Sprinkles with a Cherry on Top

Tomorrow is my birthday, and every year around this time I like to take a moment to reflect. I recently visited Red Robin for a free birthday meal. It was just another Friday night out with little on the agenda but to catch a bite to eat. The expectations at a casual dining place such as this are not usually particularly high, still, I was surprised by the immediate friendliness of our server. She was bubbly and attentive, as one would hope, but what struck me the most was how she went above and beyond to ensure we had a great dining experience.

She started by taking the initiative to bring out a plate of “bottomless fries” so we had something to munch on while we waited for our meal to come. She made sure to inform me my salad was “bottomless” and she would bring another if I wanted it. When she took our order we mentioned we’d be splitting the sandwiches and she took the initiative to make sure they were cut in half, rather than having them arrive whole. Even throughout the meal, she would come to check on us frequently, bringing refills and asking if we needed this or that, without us ever having to ask. And then at the end, as she was taking our plates away, with a big smile she offered a free birthday sundae — another perk I was unaware of.

When she brought out the sundae, she proudly announced that she put sprinkles on it with a cherry on top. The sundae looked picture perfect. I asked if she made it herself and she said, she did. There was clearly extra care that went into making it look special, not just thrown together out of obligation. I was amazed by how well treated we were by this sweet, young lady. As we were leaving, I asked to speak to a manager. It turned out the person I asked was a supervisor, but you could already see the drops of sweat beginning to form as she anticipated another customer complaint. When I told her about my experience, she lit up like a Christmas tree and readily agreed with me that the server we had was “phenomenal” and that because she received a compliment from a customer she would be receiving a free meal as a result. I was happy that expressing my gratitude paid off for her.

Now, I don’t know if my experience was a result of great customer service training (like the kind Chick-fil-A is known for) or just the deliberate effort of a server who strives to do her job well, but I was impressed. But as I thought about it, nothing that we received went beyond what was available to us. The free burger, bottomless sides, shared plates, drink refills, and ice cream sundae was all a part of the restaurant’s offerings. So it made me think, how often do people miss the mark? You have to ask for things, they don’t just offer. If you don’t know to ask, you just miss out. Even when you do ask, it feels like you’re inconveniencing the server. You experience long waits for someone to check on you or for beverage refills. But this sever fulfilled all the promises without us even having to ask or even know. And she topped it all off with sprinkles and a cherry on top.

So it got me wondering, how often do we make sure to go the extra mile for others? Sure, we may have the resources, and even be willing, but do we always wait to be asked first? Do we take the initiative to check in with people? Do we see a need and simply fulfill it? Does it feel like an inconvenience when we are asked? Most importantly, how much do we actually enjoy serving others?

As for the sprinkles and the cherry, it was amazing how such a simple gesture put a smile on my face, made me feel valued, and put me in a good mood. We can do that for others! And also, just as important, it can be a reminder how sometimes the smallest, seemingly insignificant things can make a difference in someone’s day. Because it’s not really even the thing that usually makes the difference as much as it is the thoughtfulness. More than needing grand gestures, it’s knowing that someone willingly and joyfully went out of their way for you that makes us feel loved.

I also thought of something else. Do we likewise always stop to appreciate such things? Because when we do, it’s amazing how little we need to actually experience joy. Yeah, I think we can all agree it’s been a tough couple of years for us all. Anxiety and depression are at an all-time high, but are there ways to combat the darkness? Perhaps we have made life too complicated in this digital age. We look for satisfaction in material possessions, trips to far-off places, and empty praise and validation from people we barely know on social media, but it never lasts.

Perhaps we are trying too hard. Joy may be found just as easily in appreciating the beauty found in our own backyard, in the laughter and meaningful conversation found in meeting with a friend for coffee. Or maybe in just taking advantage of little luxuries to make our day brighter, such as lighting a fragrant candle, putting on music with dinner, and grilling up a steak instead of a burger for a change. Or by adding sprinkles and a cherry on top of the sundaes we make at home.

So that’s my goal for the year to come. I am not only going to strive to take more initiative with those around me but also to be more deliberate in how I spend my every day by making the otherwise mundane, special. And who knows, perhaps there will be joy after all. Joy, unspeakable joy.

“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.”

— Roald Dahl