A Blind Diner Owner’s Recipe to Achieve Uncommon Fame: Dishing Out the Perils of Determination and Customer Care.

I recently came across a remarkable story that reminded me of the power of determination, positive attitude, and exceptional customer service. Let me share it with you.

In the state of New Jersey, embedded between two busy highways is a diner that is more than just serving delicious hot meals along with hot coffee and much more. Here, people laugh out loud, and there are more than just meals for the visitors. One such dominion of unique cuisine is John Diakakis who, for over 30 years, has been on a unique journey from being a waiter to becoming the owner. What is special about John in the fast rushing food service industry? It is, however, difficult to write about him as he is fully blind.

On first hearing about a busy diner, run by a blind man, concerns about pragmatic issues flooding your mind would be many. How is he able to walk around the overly clustered floor at any given time? How does he manage to take orders in the first place or even be able to take money from customers? But this is not the case at Vintage Diner: In the case of John Diakakis, it is not that he only operates; he is very much in control. To proudly declare his purpose, he adds: “I want to be the most efficient blind person in your life.” He makes the cute little vile with all his skill and remembers folding and making countless chairs, tables, and arms.

The fact that John came to be the man he is today is an affirmation that he does have grit and a positive outlook. As a very young man, when he first started working at the diner, he was received with concern and laughter. “They would be like, ‘You stupid idiot, why don’t you put my drinks down’” John Hosts recalls. But he did not allow those early obstacles to bury him. He rather saw OK as an advantage; as a means to improving and showing both himself and others that being blind was not a handicap but an advantage.

With time, John has made the process of taking an order, which many consider boring, into an impressive performance rather than an obligation. He tells the customers what they want, remembers which regulars like what and why, and creates an ambiance that assures the customers that they will definitely return. It is easier for him to relate with his customers on such levels not for business reasons but to build a society within that diner.

John's way of managing his business provides helpful principles for everyone who either works with clients or is engaged in any profession. First and foremost, he proves that attitude indeed is everything. He knows how to leverage his blindness, which the average person would view as a restriction, into an opportunity to outdo oneself. He teaches us that relationships in business are just as important to the end user, if not more, than the product or service offered - it is not only what one sells, but rather how one makes others feel that counts.

In addition, John’s achievements also highlight how it is necessary to exceed expectations. For them, in a world where everything terribly average is standard practice, his actions are nothing less than outstanding. This is done by accepting this difference as part of the and reveals that diversity is our greatest asset. And maybe even the most important thing – he never forgets to make fun as it isn’t strenuous to be surrounded by happy people, also underselling the seriousness in the air.

However, the insights to be gleaned from the story of John Diakakis are not limited to dealing with customers. His saga serves as a strong motivation towards all the possibilities that are hence attainable if one dares to carry on against all odds. Three decades into the journey of the hundred-year-old John proves that showing up and putting in all the energy one can on all the days and each day, is often good enough to get to success. Turning disadvantages into advantages is an ability of John that makes us see our limitations as doors to more inventive ways of working.

There is enthusiasm in what John does that is irresistible to all who come in contact with him. It is healthy in as much as it underlines our understanding that as long as we are passionate about what we are doing, the winds of deliverables, the essence of doing things, will blow in every activity we perform. Also, his desire to be a “normal” blind person who would be the “most efficient” also reinforces his zeal for self-advancement. As good as one may be, one may always improve and learn new things.

Most encouraging is how John impacts all the people he meets for the first time, as well as people he has known over the years. His way of thinking is not only a recipe for success; it is a source of joy for everyone who interacts with him. It is a happy thought that each one of us has the potential to help someone else through our behaviors and thoughts.

In the world that we live in, most sectors remain neutral, and may even seem to be breaking apart; likewise, this Vintage Diner owned by John Diakakis is a sanctuary of how people can connect through sharing a simple smile, an uncompromising work ethic, and a little laughter. Serving guests, managing/groups or even winding up our personal targets – inspirations for living and working from John’s situation can be found in every person.

In addition to the normal concerns that occupy most of our bodies, emotions, and time, let us also make it a point to add a little more of the good, the effective, and the real into every interaction we attempt. Let us set out to make the problems that we face to be our assets instead, and seek to be happy with our jobs and inspire others. If we are successful in this attempt, we may even end up cooking up our very own ingredients for unbelievable greatness and happiness as they were achieved by John Diakakis in the New Jersey State.

#CustomerService #Motivation #Inspiration #Perseverance #AttitudeIsEverything