On Thursday, I’ll have been at my restaurant 3 months. A LOT of people have walked through our doors since then. I’ve met a huge portion of them. I’ve become friendly with many of them.

There is a couple who come in at least once a week. Sometimes more. They always sit at the bar. Soon after I started I told them if they called the restaurant before 4:00, and left a message, I’d do my best to get them a seat at the bar.

It’s worked every time.

The first time they came in, I recognized them from David’s.

This isn’t good or bad, just that I remembered them. I did wonder if they’d disliked me when I worked there because back then we didn’t take reservations and lots of locals were resentful of this fact. I was scolded many, many times because Ms. Smith from Marshall Point Rd couldn’t get a reservation for two on Saturday night at 7:00. They’ve never indicated this to be true. Unlike one particular gentleman who walked in, was told no because he didn’t have a reservation and said. I know you. You were at David’s. Then cursed at me and walked out. This was my third day.

Anyway.

This couple who sits at the bar called today. I got them in. There arrived at 6:30.

Around 8:30 when all the reservations were in, I was wandering around the dining room. Who’s ordered. Who needs to. Etc. I check in with the kitchen.

Doug and Marcy are finished with dinner. I ask them how their meal was. We begin to chat. They comment on a bit of drama they’d learned about. I pretend I don’t know what they are talking about. Then Marcy says.

You know. You are a good man. You are always calm. You don’t let things bother you. You seem to enjoy your job. And you’re kind to everyone.

Fun fact. I’m not a person who can quote verbatim conversations I’ve had. This is me paraphrasing.

The conversation continues. I’m trying to take the compliment but also brush it off as no big deal.

The conversation continues.

They are being so complimentary. Of the changes I’ve made. Of the staff. Of my presence in the dining room.

So kind.

They ask how I’ve learned to be so calm and cool.

I say experience. Yes in the restaurant business. But also in theater. Which leads to me telling them about being a lighting designer. Grad school. My experience as a theatre professional.

I know from previous conversations that Doug was/is a musician. We share stories of free lancing. I comment that it’s feast or famine. I tell about how I had a restaurant job in NYC that let me come and go as needed.

They continue to compliment me. Marcy especially. I’m a little embarrassed. But also appreciative. I’ve always suffered from imposter syndrome. As soon as they find out who I really am they’ll know it’s all an act. The first year of grad school was especially bad. It wasn’t until I designed my first real show that I said hey, I’m not bad at this.

My first management job I would take a deep breath as I got out of my car and pray that my boss didn’t figure out I was a fraud.

I still suffer from this.

But.

After 9 summers. I think. I might. Know what I’m doing. Most days.

So it’s nice to hear someone acknowledge that I’m good at my job.

PS. There are lots of restaurant GMs I aspire to be. Adam is one. My GM in New York. Another from home. They all make the job look easy. I pretend to be them every day at work.

They are impressed with my story. Doug especially as a musician who I think gets it.

We continue to chat. 30 minutes has passed. My staff is starting to leave. One of them, quietly tells me her cash out is on my desk.

We chat for a while.

I tell them that the secret to looking calm is to never lose your temper. I tell them about the warm wine guy. I tell them about the free food people.

They are astounded and impressed at the same time.

They continue to be kind.

It really was special to have someone notice me.

And compliment me.

And they wanted and expected nothing. No free drinks. No free food. No special treatment. Just kindness.

At the end of the conversation I gave them both hugs. And left walking on air.

It was one of the kindest exchanges I’ve ever had.

They are good people.

It made my night.

PS. It’s almost 3:00 am. As always I’ve typed this on my phone. I have to be up in 6 hours. Please forgive any typos, grammatical errors, or stupid mistakes.

I’m going to bed.