X-Post from new GOOD NEWS GROUP! (Must see this story)

[OneGrassRoot]

Last edited Tue Mar 26, 2013, 04:20 PM - Edit history (1)

ORIGINAL POST IN "GOOD NEWS" GROUP: http://www.democraticunderground.com/12673


Chili's Restaurant Fixes "Broken" Burger for Little Girl





From Facebook:

From Anna Kaye MacLean, posted to Chili's Grill & Bar FB Page (3/24/13; permission granted to post in full)

I want to share the experience that my husband, 7 year old autistic sister and I had today at the Chili’s location in Midvale, UT.

Arianna, my little sister, didn’t waste any time when our waitress, Lauren, greeted us at our table. Arianna promptly ordered her cheeseburger with pickles, french fries, and chocolate milk before Lauren could even take our drink order. Lauren smiled and told Arianna, “Okay! I’ll be right back with your chocolate milk!”.

When we got our food I was wondering why Arianna wouldn’t touch her cheeseburger, but was going to town on her french fries. I asked her, “Arianna are you going to eat your cheeseburger?” She calmly said, “No, I don’t want it.”

Cheeseburgers, or ‘Krabby Patties’ as we sometimes call them, are her FAVORITE! So this behavior was VERY strange. So I asked her, “Why don’t you want it?”. She replied, “It’s broken. I need another one that's fixed.”

Then it dawned on me why she wasn’t eating it. It’s because it was cut in half. Being a child with autism, she has to have certain things in a particular order at all times. One slight change in her routine can change the course of the day instantly. When Lauren came back to check on us, I asked if we could order another cheeseburger and just add it to our check. She had a concerned look on her face so I explained that Arianna has autism, and that in her mind, because the cheeseburger was cut in half, she thinks its broken and can’t eat it. I told Lauren I knew it sounded silly, but if we could just order an additional one we will gladly pay for it because there was nothing wrong with the one that was originally brought out.

Lauren was so sweet and just smiled and went along with Arianna, telling her “I brought you a broken cheeseburger?! You know what, I’ll have them cook you a new one!” I loved this because rather than just taking it from the table, she actually TOLD Arianna what she was doing. While this seems insignificant, by her telling Arianna what she was doing, we avoided a melt down.

The manager, Bradley Cottermole, then came to our table, kneeled down, and said to Arianna, “I heard we gave you a broken cheeseburger! I am so sorry about that! We are making you a brand new one that isn’t broken, with pickles! I’ll bring you some french fries to munch on while you’re waiting, ok?”

A couple of minutes later, Lauren arrived back at our table with cheeseburger #2. Arianna said, “OH FANK YOU! You fixded my cheeseburger!” When Lauren walked away, Arianna just sat there for a second and looked at her new burger. She looked like so deep in thought....just staring at it....then she let out a big ”OH I missed you!!” and started kissing the burger over and over again. I showed Lauren this picture and said, “I think we glorified the cheeseburger too much!”

She busted up laughing, and asked if she could go show her manager. She came back a minute later and said she showed everyone in the back kitchen area too, and that it made them all laugh and smile. I was so touched by this experience. Especially since I know people who have been asked to leave restaurants when their child with autism is being disruptive. I expected a few different things with this scenario based on past experiences, but I did NOT expect such kind and compassionate mannerisms from Lauren and Bradley.

Everyone, from the hostess to the chef, played a role in what most people would think isn’t a big deal. But this entirely shaped how the rest of our day would go. I know...a cheeseburger cut in half literally could make or break our day. In this case thanks to the professionalism of the crew in Midvale, it made our day. And I’m sure Arianna brightened up at least one of the employees days with her silly little personality. Thank you.

[Turborama]

1. Lovely story, thank you for sharing.

I found it very heartwarming.

Off to check out the new group. Thanks for all your work in setting it up. .

[OneGrassRoot]

4. My pleasure, Turborama...

I don't know about the hosting thing -- this will be my first rodeo -- but I can curate and share good news with the best of 'em.

Hopefully experienced forum/group hosts will want to help out.

[Shiraz]

2. I love this story !

What an adorable little sister you have. As a parent with a now autistic adult , a day without a meltdown is like pure gold.

[DianaForRussFeingold]

3. Awww..So Sweet and Heartwarming

So nice to hear about how people can turn around a potential meltdown. And, actually turn it into a truly great and memorable experience..

This sure did brighten up my day..Thank you so much for sharing!!!

[Sissyk]

5. Great, warming story!

Thanks, OneGrassRoot! I will check out the new group. We ALL need good stories from time to time.

[Aerows]

6. I needed to hear something cheerful

Thank you, this was perfect