One of my coworkers Kevin recently got a gastric bypass surgery. He now eats much smaller portions and gets full faster. For anyone who has had one of these surgeries, I am sure you can understand how challenging it can be to eat out. Many places super-size their plates, offer free refills, and participate in the “all you can eat” concept. Having some self control is key, but I am sure it would be frustrating to pay full price for a buffet or all you can eat, when you are only able to eat one plate of food. People on diets understand this frustration, and if you are on a budget you try to avoid this style of restaurant. But what if you can't avoid it?

Kevin's kids have been begging him, for about a month now, to take them to the Mandarin. Kevin is one of those guys that finds it hard to say no to the kids, so the family packed up last week and headed out to the Mandarin for dinner. Kevin was greeted at the front stand by both the hostess and the manager. While requesting a table, Kevin told the manager about his gastric bypass and showed him the Medical Alert card from his doctor. Kevin wasn't expecting any kind of accommodation and anticipated paying full price for his one buffet plate, but the manager actually offered to let him pay the child's price for his dinner.

Kevin was both surprised and delighted by the amazing customer service shown by the Mandarin at 88 Copper Creek Drive in North York, Ontario, Canada. Next time the kids want Mandarin Kevin will be much more receptive.