When I punch u, I give u my heart:)

Back in August when the recession was still kicking my butt, I was trying to figure out what could I do to generate more business. The recession was hurting my guest also.... hmm what to do? One of my girls said something about a lunch punch card, "ya know something our guest could use after so many times, giving them something". Really could this work? would our loyal guest use them? I talked to my printer, told him what I was looking for and in October our Breakfast/lunch punch cards were born. A bright red cheery card with 10 gold stars on them. Every time a guest visits they receive a punch, a heart whole punch! The little red cards have generated not only business, they have created excitement. I have had soo much fun when I get to punch that 10 star and I get to buy my guest their meal. Through the grill u will hear the girls yell WOOHOO, they get excited for our guest when its their free meal. I feel that I get to honor my guest and buy their meal, its my way to say "Thank You". Since the end of October the CIG has handed out over 2000 cards, WOW its so exciting it makes me GIDDY!!!! Some of my loyal guest will not use them, I guess they feel as though they are taking something from me, others on their 10 punch order a steak, salad, sides... the whole works, which is wonderful thats what they are for.... to make them feel special. One day I had a group of 4 regulars come in, they asked to see me, as I approached the table they all had their cards out, today would be ALL of their 10 punches. I told them how Awesome that their lunch was on me, I was obviously more excited than they were......OK, whats up guys... "Could I afford all of their cards today, did they need to take turns using them? This is why I LOVE my guest. That's when I told them everytime I punch a card I'm giving u my heart(heart hole punch, get it,I know pretty cheesy, but thats me) I love these cards, if Im frustrated, I tell them I cant wait to punch them, if they are trying to coax one of the girls to give them mutliple punches we came up with the phrase" Fraudulent punch carding" direct result...termination not really but they love to hear it. On Mondays in January it was double punch days and boy was there alot of punching going on. This little red card I have come to love, everyday I sit in the quiet of my office and I get to see how many meals I had the honor of buying, usually between 20 and 30 a day, I just feel its the coolest thing ever. Are they a pain for my girls? YES. When the line is out the door and I'm telling them "Drop tickets and move tables", they are busy punching cards and sharing excitement for every guest. What an amazing blessing, out of a recession and a great need, this little card has brought so much joy probably more to me than my guest. Tomorrow I will tell another guest "When I punch u I give u my heart" I mean it, life is full of little blessings and this card has brought many!!!!