Eric Coody welcomes guests like friends and family at Puyallup Skipper's

Most of the Skipper’s locations around the region closed following the corporation’s bankruptcy; however, restaurants owned by franchisees were not affected. In the waning months before the closures at Westgate, Pacific Avenue, and Bridgeport Way staffing, food service, and overall conditions in the restaurants were in marked decline.

We recently marked my husband’s birthday and our wedding anniversary (same day). His mother, who is disabled, 75 years old, and on dialysis, wanted to celebrate the occasion(s) by treating us to lunch at Skipper’s following a nearby medical appointment, in Puyallup. The Puyallup restaurant is owned by a franchisee.

Skipper’s in Puyallup was a uniquely wonderful and remarkable dining experience. Instead of a standardized, disinterested, robot-like, rote greeting at the ordering counter, literally the moment we stepped through the door into the restaurant, the man behind the counter called out to us, welcoming and greeting us in the friendliest, genuine, inviting manner. It made us feel like we were family. His name is Eric Coody. Eric manages the Puyallup Skipper’s at 1420 East Main. What a treasure he is as a manager!

The hospitality and graciousness Eric lavishes on each guest makes each person feel as if they are at home, dining among friends and family. He is the quintessential host. He made his way around to visit with the people at each table and booth, chatting about their families, the last time they were in, et cetera.

The fish fillets were gigantic, cooked to absolute perfection with a nice light breading, and hot, hot, hot. The fries were real potatoes, long, thick, fresh-cut, and almost on fire they were so hot! Wow! What a difference from so many other places where they serve fries at room temperature at best. These were amazing! What a treat! The clam chowder was out-of-this-world! I like extra crackers with mine and Eric loaded up the tray with a mile-high pile of saltines. (When I asked for a second bowl of the yummy chowder, he asked me right away if I’d like more crackers! I’m embarrassed to admit that I said ‘yes’ and he gave me twice as many as the first time! Over the top!) Even the coleslaw was as fresh as can be.

Eric Coody worked the whole restaurant as if it were the dining room and family room in his own home with extended family gathered for a meal on a summer day. He was good natured about even letting me snap his picture as he chatted with one of the guests. He should write a book or teach a course on how to provide the ultimate in customer service, making each person feel important, welcome, and oh so special. I thanked him profusely for creating such a special, welcoming experience for us that day. It was a pleasure just to watch him work as he made his way around the dining room visiting with each guest.

If each of the Skipper’s locations had had someone like Eric Coody as a manager, I think they’d all still not only be in business, but their business would be thriving. This young man / young manager has a tremendous future and I wish him abundant success. He is a blessing to the community he serves. When you’re in Puyallup, stop by Skipper’s on East Main and experience what the ultimate in customer service can really be.