FOOD VIGILANTE

Ok, this has nothing to do with food, but I have to mention it…

Yesterday, or last year, I was in need of a red bow tie. I was on my way to an obligation and stopped at a local bridal/tux shop…closed. So I tried a local tailor/tux shop…also closed. Oh well, on my way, the tie was just an afterthought for the holiday. I had given up hope as I was leaving the North Huntingdon area when I saw Berk’s men’s clothing store. I thought I’d give it a shot. Berk’s is one of the few small town businesses that hasn’t been swallowed up by the big box chains. The store is a pleasant blast from the past, smelling of fine suits, leather belts and stiff collared shirts. I left my car running (a perk of small town life) and entered the store. Behind the counter was a man I later learned was Bruce Berk, the store was otherwise empty. I was immediately greeted and explained my need for a bow-tie. Bruce pointed me to a display case while explaining that he only had black or red in stock. Perfect! I snatched up the red one and proceeded to the checkout. As I placed my debit card on the counter it struck me that a drawback of small town living is cash only merchants. I asked about debit card payment and Bruce explained that he did indeed accept cards! Phew! …but, he had only just minutes ago closed out his credit machine and register and could only take cash at this point. Darn. I explained that I had no cash on me and thanked him anyway, after all, the tie was only an afterthought for the holiday. I turned to leave and Bruce says, “hey..”. I turned as he tossed me the bow-tie and he said “Happy New Year, it’s on me” . Even with my appreciation of small town perks, I was set on my heels. I said “pardon?”. Bruce reassuringly told me again that the tie was on the house and to enjoy the new year. I am obligated now to shop at Berks. Yet, may I add, I am HAPPILY obligated to shop there. I do wear clothes, as do my three sons, so I shall look no further than Berks in North Huntingdon, PA.  Bruce demonstrated a long lost art of personal customer service. I’m not asking for all business owners to give away the house. The free tie is not the motivation for my sudden loyalty, only the consideration for my situation exuded by Bruce Berk.  Service industry take note.

FV