Business Thinking

The Death of Our Favorite Business

My Favorite Sushi Place

On a visit our favorite takeout sushi place we received some crushing news – the shop would close in two days. Tears welled up in my eyes. I am not saying this for dramatic effect. Tears were nearly spilled. I was shaken. I felt like a good friend just passed away.

We wanted to know why he was closing such a popular place. The owner told us due to the Peso devaluation, his main ingredients which were imported from Japan, had nearly doubled in price. He said that it no longer made sense to keep the doors open. You can’t argue with his logic but it still didn’t console me.

The Strong Bond of a Great Business

I got to thinking. Why did I feel the closure of a business so deeply? It was only a takeout sushi joint. We can always find another. Right? No really…Right?

A great business creates a bond. It becomes part of you. You don’t think of as just place trying to separate you from your money. It is a constant in your world. A friend. And a comfort.

Yamada the Owner

Yamada, the owner of my sushi place, took pride in his business and deeply cared about his customers. We never really talked much but he always had a question for me and on my next visit he would ask a follow up question. He kept track of what happening in his customer’s lives and enjoyed being a part of them.

I will miss the food but what I will miss more is the way the restaurant made me feel – alive, accepted and part of something.

How deep is the bond between you and your favorite business?

Read more about customer relationships: Business Rule #1 – Care for People

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