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Southern
Hospitality
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This Trade Secret is a travel diary of sorts from Barbara and Melissa, who literally ate their way through the great state of Louisiana.
Southern hospitality is alive and well in Louisiana. In the last five days we've eaten in quite a few restaurants in New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Lafayette. We've visited local hangouts filled with families and plastic serving baskets, and world-famous French Quarter establishments filled with tourists and fine china. Despite the differences, one thing has remained noticeably consistent… the wonderful attitude of the employees.
Maybe we're influenced by the great Louisiana accent. Maybe it's the euphoria that comes from plates heaped high with fried alligator and crawfish. Whatever it is, we've been amazed by and enjoyed the friendliness, politeness and hospitality of everyone we've met here.
This so remarkable because it's so rare. In most places, tourists are treated with indifference at best. We're one-time customers with a line of new tourists waiting in line behind us. Spectacular service just isn't necessary to keep us coming back, since we probably won't be back. Even in our home town it sometimes hard to get decent service, and we're regulars!
But here in Louisiana, we're greeted with smiles, and made to feel at home. We hear "Hello," "How are you today?" and "You ladies look lovely this afternoon" (even though we don't after six hours of walking in 80% humidity). Busy servers pause at our table to say "Welcome. I'll be back to take care of you in just a moment." Talk about good first impressions. Recommendations of favorite dishes and local attractions are freely offered, and we've been the recipients of wishes for safe travels home and future return visits. And I know I'll be coming back to Louisiana… not just for the food and the fun, but for the people.
Does the culture of your operation make people want to come back? Is the impression you give -- from the first contact to the farewell -- a great one that reinforces that you're in the hospitality business? Do you train and reinforce the type of service you want your staff to provide? Do you live up to your Brand? I hope you give your guests the type of experience that we've had on our trip, full of wonderful Southern Hospitality!