
When you experience something special, it tends to stick with you. The memory of that particular experience is something you tend to carry in your back pocket, and pull out to compare to everything related.
I remember walking down to the lakefront on on recent holiday and I spotted this little shop that had this cafe/restaurant feel, named Kind Food. What intrigued me was that it looked to be Vegan, and because I recently became a vegetarian, it was something that was now on my radar. Unfortunately it was late, so it was closed for the night, but I knew I would be checking it out soon enough.
First Impression
A couple days went by until I found time to check it out. I arrived, walked up and opened the door. This overwhelming aroma of yummy smell smacks me in the face, so I moved in quickly
I am greeted by Michael and the first thing he says is, “Hello and welcome to Kind Food, my name is Michael, what is your name?”. From that point on he addressed me as Troy, which really made the experience comforting and real. He took the time to suggest some items that were a great fit for the weather that day (super hot) and then explained the ingredients in the items and why it was a healthy choice.
I ended up getting the Beauty Salad (Kale salad) with a Green Gorilla shake (green smoothie) and WOW was it ever good. It was such a great experience from start to finish that I decided that I would have to bring one of my Account Managers for lunch the next day.
Second First Impression
As we sat and enjoyed a great lunch, something became apparent to me. Everyone that walked in was either greeted by name or asked what theirs was, and called by that for the rest of their visit.
My Account Manager Dan picked up on this and was very impressed, so much that he tested them by asking, ”What was your name again?”, to which Michael replied, “My name is Michael, it was great to meet you, Dan.”
Boom! and a passing grade was handed out (not literally, lol).
Two Minutes Can Last Forever
After Dan and I had lunch, I decided to take a look at some of the products they offered.
As I was perusing the shelf, one of the owners (Kelly) came over and asked me if I had any questions (of course I do, I always have questions, hehe). I asked about meat, dairy, diets, protein, etc, and she had such detailed answers to all of my questions that it really made my overall experience that day nothing short of fantastic.
I had great food, great service and a mini lesson on the benefits to a vegan lifestyle. It was definitely an experience I wont forget.
Doing It Right
Kind Food is really taking the necessary strides to creating a solid brand, market leadership and a foundation for growth. Take a look at their Twitter stream, their Facebook community, and the wall interaction thats happening. Or watch their Youtube videos to see how they’re educating people on how easy it can be to eat healthy, or read their blog, filled with great information on a variety of subjects.
Kind Food has become one of my favourite spots – how many other establishments offer an education with lunch and dessert?
I want to thank Ken, Kelly, Erin, Michael and all the great staff that make each visit both enjoyable and memorable.
Your Friend,
Troy Claus
“To do more for the world than the world does for you, that is success.” – Henry Ford.
The sound of your own name.... Such a simple and powerful customer svc tool!
Ps this particularly caught my eye because my friend could never understand why I prefer vanilla over choc ice cream. For some reason, the best way I could describe it is that vanilla is kind to the tastebuds. So we called that kind food. Not sure it qualifies in this case. :)
Lisa Gerber - LOL! Nice one Lisa. I never thought of Ice cream in that way before. It's a cool perspective and one many people would probably agree with haha.
Cheers,
Troy
TroyClaus is one heck of a guy!! This blog about us just blew me away!!! Kindfood has always meant being true to who we are.....Kind to the planet, kind to our bodies and being kind to the animals. Kindfood is also an inspiring, cool, comfortable and groovy place that anyone can come and feel welcome from the very first time they enter the door. We are so proud of our staff and what we've accomplished in the just the last year since we opened.
Thank you for all your encouraging comments!!! AND recognizing the need, on this planet, that we all have and that is to be remembered by our names and our individuality and not just another customer coming through the door.
It works.... and what's so cool is that the way we operate at Kindfood is how we really are in real life!! :))
Kelly Childs
Kindfood
Troy, this sounds like the best in-store experience someone could wish for. Other establishments should strive to do the same. I love the part where they greet with "hi, what's your name?" instead of the standard "hi, how are you?" It seems like everyone asks the latter question, so much so that it's lost its sincerity. Asking for a customers name (and remembering it!) is fresh and surprising. Fantastic!
annedreshfield You make a great point Anne. Having someone ask you "how are you" seems so robotic and mundane. If people are spending their hard earned money in your establishment, they need to feel valued and appreciated, this is a great step towards that result.
Cheers,
Troy
Troy,
I just think it is awesome, how when you have a great experience, you share it, and promote that business. I think it is great!
Of course, I would probably never visit that business, because of where I live, but it is that customer service that can inspire me, in my business, and also share with my clients.
Thanks for the great post. Very inspirational.
help_nonprofits It's really nice to hear that a business owner (you) can take something from this story and implement into their own business. Doing the small things like this will make a big difference.
Cheers,
Troy
Hi Troy!
That sounds amazing! How do you find these places!? "how many other establishments offer an education with lunch and dessert?" Funny how little things like remembering someone's name - even asking for it, can make such a difference!
Have they convinced you to become vegan?
Lori haha, I guess I'm just lucky :) Businesses need to realize that the small things are a big deal to a lot of people, it doesn't take much to use someones first name.
Cheers,
Troy






















Troy, Thanks for sharing your experience. I want to take a trip to Ontario, just to go to KindFood. It seems as if the people who work there truly enjoy where they are. Work is not just work. They put their heart into it. I love it. :)
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