Returning a Favor at Whataburger

Pretty regularly, I buy an unsweetened iced tea at the Whataburger on High Street in Jackson. And very regularly, I’m greeted with an infectious smile and hello by a worker named Fannie. I don’t know much about Fannie other than the fact that I’d hire her in a minute if I owned a business. In this age of mad fast-food workers (except Chick-fil-a’s ‘My pleasure’ crew), it’s pretty darn refreshing.

This morning was different, though. You could almost see the black cloud hanging over her head. I don’t what was going on, but SHE was not happy about it. I felt like I was in some kind of bizarro universe.

I took a second, paid my money (she automatically knows what I want and still tries to up-sell me!) and said all I could say:

“Every morning I come in here, you make my day. I appreciate you, your smile and the great service you provide.”

Her face lit into a smile.

I wasn’t much of a gesture on my part. But if I gave Fannie a few seconds of happiness, my debt to her is partially repaid.

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