The Good Customer

~Cubana Torta~

~Choriqueso Torta~

 

Ok Ok …. sorry, no tequila here… I just wanted your attention. But boy, do we have tortas!  A fairly new establishment in Vancouver… new kid on the the block in Cambie Village. It had been on my list of places to try… and yesterday was that day – my inaugural visit to Las Tortas. This rather small establishment caters to both take-out and dine-in customers with 5 small tables. Upon entering we were greeted by the friendly counter person. She asked if we had been there before. When we told her “no”, she explained to us the ordering procedure.

Step 1: Take a paper bag and marker

Step 2: Write your name on the top of the bag; indicate if this order is for take-out or dine-in; mark your food choice(s)

Step 3: Hand over paper bag to counter staff; pay for order

Step 4: Wait for name to be called; collect order (in your paper bag) from counter

I noticed that almost every customer that walked in proceeded to the counter to make an order. Couldn’t help but think how tiresome it is for the staff to repeat the ordering process over and over again. Although a cute and novel idea, I question it’s feasibility.

Things I considered….. What are we trying to save here?  We ate in the restaurant. The restaurant requests that you use 1 paper bag per person. The bag itself is of substantial size (I guess it’s size is dictated by the size of the menu).  After receiving my torta in my paper bag I found my sandwich wrapped in wax butcher paper. Lots of paper was discarded.  Does it expedite the customer line? If you have any questions about the menu, you would have to inquire at the counter. Time at counter does not seem to be minimized.

Advantages: Great idea for take-out orders. DIY ordering is a unique idea. Errors with meal orders are reduced as they are prepared according to YOUR order bag.

Disadvantages: Lots of paper for dine-in customers. Time consuming. Direct ordering makes it easier to ask questions.

Order Station

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