I am a regional manager for a paper distribution company. I came here for a business meeting last week because I had luck before with another wealthy major potential client who I assumed only dined in the finest of culinary establishments. He was very impressed with my mutual appreciation of the most suburb mainstream American dishes.
Of course I would bring this client as well, after all, he was raised in Ohio, where the rich culture refined his pallet for only a menu that can only be found through out the vast majority of the American cuisine. When I arrived at the same comforting establishment that had hosted so many wonderful occasions.
Countless employee appreciation ceremonies, annual events I hosted in honor of our employees most unique and mentionable traits and attributes. A ceremony every employee looked feverishly forward to every year.
A stolen kiss from a woman who challenged me who, wanted to change me but like Applebee's, I'll never change.
All the dinners alone, just me and the exceptionally attentive staff, every single Thursday night for 8 years. We know each other by name who work so tirelessly that they are always too busy to even answer a phone call.
This would surely be another successfully completed chapter in the full life of a beloved man with a lot of friends who care deeply about him.
When the worldly Midwesterner arrived at the table, I immediately ordered margaritas, a refreshment enjoyed throughout the exotic land of Mexico and most participating Chili's locations. Before he could say a word, I had read his mind and ordered the Big Mouth Bites and loaded potato skins. His surprised look of shock had said it all: he had no idea a young, Scranton paper boy could possess such fine tastes. This suave Pennsylvania paper pusher is the very pinnacle of class and charisma.
My client cleared his throat, and finally spoke: "This is not what I expected. Your office would've been adequate enough. Also, I would rather have a water if that's fine." That's when I knew I had hooked him, if he loosened his will with even the slightest amount of strong drink, he would throw cash my way until I begged him to stop.
As we waited for our drinks to arrive, he made some excuse about a drinking problem, hasn't touched the stuff in nearly a year. It nearly destroyed his life but I had figured out his slick strategy.
I ordered, what else? The baby back ribs, he had a small chef salad, saying, "It's lunch time, I'm not ordering a large meal." Obviously, politely going for something he believed a reasonable price in this diner of decadence, I had already made it clear, repeatedly, that I would cover the bill.
I had insider knowledge of the temporary technical problems for the past 2 years with the karaoke machine and also, Bryce, the new day manager wasn't a fan of the machine, citing, I was rarely used and they needed room to put up more street signs and taxidermy with sunglasses.
I don't remember much after halfway through my meal as usual, I was lulled into a dreamy mid day slumber courtesy of Chili's and Mexican libation. After a brief post- power lunch sweat spell in my car, i came to the conclusion that I had sealed the deal and It was so smooth, I hadn't even noticed, or recalled exactly how it ended, it was all such a delicious blur.
That was last week and needless to say, his secretary keeps informing me that he will get back with me when he had a chance. Another home run. Thank you Chili's God bless you. read more