I’m taking a brief break from my mandatory spouse-ordered home improvement vacation.
I had the opportunity last week to see Chef John Schumacher speak at the Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon meeting. I also sat with him during the lunch part of the luncheon meeting. He is a very interesting guy, with an important message about life and overcoming adversities.
Chef John is the owner and manager of Schumacher’s restaurant and inn in New Prague. His reputation in the culinary world is solid. He has also authored a number of cookbooks covering a wide range of cooking styles. Check his website for more details.
Someone from the audience asked Chef John a question and his response to it has been naggin at me for a week. Someone asked him what changes he has seen during his time in the hospitality industry. Chef John said that one change he has seen that he is sad to see is the change in the demeanor of his customers. Ten years ago, he said, a customer would call him and say, “It’s our ten year anniversary and we’d like to reserve that special seat by the window for dinner tomorrow night.” Today Chef John says it’s more likely for that customer to say, “It’s our ten year anniversary and if we can’t get that special seat by the window tomorrow night we’re never coming back to your place again.”
That’s more than a mere change in just tone, I’d say. It’s a change in how the customer views his or her relationship with the vendor. I would have to say that I’ve seen that change as well, unfortunately. But, to Chef John’s credit, he sees this cultural change in attitude as just another challenge that he must meet and overcome in the business world. I think that government is trying to respond that way as well. I think we have to.
