Decided to try a Smash Burger for the very first time, approximately 2 weeks ago. During this time of the Virus affecting us all, and the closing of dining room restaurants, only permitting carry out and/or drive thru options at this time, limits my choices to only fast food. So I chose SmashBurger of Laveen over all the others, for a QUALITY FOOD experience over a marginal, "nothing special" burger I can get, practically anywhere. Please don't make me regret it? I met Arjenis the GM who placed my order. While my order was being prepared, we got to know each other a little. Found him to be a pleasant, competent, qualified professional. We exchanged small talk mostly with regard to the closing of restaurant dining rooms as a result of the Virus scare. Upon returning home, I examined my meal, and everything was perfect, except for one small, insignificant, minor detail. My fries were cold by the time I got them home, (only a few miles and minutes away, which was disappointing, considering I was hoping they would remain at least warm until I got home?). I didn't say anything to Arjenis at the time, or do anything about it either, figuring to myself, Why Bother? It's not anyone's FAULT. No one is to blame. It's not like I didn't still shove them down my gullet like it was my Last Supper!?!
Fast-forwarding to Today's visit? I met a very nice, proper young gentleman by the name of Adrian. He extended a warm and friendly welcome greeting to me. The restaurant dining room was empty, affording us an opportunity to visit for a moment or two without holding up the line. During our brief but cheerful conversation, I learned from him that he had been training for a 5K among some other topics we discussed. I mentioned to him in casual conversation, that on my last visit, my fries were kind of cold by the time I made it home, (Again, only a few miles and minutes away from the store), and that I couldn't help but wonder to myself if they were hot when I left the store? Honestly? Don't much care. Only an observation that will hopefully help to improve a guest's experience in the future?
My complete order today, consisted of 2 Doubles and 2 Fries. Adrian offered to comp one of the fries as a goodwill gesture for the previous visit. I thanked him for his kind consideration. As for the 2nd Burger of my order, I specifically requested extra Heavy on the mustard, because I happen to "like it that way". The Check, (my receipt), as well as the "Make Station" printout, and a third printout reflected and verified that I had indeed, requested XT Mustard, and Adrian acknowledged my request on the order, in triplicate even! And yet, when I got it all home, and went to bite into mine? There wasn't so much as a scant trace of mustard. Not one drop. The top and bottom of the bun were void of any. I had to literally "disassemble" my burger, layer by layer of lettuce, tomato, pickle, meat, and cheese to find any, and there just wasn't. Is it the End of the World?? No, of course not! Not for me it isn't. Am I disappointed that this makes the second time that it seems a little disconcerting to me that, when deciding what carry-out to bring home? I choose to pay for what I get and In return? I expect to get what I pay for. I called the store upon reaching home and after unwrapping my food, while my concern was still fresh on my mind, and while I might still be remembered by Adrian from a visit with him only minutes earlier? I initially reached Arjenis first. I politely requested to speak with Adrian directly, since he was the person I conducted the transaction with, and since I wasn't trying to get anybody into any trouble.
I expressed to Adrian, that I was in NO WAY, mad at anybody. And that it was probably just an oversight on the part of the person who assembled it in the first place? I don't know who that person is. I just wanted to pass along a little helpful hint that sometimes? Speed isn't always as important as Accuracy. Adrian concurred. And even though I also expressed to Adrian that I in no way, expected any sort of refund or replacement or anything of the sort? He offered it anyway by advising me that he would write my name down somewhere to refer to on my next visit, for my total and complete satisfaction. Adrian apologized profusely, for the error, even though he didn't have to. It wasn't HIS fault. And there really is no one to blame. It's only how we all learn from our mistakes. I appreciate and commend Adrian for his professional handling of the situation, and for acknowledging that I had a concern. Not a complaint. I will be returning again because of him, and Arjenis, doing their level best to deliver exceptional customer service and satisfaction. Keep up the Good Work! I will see you again, real soon.
Your loyal and faithful guest,
Gary C. Bogart read more