PORK FRIED…NICE!

I truly look forward to the annual Massachusetts Restaurant Association kick off board meeting, held in Puerto Rico in January. Of course, a raging sun and fiercely blue ocean surely enhances a great time, and it seems each year, a large percentage of us arrive a couple of days early and end up watching the Patriots in the playoffs. These meetings bring the leaders of my industry together for a few days of camaraderie and brainstorming and sharing of current news and trends and ways to do business. But It also often creates many reminders of why I love my business–surrounded by happy, funny, dynamic and generous folks filled with energy. It also provides precious examples of what we do–like the one we I witnessed yesterday, as a dozen of us gathered around a pool bar, on day one, re uniting over rum, since the last board meeting. In the midst of conversation, jokes and general bullshit, like the teasing of Bobby Wong–the iconic owner of Saugus’ Kowloon–for still using a flip phone. A few minutes later, Bob’s phone buzzed and he excused himself, borrowed a pen from the bartender, and grabbed the duplicate copy of our rather large bar bill, to take notes on. Moments later, after hanging up the phone, he excused himself again to call in the order. Bobby’s call had been from a long term customer of his, who was ordering dinner for a group of 17, for the upcoming Patriots game that night–and Bobby–a guy who does millions of dollars in business, having worked his way from dishwasher 40 years ago, to owner for the past 16, while hanging with contemporaries over cocktails in Puerto Rico…was taking to go orders on his flip phone for a valued customer. The entire circle nodded in honor– “that’s what we do,” hospitality and it’s all about the guest. It’s important to note, as well, that Bobby’s accolades were received from the group BEFORE we all realized he had also taken the top copy of the bill…and paid for the whole group!