Smoke Signals
DECember 2020
Happy holidays!
Wishing you and your family health and happiness in the new year!
Hello Team City Barbeque,
I hope this message finds you and your families safe, happy, and healthy. As I reflect on 2020, I am stating the obvious when I say it has been a year unlike any other: a pandemic, civil unrest, and the most polarized political environment we have ever experienced.
When the pandemic came upon us in March, it threw us all into a state of continuous change, both personally and professionally. It forced us to improvise, adapt, and pivot daily. My hope is that today your personal lives are back into a routine. I commend every one of you on the outstanding work you have done: we learned a great deal over the last several months and the change that was forced upon us has made us stronger than ever. The improvements in safety practices, technology, future joint design, and new guest service channels with curbside, drive thru, and mobile pick-up windows have positioned us on an exciting path forward. Our intent to Own the Barbeque Lane not only remains unchanged, but the positive changes we’ve made will accelerate our accomplishment of that goal.
I want to thank all of you who were able to join us in the Town Hall Meetings and GM breakfasts that took place throughout the company. The opportunity to spend time with our teammates, get to know you better, and hear firsthand how you are doing was simply invaluable. The feedback we received is essential to us becoming the employer of choice in every city where we operate. We heard some brutal (and helpful) facts regarding the challenges that the pandemic brought about inside the joints. We must improve our communication throughout the company, which includes informing our teammates at every level about the career advancement opportunities at City Barbeque. We are committed to improving a little every day to make your City Barbeque experience the absolute best it can be, and we can only do that when we have open and candid discussions with each other. City Barbeque is stronger than ever and well-positioned to Own the Barbeque Lane because of the work that you all have done—we only grow, prosper, and succeed if we communicate and listen to one another as we develop our talents together.
As I look forward to 2021, I am as optimistic as ever. I have made the decision that 2021 will be a great year for me, both personally and professionally. 2020 gave me clarity about the need to prioritize time with my family, commit time to improving my health, and to improve a little every day as a leader. It also brought to the forefront that every person I meet has their own story and their own unique challenges, and that I must have a heightened level of awareness and compassion with everyone I interact with. 2021 is going to be a breakout year for City Barbeque. I encourage you to decide what actions you will take to make 2021 your best year ever.
Thank you for all you do to make City Barbeque great. If there is anything I can do for you, please reach out and let’s talk. I wish you and your families a wonderful holiday season.
Mike
RAVING FANS
arlington
Ok. . . . . .I have ordered holiday meats from Jason Cox and City BBQ (or should that be City BBQ and Jason Cox) for YEARS! And this year's turkey breast was the best ever! I mean I served it to my family. . . . . . took slices to single friends that were staying home or distancing themselves from their families because of the COVID situation. . . . .and still had some left to enjoy WONDERFUL sandwiches throughout the weekend! Gone by Sunday. . . . . .best turkey breast ever! Thanks Jason and your crew. . . . . .food was great, the wait on Thursday morning was well worth it, and I ALWAYS appreciate the food, and the service!
carmel
Garrett, Emily, Angie, Austin, and everyone who works at the 1356 South Rangeline Rd, Carmel, IN 46032 location goes above and beyond to make customers happy. They provide exemplary service and my family keeps returning to City BBQ because of the amazing people and great food. Thank you to the management team as your employees service reflects well on the whole company!
Cary
I did a curbside pickup and forgot to order a drink for myself. Jasmine took care of me and didn’t charge me since I couldn’t come in the store having my son in the car seat. It just made my day. 🥰
Durham
My wife and I flew into Raleigh/Durham for a weekend getaway. Our last evening before returning home we decided to try City BBQ. From the moment we walked in we were met with the most incredible smell and we knew we were about to eat good. We walked to the counter and was met by Crystal who walked us through the menu and made us feel as if we were at a best friend's house. We ordered and received our food and it was even better than we had anticipated. The amount of food was more than we could handle in one sitting, "leftovers"!! We are grateful to Crystal for making our first experience with City BBQ one we will gladly share with anyone who will listen. Thank you Crystal, you were a shining example of how to make a customer feel welcomed and valued.
Durham
Today we went for our first visit ever to a City Barbeque. We were very impressed by the efficient and kind service given us by JENNIFER!! She is an asset to your company.
Kentwood
I really enjoyed the young woman who waited on me today. She brought my order out to my car, and I tried to give her a two dollar tip. She said she didn't want it, but asked me to give her a good review. I told her I'd be glad to. She sent a message that she just wanted to do something for me for no reward. Quite refreshing.
Miller Lane
The Manager, Grant and Team Member, Aaron did an amazing job taking care of an incorrect item that I received from another location. I stopped in Columbus to take food with me on my travels. The store gave me collards instead of Baked Beans (Large). I live in Tipp City and was not able to go back to that location due to the holiday. I stopped at Miller Lane two days later and Grant handled this way that all restaurants should, and added value. I wanted to order an additional Large Mac n' Cheese and he did not charge me for it. He also put a piece of Chocolate Cake in my bag that was a surprise. I have worked in this business for over 30 years and understand that mistakes happen. I was blown away by how well it was taken care. I have always loved City BBQ (Loyalty Member). I am now and even more loyal Customer and will let others know about my experience. Thank you!
Vernon Hills
Hi! I visited the City Barbeque in Vernon Hills yesterday (Thursday) around 3:00 P.M. As soon as I walked inside I was warmly greeted by Sean. He was so very kind, helpful, and friendly. Sean actually cared about me as a customer and what I wanted to order for my food. Also, Emily was the one who brought me my food and was so polite, happy, and truly cared that I came to City Barbeque. Both Sean and Emily went above and beyond and I could tell that they loved their job and wanted the best for me as a customer. Please make sure they both Sean and Emily are recognized for their outstanding work. I will be back to this City Barbeque because of Sean and Emily!!!! :D
West chester
I visited City BBQ Sunday, 12-20 and was greeted by Mike McGuire with a genuine Welcome Friend. As I was dining, I watch Mike entertain two small children so their parents could enjoy their meal. Mike had the two little girls giggling, gave them some candy, then took the entire family to the store Christmas display and took a family photo for them. That activity to me personifies customer service in the hospitality industry. I am a former executive from another national chain and I can assure you I would be working to "poach" Mike from you if I had not retired. Please convey my personal admiration to Mike McGuire for a job well done as the store Ambassador.
