Thanks for the smiles and help in the aisles

Sue Clark

I’m grateful for the local businesses and employees who love their

jobs and take pride in them. It’s so appealing to see a person who is

cheerful, interested and professional, no matter what their

occupation. They aren’t afraid to chat briefly with a customer, while

not keeping the next one waiting too long--a special art. They pick

up the phone but tell the person on the other end that they have a

customer (me) and may they call back. They put their personal

problems on hold and maintain a cheerful demeanor.

Here are a few with which I’ve been impressed in Costa Mesa and

Newport Beach:

The counter clerks at Winchell’s Donuts on 17th Street: They keep

the place spotless and are impeccably polite. I can tell they have

pride in the store.

Richard at Diedrich Coffee on 17th Street: He knows most of the

customers and his irrepressible good nature shines through each

transaction.

Ruben at Sav-On in the Costa Mesa Courtyard by 24 Hour Fitness: He

is funny, kind and outgoing and makes buying shampoo an occasion.

Jilleen at Ralph’s on Irvine Avenue: I miss her; I have never seen

her have a bad day, and her charm lights up her customer’s day. I

hope the strike will end soon, Jilleen.

The staff at Mongolian Barbeque are prompt and positive -- add to

that the food. Yum.

Kazu at Choito on 17th: Kazu is unfailingly polite while offering

delicious, inexpensive food and quick service.

Seaside Donuts on the Newport Pier: I walked in 10 years later,

after living near there, and Carl still remembered me. I couldn’t

believe it.

(Gee most of these seem to be about food.)

Mephisto’s Shoes on Westcliff Drive: They know what arthritic or

sore feet are like, and they care. They also give you a small bottle

of Perrier while you try on shoes. I wish I could say Mephisto’s are

inexpensive, but they are not. However, you get what you pay for and

they know what you need.

Panda Express by Home Depot: Good food, professional clerks and

pride in their establishment.

These are only a small part of wonderful professional folks in the

community. My “picks” are in a small comfort zone where I shop. You

will know yours, and you know they type of employees and owners to

which I refer. They radiate charm and pride in their work. They make

buying a doughnut a happy occasion, and recommending kung-pao chicken

a serious matter.

I am grateful for all of them.