Monday, May 11, 2009

Arctic Circle

If any of you visited the South Jordan Arctic Circle during the spring of 1999, I may have taken your order. If you had the patience to wait nearly 20 minutes for you food, regardless of what you ordered, you may have even enjoyed a decent "fast" food meal.

I love Arctic Circle's food, but the fact that they only employ irresponsible teenagers to operate their stores has made it hard to justify eating there. The possibility of having a drug-addict know-nothing fixing my cheeseburger was always a little disconcerting, but didn't always stop me from testing my luck at the place. The wait time is what really killed my desire to dine in or take out. How could I spend so much precious time waiting for a cheeseburger when another delicious—and efficient—restaurant option was just down the road?

Despite the possibility of wasting my time, I went with friends Spencer, Kyle and Kyle's brother-in-law, Nick, to the Arctic Circle in Riverton. As a rival store, I seldom ate there 10 years ago, but now those feelings have faded. Thank goodness they have, too. I've never had such customer service at a fast food restaurant ever. Let me tell you about it:

  • First, almost everyone working there was an adult. This goes a long way in the fast food business. Adults are better employees than children.

  • After ordering my small Lime Squeeze and not getting it right away, I was upgraded--for free--to a jumbo size Lime Squeeze.

  • Once it was clear that my party was finished with our meals, a server came by our table and said, "Are you guys about ready for your courtesy cones?" Wow! Free ice cream and none of us even had to ask for it.

  • A few minutes later, another employee came to our table and asked "Can I get those trays out of your way?" Wow! They totally bussed our table for us.

  • This is all in addition to the fact that the restaurant was spotless (including the bathroom).


If you don't mind a boiled hamburger, please eat at the Riverton Arctic Circle. I hope you have as good an experience as I did.

9 comments:

Bridger W. said...

That first bullet point is hilarious.

You seem to find exceptional customer service in even the least likely of places.

Elizabeth said...

Wonderful review Jordan

Allie said...

Its great to have you back in the blogging world. I also worked at Arctic Circle in the 99s.

Sarah-Ashley said...

I was just thinking about Arctic Circle today. How unique. I think Arctic Circle's fries are way good. Those bullet points are awesome. A great review.

Jarrard said...

i went to a Taco Bell® late one night (around 10PM) and the ENTIRE place was being run by teens. i looked into the back kitchen area, and there honestly wasn't anyone over the age of 18. i put a lot of things at risk that night, and i completely agree with you with the first bullet point.

Melissa said...

Oh, I thought I had already commented. Let me just say that this is very encouraging news. I haven't visited an Artic [sic] Circle in ages.

the murdocks said...

I haven't been there forever. I've never minded the food. But loved the .19 ice cream cones even more. Now I must introduce you to the greatest fast food joint in the history of the world. Chick-fil-a. I'm sure you've been, but wow. Outstanding customer service, great food, and they come around while your eating offering delicious butter mints. Oh, and don't forget to try the lemonade. I'm there almost every Friday at 11am. This comment was long.

Kami said...

Jordan. I have so many things to share with you about this blog. First of all I am SO glad you blogged. It's been awhile. Second, I love Arctic Circle! It's a family favorite. The first thing my uncles do upon arriving in Utah County is go to Arctic Circle, seriously. Third, I had know idea that you worked there. That is fantastic. Fourth, my first year of teaching I stopped at the Midvale Arctic Circle at least 3 times a week for a 2 cheeseburger combo (oh the calories and fat I consumed). I also often eat their mushroom cheeseburger. And lastly, I will definitely be stopping by the Riverton one. Thankyou for sharing your experience.

lindsay and mark said...

My parents always make us eat at Arctic Circle when they visit Utah. They say it reminds them of the 1980s!