cheeseburger and tots and swiped my card. It was 7:10; I know this because the Royals first pitch came on the radio right after my order was taken.
7:15. Carhop comes out with food...but not my food. Oh well.
A few minutes later, the truck who arrived after me got their food. Hmm...
A carhop asked me what my order was. I told her. She went in to check on it.
Even later, after two more cars who had arrived after me were served their food, I was asked again what my order was. She went in to check.
Finally, it's 7:38. The carhop (same one as before) asked me what my order was. Needless to say, I'm pissed.
She runs in, gets my food, comes back, and tells me--and I quote:
"Next time you need to press the button and say, 'Where the fuck my food at?'"
Excuse me?
I asked for a refund. No dice. I called the manager to complain. He was as dismissive as the carhop.
So, yeah. Go to that Sonic.
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