Millie
So this is how it all happened. Actually, before I begin, I feel it appropriate to share some of my thoughts of gratitude, with the holidays surrounding us and all. I am grateful for the opportunity that America provides me to be able to order a plate of delicious pancakes with a steaming cup of hot chocolate in the wee hours of the morning. What a blessing this is in my life! I can’t think of anything more important to the life of a student than being able to access food when time is actually made available, typically beyond the hour of 11:30 p.m. Needless to say I find myself at IHOP on a semi-consistent basis. A few weeks ago I walked into IHOP, accompanied by a friend, and absolutely famished. I had just been released from a late evening class and hadn’t eaten anything worth mentioning all day. We were seated and were told our waitress would be with us shortly. Sure enough, she came and we placed our order. Nothing spectacular happened, but through the course of our meal we were consistently greeted and checked-up on by a smiling face and personality that was way too happy for 10:56 p.m. We finished our food and left. A few weeks later I found myself in the same IHOP, around the same time (no shame), but this time we were told our waitress would be with us shortly, only to find out that this meant 15 minutes of waiting with no contact from anyone in blue. Finally, a waitress approached us cautiously and asked if we had been helped. “No,” we replied. “Oh my goodness,” she said, “you aren’t my assignment but I’ll take care of you anyway. What can I get you?” The name was Millie and she was the same waitress we had enjoyed before. All we had come for was some absolutely delicious all-you-can-drink hot chocolate, and she sure took care of it lickety-split. (I won’t mention her generosity when the check came . . .)
Fast forward a week and a half and you will see me yet again sitting in IHOP at the same hour (still no shame), only this time I had specifically requested a dish that wasn’t on the menu, you know, one of those old-timey diner kind of orders. It must have been my school-induced fatigue but I was really craving Eggs Benedict, and I wouldn’t take pancakes for an answer. Millie was there in a flash to make sure things were made just how I asked for them, and sure enough I was treated to a mighty fine plate of scrumptious good eats. Whether or not the cook was pleased is debatable, but I was certainly satisfied not only with my food and service, but with my entire experience. It made my entire day a little brighter to be greeted and served by a warm-hearted and generous waitress who was more fun and caring than anyone else I’ve seen after midnight. The world has simply not produced a satisfactory substitute for good, old-fashioned, look-you-in-the-eye-with-a-smile service.
Thanks Millie! You have made me a loyal fan of wonderful people who care enough to give their best. Not to mention I think you work at the best restaurant in America.
Fantastic people are all around us, and we’d love to hear about them. If you would like to share the experience you have the next time you meet someone who goes above and beyond, then follow this link for submission details.
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