CityView Magazine

8 September 2023 FAMILY MATTERS The Subway Lady BY CL AIRE MULLEN examples of fantastic customer service that I have ever experienced, anywhere. Like I said, anyone who has already had the good fortune of placing an order with Frances Barnes knows how your encounter with her will probably play out. For those of you who haven't, I really should simply say, "Just trust me and go experience it for yourself." But let me try to set the scene. First of all, when you pull up to the intercom to order, you will have to hold your breath and hope that she is actually the one who greets you. Your chances are pretty darn good. And if it is her, your day is about to get better. She will likely start off by apologizing for your wait, even if you didn't have one. en, she will greet you with the enthusiasm of an entire squad of high school cheerleaders. It will sound something like, "Well hello there, I f I'm being honest, Subway is not typically the first place I'd pick for a quick sandwich. ere are nearby options where the deli meat is fresher, the side options are more abundant, and the general vibe is more local and less one-of-the- largest-fast-food-chains-in-the-United States. But there is one thing that keeps my family going back time and time again to the Subway sandwich shop at 2908 Raeford Road. And, if you have ever taken a spin through the drive-thru of this particular Subway situated between Ed's Tire and Star Hill Avenue, I bet you could take a guess at that one thing. It's the voice that almost always greets us through the drive- thru speaker. A voice that belongs to a sunbeam of a woman who is one of the most magnetic, cheerful and sort of hilarious beautiful! I hope you are doing great on this fantabulous day! What can I get started for you?" She will call you "Babycakes." A lot. is will make your kids in the backseat cover their mouths and giggle with glee. As she meticulously takes your order, she'll insert her own funny commentary. For example, if you ask for a 6-inch turkey on white with American cheese, add bacon, no toppings, no condiments, she will act like what you have just ordered might as well be called a Sacrilege Sandwich. Even though I already know what she's going to say next ("Whaaaat?! No veggies and not one sauce?? at has GOT to be for a little kid!"), I laugh every time. And my meat-and-cheese 6-year-old always marvels and says, "Hey! How did she know that?" As you continue to customize your sandwich order, Frances will listen carefully and repeat your selections back to you in her fun, singsong-y way. "We've got some ham, we've got some turkey, throw on some Provolone. Got your 'maters, got your 'nanner peppers, coupl'a jalapenos, some lettuce. Now THIS is for an adult. Little bitta mayo, little bitta honey mustard. Is that going to be it, Babycakes?" When you tell her yes and thanks, she replies with, "Cool beans, chicken wings! Come on up to the window, beautiful!" If your children are anything like mine, by the time the trademark phrase "cool beans, chicken wings" is uttered, they will be completely done in and doubled over with unadulterated joy. She will greet you at the window with a lovely smile, swipe your card, and hand off your subs and chips. Your kids may ask that you roll down their windows so they won't miss a single word she says or the chance to wave hello. You will leave the Subway at 2908 Raeford Road with a bag of fast food and a smile on your face a mile wide, courtesy of one remarkable human being. Aer my most recent lunchtime experience with my favorite lady, I le wondering how many others have gone through that drive-thru and recognized how exemplary she is. Out of curiosity, I posted this to Facebook: "Has anyone else experienced the amazing ray of sunshine that is the lady who usually works the drive- thru at the Raeford Road Subway?" Here are some of the responses that rolled in: "She really is the best and kindest soul!" Like I said, anyone who has already had the good fortune of placing an order with Frances Barnes knows how your encounter with her will probably play out. For those of you who haven't, I really should simply say, "Just trust me and go experience it for yourself." Frances Barnes makes the Subway at 2908 Raeford Road definitely worth a visit.

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