A popular restaurant in Huntly, New Zealand, was bustling with customers when an unexpected family emergency left the chef as the only staff member available to serve customers.
When Emily Puhi arrived at Thai Food Huntly, she noticed the restaurant was full, with people waiting to either pay for their meals or pick up take-out orders. Realizing the chef was overwhelmed and unable to take orders or handle payments, she witnessed a remarkable act of community spirit.
A woman waiting to pay took the initiative to grab some paper and began waiting tables for the chef. Another customer stepped in to wash dishes, and a nearby shop employee offered assistance as well. With the chef’s approval, this worker managed the cash register to ensure everyone could settle their bills. “It was such a beautiful feeling,” Emily shared with the New Zealand Herald.
This incident painted the concept of ‘customer service’ in living colours, giving it a whole new meaning. Emily expressed on Facebook, “We could easily feel the sense of community all around the place.” Also noting how frowns turned to smiles and grumpy waiting turned to patiently waiting.
When we let our humanity shine through, there is no dark moment that love and kindness cannot illuminate.