Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue says the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) could learn a few lessons from the workers at a trio of restaurant chains that are headquartered in his home state of Georgia.
Speaking on June 1 during the Montana Ag Summit, Perdue shared his vision for the agency that he leads. He said he wants USDA to be known for the type of customer service that people can expect from three Georgia based restaurant chains: The Varsity, Waffle House and Chick-fil-A.
The Varsity
When customers walk into The Varsity, a restaurant chain that specializes in chili dogs, they are greeted by employees who ask “What’ll ya have?” Perdue said he wants people who walk into USDA service centers to be greeted with the same level of enthusiasm.
Waffle House
Waffle House restaurants are always there when you need them, Perdue said, as the breakfast-themed eatery is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
While Perdue assured USDA employees they wouldn’t be expected to work around the clock, he did say he wanted agency workers to be available when they are needed.
“I want us to answer the phone. I don’t want to be looking at the clock, at 15 minutes to five, wrapping up everything, cutting off your computer. I want us to be available when people need us and walk in,” he said.
Chick-fil-A
The final restaurant chain Perdue referenced was Chick-fil-A, a chicken-centered quick service restaurant whose workers will say “my pleasure,” when appreciation is expressed.
“I want us to say ‘my pleasure,” Perdue said.
