It's pleasant to have such niceness (or, at least, professionalism) on one's birthday.
After having driven from Chamblee, GA to Falls Church, VA, and then from Falls Church to Georgetown, MA, the next step was, eventually, driving back to Chamblee (a turns-out-to-be-right prognostication/estimate of a full 24 hours of solo traveling. This was probably the highlight of that journey back, and that was only two hours in.
Needing to stop for gas -- although I was somewhat kicking myself for not getting it before I'd crossed the Massachusetts border and saving myself almost 30¢ per gallon -- I'd stopped in this travel hub for gas food for my car and human food for me (since I'd really only had a cup of warm milk and another cup of tea before leaving my sister and brother-in-law's). It definitely is a hub because in that area there's a Rodeway Inn, a Shell station, and, attached to a TravelCenters of America, a Dunkin Donuts, a Country Pride, and this Burger King.
After filling up my car, I'd parked in the common parking lot of the hub (most of the parking spaces in front of the TA are for handicapped placard-holders), took note of the somewhat ostentatious drive-through, and walked inside. I wasn't quite expecting a sort-of food court appearance, but essentially the Burger King (and neighboring Dunkin) is that. Wrestling with the choices for a minute, I did decide on BK. It being not a full-sized store, I wasn't certain if they would have my go-to BK Veggie Burger (essentially a MorningStar burger patty). It *is* one of those items that, if they actually have one, is on the ancillary menu to the side of the registers. There was no such menu visible at this one (at least that I'd noticed). Still, I'd try.
Both people at the counter were busily writing when one noticed me and called attention to the other closer to me, who wore a name badge also indicating she was the General Manager. Oh, what fortune! I placed my order of a BK Veggie Burger with cheese and a small vanilla shake. She didn't even bat an eye, which meant they had it; yay! She'd asked if I'd wanted any fries (oh, I forgot!), I said, "Oh, right!", and I asked for an order of large onion rings.
This is partly why I like to order these three: since it's a relatively uncommon order combination, it kind of makes them have to cook it fresh. Slightly deceptive, but these are all items I've enjoyed over the years with relish. It surprises me I'd nearly forgotten the onion rings, though!
She'd asked me if I'm having a good day, and I'd told her I was, just traveling home to Georgia. She'd smiled and asked my name, which was an interesting touch, and gave me my receipts with a wish of a good journey home. The receipt had my name on it. She went back to writing up whatever it was that kept her attention before attending me.
Her comrade brought out my order and announced my name. I collected it and took a seat in one of the food court-style seats adjacent to the restaurant. The meal was every bit as good as I've had before, and the onion rings especially were piping hot. This was my only full meal for the entire trip (I'd brought snacks for the remainder of my journey), but it was worth it. Definitely a nice treat on my birthday. read more