Episode #34 and #602 in the Project is submitted by wingman and co-author Jack Campisi
Swanky Franks
“Swanky Franks is a legendary hot dog joint in Norwalk, CT. It has a rabid, cult following and the mere mention of the name can trigger a Pavlovian response from many locals. It’s a simple place… mostly hot dogs, burgers, fried seafood, sandwiches, fries and onion rings. Comfort food at it’s finest. It’s in a tiny, unassuming, house-like building just of exit 14 off I-95 in CT.
I recently went to Swanky’s for lunch and I noticed a new tradition had started. The walls are now covered in pictures of families and kids eating in the restaurant. While we ate, Patty, the friendly and attentive waitress, took a moment from taking orders and refilling sodas to take a picture of the two kids at the table next to me.
I asked Patty about it and she said it started with one, good-natured picture taken of a longtime, loyal customer who had earned a spot on the wall. That has snowballed into a tradition, and at last count there were over 420 pictures on the wall… and even more in queue on Patty’s camera.
This personal touch was something to behold. Both the kids and the parents got a kick out of the photo opp and the pictures on the wall added a warmth to the place.
Great job Swanky Franks. You’re a Purple Goldfish.”
Here’s a video about Swanks:
Today’s Lagniappe (a little something extra) – Speaking of a swanky frank, here is a classic from the Chairman of the Board. The original song is a 1968 french hit by Claude François and Jacques Revaux, called “Comme d’Habitude”. Paul Anka wrote new lyrics (NOT a translation) for the english-speaking public and Frank recorded it in 1969, becoming his signature song and closing number in many of his most memorable acts:
Lagniappe defined: A marketing lagniappe, i.e. purple goldfish, is any time a business goes above and beyond to provide a ‘little something extra’. It’s that unexpected surprise that’s thrown in for good measure.
How do you stand out in the sea of sameness? How do you win repeat customers and influence word of mouth? What’s Your Purple Goldfish?
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