Applebee's Dorchester

It's easy to be critical of places, especially online where a few minutes, a few thoughts, and a few keystrokes can combine to form a message published for all to see. I am a willing participant.

I had a chance to check out the new Applebee's in Dorchester on Sunday. Chain restaurants don't often generate culinary masterpieces and memorable experiences, and nothing was different about this trip.

What surprised me the most, beyond its cleanliness, was the attitude of the employees. I's a brand new location, and somebody trained the staff well. As a result, when the Dorchester Applebee's employees chose their attitudes, they elected to have fun and smile, be courteous and attentive, and seem to enjoy their work.

In chains - across locations - attitudes can vary tremendously. And who knows? As this location becomes busier, perhaps the pressures of fast turnovers and waiting patrons will catch up with them. But for now, they seem to have begun on the right leg.

Years ago, I learned that you don't have to have a glamorous job to enjoy what you do. I certainly can recall other first-time experiences at new businesses where the employees were more of a turn off than the product was. I'm sure every Applebee's doesn't have happy workers, but for now the one at South Bay Center seems to, which makes their Boneless BBQ Chicken Tenders taste even better.