Whether locals are looking for a new restaurant or tailor, there’s one site that stands ready to offer a recommendation. Yelp, the crowd-sourced review platform, curates public opinions and organizes the relevant information to help people connect with quality businesses.
But Keller resident Joe Grisel takes it one step further. Instead of just writing down his review, Joe rewrites popular songs to showcase his personal experience.
It all started last November when he rewrote Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me To The Moon” to speak to the service at Mi Pueblo No. 2 in North Richland Hills. He has since used the tunes of The Searchers’ “Love Potion Number 9,” Gordon Lightfoot’s “The Wreck of Edmund Fitzgerald,” “Gilligan’s Island Theme Song,” Pat Benatar’s “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” Dolly Parton and Kenner Rogers’ “Islands in the Stream,” Ariana Grande’s “7 Rings” and Elton John’s “Saturday Night.” The business Joe has written about include Malai Kitchen, Niki's Italian Bistro and Whole Foods Market.
When asked what inspired him to create these crafted reviews, Joe responded the best way he knew how: through song. The following lyrics are written to the tune of “American Pie,” based on the inquirer’s name: Ashley Madonna.
“It was four months ago
I can still remember how
That rewritin’ made servers smile
And so it is with every chance
When great service happens I dance
And maybe that server would be happy for a while
It was November that made me shiver
With every green juice, she’d deliver
At Whole Foods was her doorstep
It’s where Ruthy’s potion No. 9 was kept
Some servers heard and cried
When their song unveiled their beautiful side
Something touched us both deep inside
That day that love is tried
So
So let’s fly, fly, Miss sweet Ashley Pie
Love’s not heavy on the levee when the levee’s not dry
For those good people serving day and night
Sharin' love is the reason that I write
Love is the reason that I write
I didn’t write the book of love
But I do have faith in God above
And If love tells me so
I can write it in rock and roll
Can love save a server’s mortal soul?
I believe love can save anyone real slow
Well, I know that service is a love you can send
'Cause I’ve seen servers dancin' singin’ that hymn
They’ve kicked off their shoes
Man, I dig their rhythm and blues
I once was a lonely server chasin’ a buck
With a two dollar job and a broken truck
But I knew I was not out of luck
When I found that place that love can’t hide
I started writin'
Fly, fly, Miss sweet Ashley Pie
Love’s not heavy on the levee when the levee’s not dry
For those good people serving day and night
Sharin' love is the reason that I write
Love is the reason that I write
I know most people sing the blues
Never sharing any happy news
But once in a while one makes my day
A sacred moment, a tender score
It’s a music my heart's heard before
And if you let it, the spirit will let it play
And as life and it’s challenges screamed
A manager cries, and the server dreamed
And often a harsh word is spoken
This young server’s heart will never be broken
And the three things I admire most
The Thinker, Doer, and ‘love’ the most
It’s a train that can run coast to coast
The day that love is tried
And now it’s time I’m singing
Bye, bye, Miss sweet Ashley Pie
Remember, Love’s not heavy on the levee when the levee’s not dry
For those good people serving day and night
It’s love with your life that you can write
Love can be the reason that you write.”
Every review Joe has written has been about a positive experience at a nearby restaurant, which is his way of supporting the local dining community. We look forward to seeing what Joe writes about next and what song will keep playing in our heads throughout the day.