I am a local resident and frequent customer of this location of Chile Verde. I love their hard shell chicken and shredded beef tacos and would sell my soul for their shredded beef taquitos and guacamole! I usually come over in 2-4 times per week because the food, customer service, and quick service makes my busy life that much easier.
I'm already a die hard fan but my experience yesterday has rocked me to core and solidified me as a life long customer. Long story short (well as short as I can make it while putting the experience in context) ...I had dashed into the restaurant to pick up my pre-ordered order and, true-to-form, I habitually set my keys down on the edge of the salsa bar while I got my lemon and salsa fix together. A sweet gentleman that was already there inadvertently picked up my keys, and left with them, and I didn't even notice it. As I headed back to my car, I realized I didn't have my keys...and this is where it all begins!
I went back into the restaurant to see if I had left them near the salsa bar - nope not there. I went back to me car to see if I'd left them there - nope not there either. I replayed my steps and was certain I'd had them when I went in (plus my car was locked and I can only lock my car with the computerized keyless entry key) so I knew I had them when I went in. As the reality set in that I had lost my only key (misplaced my spare a while ago and never got around to going into the dealership and paying the $300 plus replacement fee for a new spare but that's a whole other issue) and as yesterday's rain began to torrentially fall more heavily ...I began to freak out and tear up.
The wonderful front counter lady and gentleman who I regularly see and conduct business with (and yes, it's a crying shame that I do not know their names but I will definitely ask for and commit them to memory on my very next visit) proceeded blessed me beyond measure!!! They could have easily discarded my dismay but the lady let me not only use her cell phone but offered me her AAA card to call for a locksmith and/or tow. The gentleman then allowed me to use the restaurant phone to try to call my Momma and son to see if one of them could head up there and keep me from losing my natural mind...(frustrated and on the brink of tears, I needed family in that cold, rainy, flip flop and thin t-shirt wearing moment)
After at least a dozen calls home (apparently the rain/weather was creating an issue so that calls to my Momma wouldn't go through or went straight to voicemail and my son likely didn't recognize the number and wasn't answering)...my desire to remains composed and calm began to deteriorate.
These fine folks stepped up and extended a helping hand and consistently checked on me, helped me keep calm, and so much more...and I will never forget how compassionate and caring they were to me. My typical $11 dollar order ended up being nearly $500 by the time I paid the locksmith, AAA renewal fee, tipped everybody that helped me out including the AAA tow truck driver, and paid the dealership key fees...but I know things could've been far worse had it not been for these AMAZING EMPLOYEES!
I will never forget how helpful and compassionate they were to me and I am OFFICIALLY a die hard customer for life and once I get their names and an inkling of something they need or want..."it is done!" I usually throw a dollar or my change back in their tip jar but they'll be getting no less than $5/visit from me moving forward.
PLUS, with out my asking, the gentleman checked the cameras and confirmed that the sweet older gentleman had picked up my keys, told me he was a regular customer, took my phone number down, and told me he would inquire with him on his next visit and hopefully be able to get my keys back. "LESSON LEARNED, FAITH IN HUMANITY RESTORED, ETERNALLY GRATEFUL, and will always patron this restaurant and cherish the BLESSINGS they bestowed upon me!!!"
Chile Verde in Hawthorne, CA rocks.com!!! read more