Recently our very good friends Frank and Carol got married in San Diego. About a six-hour drive. It was a great time and a muchneeded break for Barb and I. Once at the hotel, we did not have to drive anywhere, we were free to indulge in some adult beverages. Ok maybe a few too many beverages. However, I never saw Frank so happy or Carol more beautiful. It was a great weekend.
But that’s not what this article is about. It’s about the drive home. As with any road trip, about halfway it became time to stop and get some gas and lunch. The gas was easy, the cheapest. But which fast food franchise do we pick? Burgers, tacos, or chicken? Well, my first go to is always burgers. But burgers in a box? Burgers flame-grilled? Or just burgers in a bag?
I have not had a Mc-bag of burgers in a long time, and they do have the best fries, as I remember. So, in we go. However, upon entering we are not greeted by humans, but a tall, computerized menu/ ordering/payment robot thing. I know I’m showing my age here, but it’s not the first time and won’t be the last.
To be honest, I have used these cold, impersonal machines in the past, but hated it. Then it occurred to me, Hey Mr. McClown CEO, do you really think your food is that good that you can remove the human element?
So out we walked and ended up at a chicken finger place. Granted my little show of defiance did not hurt their bottom line that day at all. I’m quite sure some 20 somethings filed in behind me, and in a few more years these 20 somethings won’t even know that there were any humans working the counters at all.
Ok I know all the arguments, the machine never needs a break, or time off to be with family, and they never call in sick.
Once back home we stopped by to check on Hava Java, greeted by members of our staff with a smile. How was the wedding? How was the hotel and your drive? I’ve said it in the past, we are blessed with the staff we have. They honestly cared about our trip, but I’ve heard them ask our customers the same sort of questions.
Usually referring to them by name while making their drinks from memory. I’ll gladly give them that weekend off or that much needed break.
Hava Java Mesa is located at the northeast corner of Power and McDowell roads in The Village at Las Sendas, 2849 N. Power Road, Suite 103, in Mesa.