Stranger #8
Hector Cruz
I met Hector while selecting my lunch at Treeberds in downtown Houston Texas.. You can't miss him with his crooked hat and huge smile. I did not know his name he just impressed me that he was so happy and joyful. I found myself returning often not only because they have great food but also because of Hector and his attitude. He quickly knew what I liked and sometimes have it ready for me before I even got to his station. You can tell he loves serving people. So I made a point to meet him.
I interviewed Hector after he got off work at Treebeards. He told me he has worked here since 2004 and he loves it. “The management here is great and we have a good time joking with each other. It’s a great place to work.”
“I love making people smile. Just to day I had a man that comes here often that never smiles and when I saw him today, I said to myself I’m going to make that man smile today. So I tried talking to him about the holiday season while I was fixing his Jambalaya and rice but I noticed he was not smiling. So I asked how can I make you happy today. He said “don’t put too much rice in my Jambalaya.” So how much do you want? And when we finished fixing his plate he was smiling. I told him that I will remember about the rice next time and if I ever put too much rice in, you just tell me I wanta always make it just as you like it. After he left I thought to myself, I think I just made a new friend and that’s kinda cool.”
He told me he talks to people about sports, weather, anything to break the ice and start the conversation. “They are only in my line for a few minutes so it has to be short and quick but hopefully I have helped them,.. you know,.. like, have a have a little bit better day.
The manager Matt Rowden stated that Hector has “quite a following.” ” I know there are people who come here just because of Hector.”
I know that has to be true because it is true for me. You know, when you break off from work and go someplace for lunch, Isn’t it fantastic to have someone who will make you smile and make you feel welcome. Hector always makes me feel like he has been waiting for me to come in and enjoy his Red Beans and Rice. He gives me a nice break from the stresses of the work day and a great start to enjoying my meal.
