Say My Name, Say My Name

Starbucks started it.

Then Panera followed their lead.

It's a simple, small task that has a big impact.

It's.....a name.

Your name to be exact, and when they say it, you feel special.

You order your coffee, they ask for your name and then moments later the barista shouts it boldly and gives you your drink. Panera takes your order and once it's ready they say your name clearly over a microphone. (I have been known to give Panera false names to see if they can pronounce it, one in particular I like to use: Gine, feel free to have some fun and use it yourself.)

Earl of Sandwich, the "all American sandwich shop" doesn't say your name. If you have ever been to Earl before you likely know that their sandwiches are flippin delicious. Large portion, nice and toasty and they combine flavors that other sandwich places don't. One small problem however....it.....takes.....for...ev.....er.

It's a three wait line restaurant. First you wait in line to order, then you wait in line to pay and finally you wait in line to get your food. Even though their sandwiches are delicious, I have stopped going back because it takes so long.

That's not even the worst part. You get an "order number", which you forget unless you keep your receipt and then employees are left stranded shouting endless numbers.

On my last visit however, something changed. The service was better and they updated their menu to make it cleaner and easier to read. The best part though? When I ordered my sandwich, they asked for my name. Long gone were order numbers. I didn't have to keep a receipt and when my sandwich was ready the employee stepped up with pride, said my name and handed me my toasty sub.

It's really rather ridiculous, after all it's just someone saying your name. But somehow, it adds a unique jolt of personality into a usually corporate restaurant chain. It makes you feel nice and cozy inside, and it makes you want to come back.

Maybe Beyonce said it best, Say My Name, Say My Name....