How to make a girl feel welcome

I feel so so lucky. I had the absolute pleasure of being introduced to Pasticceria Amsterdam, at the Van Woustraat in the district called De Pijp. I have been here a few times with the owner always running to and from the kitchen in the back and the front counter to chat with customers. The coffee is delicious, the ice cream is incredible and I haven't yet had the chance to dive into the pastries and sandwiches, mostly because I know I won't be able to stop. 

I stopped by the other night for a quick bite of delicious ice cream and as I was leaving I asked if he ever does ginger ice cream. He said not normally, but "I'll make it for you tomorrow". I was flattered and liked the idea but I wasn't going to rely on it. The following day I didn't have the chance to make it over to check and late at night after leaving a friends house I thought I'd take a cruise over just to check, and, holy cow....

They were just closing up, it was almost midnight. I rode my bike right into the front door and said I couldn't make it earlier. He was pointing at the cabinet saying "your ice cream is right there" and he handed me a scoop. Ginger, raspberry and apple. I felt like a princess. 

This is what every community needs. The ice cream, coffee and treats would be the bonus. Just having a lovely person who cares to know and please the customers on such a basic level is what makes everything seem safe and friendly. I feel like a local.

What if every company had some level of genuine community contact like this. I'm not being over the top and expecting this world full of rainbows and butterflies, but these connections are so simple and are what customers are looking for. Even had he not made the ice cream, I have been there almost every day of my time here simply because it is genuinely friendly. They recognize the regulars and the visitors and make everyone feel the same. 

Incredibly happy,

Pippa