Wendy's in Traverse City

“I had one or two rough experiences where there was a disagreement regarding a coupon. I took a break and then came back and they made it right. Addison and Dusten made it right and I feel way better. Thanks Addison and Dusten! I’ll be back more often, especially on Tuesdays for BOGO chili!“

“There’s a certain kind of radiant madness in this world that can’t be bought, bottled, or trained into a person — and somehow, it’s alive and thriving in the drive-thru at this Wendy’s.

You roll up expecting the usual corporate fast-food fatigue: the soulless headset crackle, the muttered “what’ll you have,” the air of existential dread hovering over a tray of lukewarm fries. But no. Out of the speaker comes this voice — warm, buoyant, sincerely glad you exist. Like a sunrise breaking through the monotony of modern America.

This young man, whoever he is, has cracked the code to human decency. He’s cheery without being fake, efficient without being mechanical, and so genuinely kind that it borders on spiritual intervention. I’ve had more transcendent emotional experiences in this drive-thru than in most church services.

Dr. Laura would tell you this kind of joy comes from self-respect and good parenting. Hunter S. Thompson would say it’s a miracle of the human condition — a flash of light in the dull machinery of the republic. Either way, I left with a Frosty and a renewed belief in mankind.

Give this man a raise. Or at least a parade.“