It was one of my favorite programs, and ratings suggest that it was the favorite of millions of viewers.

Everyone wants to belong. Everyone wants to be “Norm.”

In short, I guess I’m saying it’s good to be a “regular.”

Already a bit compulsive, I tend to pick up habits easily.

My newest — and greatest — habit is Fuzzy’s Taco Shop at 2102 W. Broadway, Lubbock, TX.

The beginning

I cannot tell you exactly when I first heard of Fuzzy’s. But I can tell you from whom. Texas Tech doctoral student and Fort Worth (kind of) transplant Curtis Matthews began raving about Fort Worth.

He had been a regular at one of the Fort Worth Fuzzy’s, and he had heard one was coming to Lubbock. Having grown up in San Diego, Curtis extolled their fish tacos.

Having eaten fish tacos only once in my life — a sampler plate in San Diego — I was not a fan. But we were anxious to try the new place.

“Welcome to your new addiction”

As we sat there the first time, I thought it was a bit presumptuous to emblazon this on the door.

Little did I know.

Several weeks later, it is my favorite restaurant. I have to resist eating there every day.

And I am addicted to the tempura fish tacos.

“How’s it going, Blue?”

At approximately the same time I became addicted to Fuzzy’s, I dyed my hair blue.

It’s easy to remember blue Sam — even more than regular loud, animated Sam.

And they have remembered.

As soon as my favorite employee sees me, she greets me enthusiastically with some unique greeting and the word “blue.”

I keep meaning to ask her name. My receipts say only “Day cashier.”

I’ve developed a bit of a camaraderie with several other people who work there.

They’re all very cool and especially friendly.

Father’s Day

On Facebook, I said “All I want for Father’s Day is Fuzzy’s Tacos for lunch.”

My wife and four daughters were wonderful enough to oblige. They’re fans, now, too. The nachos on the kids’ menu may be the best value in Lubbock. My wife liked the grilled shrimp tacos.

There’s usually a line to order at Fuzzy’s at peak meal time. And I ususally end up talking to my dining partners about Fuzzy’s while standing in line.

Apparently I talk with authority because strangers often ask me whether I’ve eaten there before. When I say that I sometimes eat there three times a week, I get lots of questions.

Today was no different. I’m happy to share my knowledge about Fuzzy’s. I’m an enthusiast. At lunch I explained the taco delights to two nice women.

Cheers

When it was my turn to order, Day Cashier said, “How’s it going, Blue?”

One of the two women turned and said, “They really do know you here.”

“Of course we do,” said the gentleman working the other register (I think he’s a manager). “He even came here for Father’s Day.”

And that’s what it’s like to be a regular. That’s what makes amazing customer service.

That’s why I go to Fuzzy’s more often than even my love for the food would allow. I don’t want to lose my “regular” status.

I teach advertising for a living. I know a lot about how to get your attention. But I know that a good product and amazing customer service is the best way to keep your attention.

It’s difficult to establish brand loyalty and easy to blow it. Fuzzy’s has earned mine, and I never walk out of there dissatisfied. The experience always excels.

It’s such a simple concept, really. One with which so many businesses struggle.

Sure, they get my $7.50 or so per lunch. But I have told dozens of people aobut Fuzzy’s. There might as well be a dedicated College of Mass Communications table there. We’re all hooked.

It’s that good.

And the food is that good. But knowing that there are at least four people who work there, will recognize me, and will banter with me, that keeps me going, and I never go alone.

It’s simply good business.

What to order

I admit that I stick to patterns.

Under Mexican dinners is the “Taco Plate,” which comes with two sides and any two tacos for $5.99.

They are all good. And you can mix up your tacos, but I rarely do.

Two tempura fish tacos on soft (corn) tortillas, hold the tomatos. Refried beans and the Mix-Mex fried rice.

Sooooooo good.

I just left there three hours ago, and I wish that I could go back!

If you live in Lubbock, Fort Worth, Denton, or Arlington, you really must check it out!