When I took my first bite, I chalked it off to kitchen having an off night — which is unheard of at The Red Elephant Pizza and Grill. When I returned three weeks later, the result was the same. Crestfallen, I asked our waitress if she wouldn’t mind getting the manager (my wife always loves when I do this).

It wasn’t 30 seconds before Jeff Hanson, General Manager (pictured above), appeared, introduced himself and asked how he could help us. Pushing back a tear, I asked what was up with the chicken salad?

Apparently, the original chicken salad recipe had been getting some disheartening reviews from customers. Now, it was gone. The tarragon and walnuts had been evicted, only to be replaced by grape halves. My chicken salad wrap had been transformed into something that no longer compared.

Noting my disappointment, Jeff quickly said, “Tell you what, next time you come in, call me fifteen minutes before and I’ll make it for you the old way.”

I heard angels sing, and an elephant trumpet. Jeff seemed to bask in a heavenly glow.

Over the next couple of months, I visited with my daughter and wife but didn’t bother asking Jeff to make good on his offer. After all, who wants be that annoying customer? (My wife, however, will tell you that I am, and she would love telling you this).

Last week, I went for it. I called ahead and spoke to the Manager, Jeri Render. I explained the “situation” and she said, hold on, let me get Jeff. She got back on the phone about three seconds later and said, “Jeff says come on over.”

Fifteen minutes later, I was sitting with my daughter, enjoying the original chicken salad wrap recipe our waitress, Trish, had brought over. It was perfect. Better than perfect, actually. It was made just for me, by the fearless leader of a fun-loving group of people who seem to always be going the extra mile.

The Red Elephant Pizza and Grill became our family’s go-to restaurant since we moved to the Northeast side of Tallahassee. When we’re in no mood to crank up the stove, our 3 year-old daughter stills get her grilled-cheese-and-fries, my wife her single serving pizza, and me, well, since there’s no more tarragon or walnuts, I go for the grilled mahi mahi. When you’re there, you can always count on the food being hot, the atmosphere being fun, the music being funky, and the staff being unforgettable.

I’m a fan. What about you?