 Mel’s Diner’s new comment card program reveals personal touch of company founder Karakosta
Bonita Springs, Fla. – Mel’s Diner, affectionately known as “Southwest
Florida’s kitchen,” has always placed the satisfaction of its customers
above all else. Thanks to its new Comment Card program, that commitment
will become even more apparent to the company’s legions of loyal fans.
As of April 2006, visitors to any Mel’s Diner location will find
comment cards placed on dining room tables. Each card bears a
personalized message from the company’s founder and president, Chris
Karakosta, which reads:
Dear Guest,
I appreciate your business and value your comments. Hearing about your
experience at Mel’s Diner is very important to me, so please feel free
to call this number with any feedback or suggestions.
Sincerely,
Chris Karakosta
Of course, the personal treatment doesn’t stop there. After calling the
number, guests will hear a recorded message by Karakosta, which further
underlines the company’s commitment to its customers.
Any guest leaving a negative comment of any kind will receive an actual
callback by Karakosta himself (or appointed Mel’s district or general
manager), with the hopes of resolving the matter immediately.
According to Mel’s Diner representatives, the program has so far
generated a considerable response and generated much open communication
between the company and its clients. Sample comments have included
everything from praise (“Delightful lunch and service,” said one
visitor) to criticism (“The vegetables were too tough,” said another).
Even some Mel’s employees have taken advantage of the program: “I work
for you and I have a couple of things and I would like to talk to you
personally about,” said one staff member.
Like its other customer-based programs, including taste tests and food
giveaways, the goal of these comment cards is to gain feedback and help
the staff prepare for the additions and changes being made during the
company’s current expansion and brand overhaul. In addition to décor
and menu changes, the organization expects to grow 30% by 2007.
Founded by Chris Karakosta in San Carlos, FL in 1989, Mel’s Diner
originally set out to mimic the look and feel of Karakosta’s first
eatery, the Chicago-based family style diner, Dimitri’s. Before Mel’s,
Karakosta owned and operated two other establishments in the southwest
Florida area, the upscale steak-and-seafood spot, The Green Onion, and
Stevie Tomato’s Sports Page, one of the area’s first sports bars.
Currently, the chain boasts 10 locations throughout southwest Florida
and plans to add at least three more stores by 2007, including spots in
Naples, Cape Coral and Sarasota. While its reach may be widespread,
each store continues to pride itself on the family friendly service,
high value and made-from-scratch comfort foods that made the original
location such a success.
For more information, visit www.melsdiners.com
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Media Contact:
Quantified Marketing Group
407.936.1010
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