It’s in the details

Paying attention to customers’ wishes has been good for business

Lil T's restaurant is a big favourite with residents of Trail, B.C. — Photo courtesy Lil T's Café

Lil T’s Café raked in several Kootenay Business magazine Reader's Choice Awards—seven awards in the 2012 Best Places to Eat and Drink as well as four Best of Business Awards. Teresa Lucas has owned and operated the café since 2001, with the aid of about a half dozen part-time staff.

Lucas thinks that there are a couple of main reasons for the café’s popularity: the first is the food and the second is the restaurant's attention to its customers’ wishes.

“Our burgers are all homemade,” Lucas said, “and our fries are all cut by hand and cooked fresh. I pay attention to how the food looks, too.” The other reason? “I listen to what the customers want and don’t want, and I remember. I go out of my way for them.”

Memorable for more than the food

Lil T’s is situated just off Highway 3A in Trail, and customers may sit in the café itself or enjoy their food out on the patio. Inside, they might amuse themselves checking out one odd detail in the decor.

“I like to make the place memorable,” said Lucas, “so I have a clock in here that runs backwards. You’ll leave here feeling full and younger!”

Custom-made breakfasts are available all day long, and they are served on warmed plates—a very nice extra; but Lucas admits to being picky, especially about breakfast.

After undergoing a kidney transplant in September 2010, Lucas is pleased to have made a full recovery. Most days she is at the restaurant from its opening at 9 a.m. until closing. On weekdays, Lucas plans to close at 4 p.m. and on weekends at 3 p.m., but if there are hungry people at the door, she’ll let them in.