According to Merriam-Webster's online dictionary, the word hospitable is defined as "given to generous and cordial reception of guests … offering a pleasant or sustaining environment." Being hospitable and kind applies to all of us, not just business owners.
Our church choir recently had its back-to-choir kick-off dinner, which was open to both new and continuing choir members. I brought a couple from our neighborhood to see if they might be interested in joining the choir.
My friend said that she had never been to any function where the people were so warm and welcoming. What high praise from a stranger and great news for both our church and choir.
People generally associate the word hospitality with restaurants and hotels. However, all businesses and organizations need to be customer service focused in this day and age of electronic devices. There are Yelp, Yahoo and other online reviews for everything, from restaurants to hospitals to churches and even governmental offices. No type of business or organization fares well with negative reviews.
Obviously, the hospitality industry exists not only serve customers, but also to make money. No business can stay open if they aren't making a profit. On the flip side, if a business has no customers due to poor service, they will close.
In both restaurants and hotels, a certain level of service is expected. In this electronic age, it is imperative to keep up one's reputation to avoid losing potential business.
I read some of the online reviews for businesses here in town. While some have outstanding reviews, there are other businesses that could use some help with their customer service. I realize that there are some grumpy people in this world that no one can please, but in the hospitality business, one must try to make each guest happy.
As I drove my husband, Jim, to the airport this week, I was amazed at all the changes south of Interstate 10. Crestview is certainly changing and building.
It appears that Panda Express is making good progress on their new restaurant on South Ferdon Boulevard. It is nice that Cefco is now open at the south end of town. If one needs gas coming back into town, this makes it convenient.
Even with all the new construction and businesses, I still firmly believe that Crestview can support more sit-down restaurants and I look forward to trying them out.
In the meantime, get out and drive around town. You may be amazed at the changes.
Janice Lynn Crose, a former accountant, lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Hospitality is part of our growing city