Thank you for all of your submissions regarding our Customer Service challenge over the holidays. While everyone can think of a negative service experience they encountered during the busiest shopping season of the year, it is rare to find one that stands out as being positive and complimentary. It’s great to see that customers were able to experience exceptional service in the midst of holiday chaos – especially in our town where it can be extra busy during tourist season.James and Kate Kintz, the owners of Toucan Grille, left a memorable impression with one of our readers. Toucan Grille, a restaurant located at 4480 Bonita Beach Rd in Bonita Springs was asked to host a Christmas party of 25 people for Chris Griffith’s company party. Even from the planning stages, Chris states the owners were special in how they treated her and her guests.

They went out of their way to accommodate their group, changing the seating arrangements for half of their restaurant in order to provide the most comfortable area for their party. Being that the restaurant is Caribbean themed, many of the guests were not familiar with the entrees. Chris noted that the wait staff explained in detail the food selections and made them, many who had never dined there before, feel welcomed and appreciated by their personable approach to the guests. It’s interesting to note that Chris, who nominated Toucan Grille, has been a resident here for over twenty years and has chosen this one as her favorite because of their exceptional service.

Chris states, “Where most restaurants are trying to get you in and out the door as fast as possible, the group at the Toucan Grille is building a culture, a network of friends and family where everyone is welcome, respected and appreciated. It is unlike so many other businesses in the area. The owners and staff shake your hand on the way out the door and thank you for your business. Who does that anymore?” This testimonial is priceless. It shows the importance in giving quality service to customers and its effects on repeat business.

Showing customers they are appreciated is a rarity these days, yet it can really make you stand apart from your competition.

Let’s all remember that it is in our control as owners, managers and employees, to become that business that shines above the rest by simply showing gratitude and respect for our clients, something that is easy to do but very hard to find. Congratulations Toucan Grille for being “Over the Top” in your service to customers!