The Adventures of Krystal Kid: Hi Chef, I'm Mr. Thursday!

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Hi Chef, I'm Mr. Thursday!

Now if you happen to go Krystal and step up to the counter and you are greeted by someone in a yellow shirt, know one thing: you are in the presence of greatness. Krystal has a program where the best of the best at customer service are recognized for their efforts. They wear yellow shirts and get extra training. I believe (but don't quote me) that they also earn a little bit more as well. I know Krystal is trying to make sure there's at least a few at every store, to ensure customer service is top notch no matter where you dine. So if you happen to run into a "Yellow Shirt" prepare to be wowed! They're excellent and you should applaud their achievement.
Now this past Thursday I had another unique "Kustomer Service" moment. The weather was on the verge of getting yucky so I had to hustle to get my Krystals before Mother Nature layeth down ye olde smack upon Macon. I pulled into the parking lot as usual, where I can see right through the window into the store. Usually whoever's at the register gives me a wave as I pull in, but it was rather busy so no one was right there. I guess everyone decided to get their Thursday Krystals before the storms hit.
As I hustled to the door and walked in, I recognized the guy who would be cooking up my Krystals. He's usually there on Thursdays when I get in. That's one of the lesser known perks of having a "regular Krystal Gig." You get to recognize the folks and I suppose they start to recognize you. As I walked in, he looked up and saw me come in, gave me a quick nod and wave and shouted "Hey there, Mr. Thursday!" Sadly, I don't know the gentleman's name so I had to think quick. "Hey Chef!" I waved back. I feel bad that I do not know his name, but it no longer matters because now his name is Chef!

Chef driving the grill

I know some may feel that Chef is too lofty a title for someone who makes Krystals, but lets get real. Look at what goes on behind that counter. I've been going to Krystal for ages and have paid attention and learned. I dare say I could tell you what 95% of the things you see are for. But just because I know what they are, doesn't mean I can make em work.
Personally, I think the metal hamburger hammer is the coolest, and I'm trying to figure out how to get one of those! You can see the hammer on the metal shelf just over the griddle. Why do they need a hammer for their hamburgers? Well they keep them frozen until moments before they are cooked. That keeps everything superfresh. The problem is those big stacks of frozen burgers stick together, so a few swift smacks with the Burger Hammer and they're liberated and ready for the heat.
Chef probably swings that hammer a few hundred times a day. Flips thousands of burgers a day, steams tons of buns, scatters mounds of onions, places piles of pickles, squeezes gallons of mustard, and builds every burger special, just for you. The only difference between the Krystal Chef and a fine "french chef" is the stuck up french attitude.