Extra Mile

A Birthday to Remember

NCSA Extra Mile

Highlighting Chef Mohammed, Cindy, Julie & Holden at The Fish Hopper Seafood & Steaks, Monterey, CA

While in Monterey, CA, for my birthday, my family and I stumbled upon The Fish Hopper Seafood & Steaks. Drawn in by the beautiful waterfront view but unsure about the food, we asked Julie, a staff member we saw outside, if she recommended it. Even though it looked like she was on a break, Julie represented her workplace with such kindness and professionalism and was happy to answer our questions, sharing her love of the clam chowder and the offer of samples. Her warmth and enthusiasm convinced us to go in.

Once inside, Holden, our busser, got us settled with water and made us comfortable. The sight of dishes coming out of the kitchen was incredible, and I felt like a kid in a candy store trying to decide what to order. When Cindy, our waitress, arrived, I told her it was my birthday and mentioned how much I wanted to meet the chef behind the fantastic food. She lit up and said, "That would be Mohammed, the executive chef," sharing that she'd worked with him for years and that he was both a talented chef and a wonderful person.

Despite the Labor Day rush, Cindy worked her magic, and a few minutes later, Chef Mohammed himself appeared, smiling and wishing me a happy birthday! We chatted briefly about food and culinary school, and I was blown away that he took the time to stop by.

From Julie’s friendly advice, to Holden’s attentive setup, to Cindy's thoughtful service, and Chef Mohammed's personal touch, our meal and experience at The Fish Hopper Seafood & Steaks became a highlight. This team made us feel truly seen, and our meals exceeded every expectation.

I love capturing these stories because people like Julie, Holden, Cindy, and Chef Mohammed remind us why customer service is all about making others feel valued and welcomed.

"People will forget what you said, and people will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel!" —Maya Angelou

Crashander "Sandy" Bennett
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