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What differentiates excellent service from forgettable service? No one is perfect; it's how the imperfections are handled that determines whether customer service is poor, average, good or excellent
From time to time, we list those that make Crystal's Cuts for giving exemplary service. Using restaurants as a general guide, our ratings don't take into account food or product unless noted otherwise. This is primarily about the service, the business etiquette that distinguishes them from other vendors.
Comfort Food at Arnolds in LB
Exceptionally Great Service
Good Service
Average Service
Poor Service
Subzero Service
No Rating
Crystal's Cuts Blog Ratings
Comfort Food at Arnolds in LB
Someone asked recently about where they could find comfort food fast in Long Beach. When you’re starving and don’t care for fussy service, check out the buffet at Arnold’s on Atlantic. The guys will carve your turkey, roast beef or offer you fried chicken, fish, whatever. You see it, point and they hand it to you. You’re eating minutes later and if you happen by on a Sunday when church is letting out you might catch some of the hats on parade. Lots of fun. Great place run by hard-working family and the servers have been with them for years. Like a step back in time complete with green jello, deviled eggs and waldorf salads. Comfort food and fast.
Exceptionally Great Service
Your needs have been anticipated in some instances and the person/establishment went above and beyond to make you feel appreciated. It could be: forgetting a package in a store and it is returned to your hotel, with a surprise box of candy as a memento. Your dry cleaner notices a button missing and replaces, it free of charge. A shoe salesperson notices your traveling and mentions a fabulous osteria and goes so far to make a reservation for you.
Good Service
Extra effort was made to make your experience memorable, you feel welcome and your patronage is appreciated. Even if you only purchased an espresso, they make you feel equal to the guests who spent more. It could be the sales person that follows up a month later to see how you like the new online reports and if you have any questions. Or, the receptionist that sees the rain pouring off your jacket and offers or brings you a towel to dry off while you wait.
Average Service
You ordered, it came, people are mechanically polite. There is nothing hot or cold about the service, it is neutral. Though perfunctory, there is nothing memorable about the organization or the person.
Poor Service
You and your request are mostly ignored. It can be: Your food is delayed, there is no explanation and you are not offered anything else except your bill. The receptionist/clerk sees you walk in but pretends not to have noticed you and talks to other staff until you initiate the conversation. They do not thank you for your time but if in a café, you might see a tip jar nearby suggesting you just experienced something special.
Subzero Service
You are nameless, faceless, or called “Next in line.” It can be: Arrogant to the point of you should feel lucky if called back, or waited on (i.e. tragically hip, attempts to be exclusive.) Or you are asked your name repeatedly only to be called “sir” or “madam” throughout the exchange. Or you make a purchase and the clerk never stops talking on her cell phone or to his colleagues. The only gesture you see is an open palm waiting for your money…of course, a tip jar is nearby.
No Rating
No rating