I am a caffeine addict and I’m trying to quit.
Okay so let’s just say - hypothetically, of course - that late Wednesday afternoon I couldn’t stand it any longer, and because I am but a weak vessel, my car magically steered itself to the nearest Sonic where I enjoyed a delicious Rt. 44 Diet Cherry/Vanilla Coke (they ad flavors and I looooove it). It was during their “Happy Hour” when all the drinks are ½ price.
Because it totally happened, except for the whole “car magically steered itself” part.
You see, I actually drove my car WITH GREAT INTENTION to the Sonic, oh yes I did. And I only got a my drink, which was really a significant accomplishment because I had thought about the delicious cherry/vanilla concoction for so long yesterday that I could’ve easily bought the convenient IV-bag size if they sold one - and then hooked myself up to it right there in the Sonic parking lot.
So I was pretty proud that I only got a Rt. 44. What? I know that is their large size. I’m just saying that if there had been a larger one, I was ready for it.
Anyway, I was in a long line at the drive-thru, and when I finally got to the intercom thing-y, I placed my order, which may or may not have also included a hamburger.
(Oh, I was on my way to a Relief Society Enrichment thingy and it was suppertime and I was hungry. I AM NOT A ROBOT, PEOPLE!)
Anyway, after I gave the Sonic guy my order, here was his response:
“I’m so sorry, ma’am. I was having a hard time finding where to ring up your [ALLEGED!] hamburger on the register, so if you wouldn’t mind, could you please repeat your order?”
I was thrown off just a bit because for a moment I believed that I had been transported from the interstate 40 corridor to some sort of alternate universe, a universe of Fast Food Workers Who Care and, not only that, who want to Make A Difference. I mean, I don’t know about you, but the normal level of fast food service that I get is somewhere along the lines of “CanItakeyourorder? Huh? What? Wantfries? Huh? Yeah. Nine-oh-four. Firstwindow.”
So I gave him my order again, and then he said – THEN he said: “Thank you, ma’am, for repeating your order. I appreciate it. I am so sorry for the inconvenience.”
Now I know I live in the South, where we pride ourselves on hospitality and kindness. But this guy – this Sonic guy? He should get, like, an award or something. Seriously. I wanted to make him a sticker for his nametag that said, “I’m The Nicest Cash Register Guy Evir.” I wanted to run over to Lowe’s and buy him a plant. I wanted to tip him.
Once I got to the window and gave him my money, he named my items as he handed them to me: “Your [ALLEGED!] hamburger, ma’am? Your Diet Cherry/Vanilla coke, ma’am?”
And I just stared back at him all glassy-eyed, totally refreshed by an encounter with someone who actually seemed to like people and enjoy his job. If I had his parents’ phone number, I would call them and tell them how well-behaved their son is. They should be proud.
Honestly, his sweet disposition had such an impact on me that I’m thinking about going back to Sonic after work tonight so that I can support a business with such polite employees.
And maybe get another Cherry/Vanilla Diet Coke??!
It would be a completely selfless act of encouragement on my part.
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I had a "more than just a nice guy" experience at Sonic once too. We (Sam and I) had pulled into a spot and ordered through the little speaker. While we waited Sam proceeded to climb all over the car, inside and sometimes half out, rolling down windows, turn lights on and off and changing the radio station looking for his favorite Taylor Swift song. (It's a love story - Baby just say yes!)
Anyway, we ate and it was good and I got a little hopped up on Dr. Pepper (which I have been off along with all other soda for 6 weeks now). When we were ready to go, just as I was crumpling up the stuff to throw away, my car dinged at me and went dead. We had drained the battery.
I pushed the button and asked if I could come in and use their phone. A nice young man brought his cell phone out to me and while I tried calling everyone I knew who wasn't home (I couldn't think of anyone who was home) the nice young man pulled his truck around and busted out his jumper cables and jumped my car back to life. And he seemed happy to do it. I imagine it happens every once in a while at a place like that but I was so grateful.
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