grilling steaks on a flaming grill and shooting with selective focus
getty
Akron, OH – Diamond Grille does not take credit cards. On the other hand, this does get business cards. This is why every Federal Reserve official should be forced to darken its doors, along with every politician and pundit.
That’s because the Diamond Grille exists as a brilliant reminder that you, the reader, are your own authority. More importantly, no amount of Fed “tightness” or “ease” can overcome your uniqueness as a high, good, moderate, or bad credit risk.
As you read this opinion piece, Diamond Grille is sending bills to happy customers not only in Akron, but around the world. Everywhere from California to Australia to Johannesburg in South Africa.
On the subject of South Africa, it turns out that golf legend Gary Player is a regular at the Diamond Grille. As fans know, Akron and Firestone Country Club can claim a long history as a stop on the PGA Senior Tour, now known as the Champions Tour. One of the Big Five for seniors, it attracts big names, many who eat at Diamond Grille while in town.
Crucially, the Player and others are personified. They can simply leave a business card or billing address once their expensive meals are finished because past, present and future rates trust Diamond Grille that payment will be made for the meal provided. No questions asked except where to send the bill.
It’s a meaningful reminder that the Player and others bring their loyalty to the restaurant, so they can leave without paying. It cannot be said enough that faith comes from the individual, not by government decree. And it follows them home, so they can choose to keep it up by living and working normally, including paying their bills, or not.
Some will say that Diamond Grille can take easy risks with the myriad celebrities (don’t forget LeBron James is from Akron, and yes, he’s eaten there) who hit up the restaurant while in town, but credit goes to anyone, celebrity or stranger, who wants a good meal. This includes yours truly
Even though the staff had never met me when I walked in, the same courtesy was extended (I paid in cash) to the many bold-faced names that come in for lunch or dinner. What credit have strangers? The answer is simple and is rooted in people’s natural desire to not only do the right thing, but also the selfish desire to achieve good treatment and service the next time we visit. In other words, we treat the staff well and pay our bills as a way of building credit with Diamond Grille, or for that matter any business or person we wish to do business with or serve in the future.
Which speaks to Diamond Grille’s own role in the credit equation. It’s not just that he expands it. Implicit in his view that you or your work is your office is his own desire to repeat the work. In other words, if customers like their dining experience and appreciate the implicit trust Diamond Grille expresses by accepting a business card instead of cash, they’ll want to come back.
The trusting relationship between Diamond Grille and its customers shows why it would be such an important visit for Fed officials and more. Much more than a simple meal, they would leave Diamond Grille humbled by their ability to define cheap or inexpensive what is feasible (or not) based on character.
