Two recent experiences in the world of shopping and dining have left me very happy.
I don’t want anyone to think, based on my recent negative commentary on the Home Depot, that I only blog about the bad. I’ve always believed that doing good work and providing great service is worthy of a pat-on-the-back (as well as repeat business).
So here are a couple of outstanding examples of great service:
Nichol’s Market —“ Voorheesville, New York
Nichol’s Market is a mid-sized grocery store, typical of many small towns. It is also one of the few independent markets still left out there.
New York’s Capitol Region has two powerhouse chains as the primary grocery outlets for the area, Price Chopper and Hannaford. Most people shop at those outlets.
Nichol’s has found a niche that makes them successful.
They are small town with all the personal touches that make for a pleasant trip to the grocery. Neighbors meet each other there. The kids know each other from school. The associates care about your needs, and first and foremost, deal with customers as they would with their neighbors.
Nichol’s offers specialty products that cannot be found at the major chains. They make their own ‘Mom’s Kitchen’ deli meats —“ fantastic, fresh, great taste. They have a full service dinner menu, a catering service, a snack bar (coffee for mom and dad, ice cream and Italian sodas for the kids). They prepare their own specialty meats (fresh Polish (white) kielbasa, Italian meatballs, stuffed peppers and giant mushrooms, etc.) and their entire meat case carries fresh, premium quality items (try the boneless chicken thighs on the grill). You can even find kluski (Polish egg noodles). Finally, they carry locally grown produce (Shaul Farms corn, and local apples —“ yum).
If you live in New York’s Capitol Region head out to Voorheesville and shop Nichol’s. You can even order ahead on-line. And, if you see a guy walking around the store with his kids and a clerical collar say hi Deacon Jim.
Miyako Japanese Steak House, Albany (Guilderland), New York
Two Saturday’s ago the family was getting a little —“ well unhappy. It was later than usual, I didn’t feel like cooking, and we had to run over to OfficeMax. My wife wanted Chinese and the kids weren’t interested.
We passed by Miyako Japanese Steakhouse. I had noticed that the restaurant had opened a while back, taking over the location of a former pool hall. I made a command decision and said —“ we’re going there.
We arrived and were greeted very nicely. The owner asked us if we wanted a table. Not knowing better, and never having been there before, I said yes. After our order had been taken the owner and his wife came out. They explained that we would be much happier at a hibachi table and that the kids would have more fun. We agreed.
They, and the waiter, took us to a hibachi table in a separate room.
We’ve had hibachi before (when the kids were too young to remember) —“ and it is entertaining, but sometimes the entertainment takes the place of food quality.
Well not at Miyako. The hibachi chef was great fun. He really focused on the kids and they were in stitches laughing and having a great time. Beyond that, the food was great —“ excellent individual flavors and great quality. My son told the whole room that Japanese people are magicians…
Again, the owners’ personal touch and attention to detail win the day. If you’re traveling Route 20 (Western Avenue) in the Albany, New York area stop in. They have a great looking sushi bar and lunch specials too. It’s well worth it.