We stopped into Chick-fil-A for lunch. It was one of those last-minute decisions. I was in a bad mood because we unexpectedly had to get two new (large, expensive, ugh!) tires, just in time for the holidays. Let's just say the other driver in the household did something really, um, silly.

So we dropped off the car and went to eat. My mood was not so good. We nestled into a booth and served Baby A her usual (chicken strips, fruit cup), then tucked into our own usuals (classic Chick-fil-A sandwiches) when I realized I wanted a packet of buffalo sauce. Lately I can't get enough of the stuff. Strange. And, no, there's no "Baby B" on the way. It's just a thang.

I jumped up out of my seat and turned to head for the counter—and nearly crashed into an older woman with a gentle demeanor and a nametag that said HOSTESS.

She said, sweetly, "Hi, what would you like? I'll get it for you." Immediately, my mood softened.

"I'd like a packet of buffalo sauce, please."

"I'll be right back with it." And she was. "Thanks," I said. "My pleasure," she said.

What an awesome thing, especially when you're the sole adult eating with young children. It is such a pain to gather up babies and toddlers just to go twenty feet away for the spoon you forgot. Even older kids can get in trouble (or just be obnoxious to other tables) in a matter of seconds.

I'd like to claim this is Southern hospitality, but it's not. If I remember right, it was So Cal–based Carl's Jr. that first put hostesses in its dining rooms—employees, most often women, who were there solely to refill your drink, grab the napkins you forgot, or just ask how your meal is. When Carl's Jr. bought the Hardee's chain, it started putting hostesses in those dining rooms, too. I believe Long John Silver's tried it seven or eight years ago. Now, clearly, Chick-fil-A has picked up on the concept.

And what a great thing. As a parent, I'd love to see more of this.

Have you seen a host or hostess recently in a quick-serve dining room? In what brand?