No More Motivation Necessary!
Jim's Steaks on South Street in downtown Philadelphia provides much more than just the basic need for food. My motivation to go to Jim's stretches far beyond my hunger. If I only wanted a good cheesesteak, there would be much easier ways to get one that didn't involve driving an hour and a half to get there. These motivations are described by Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
Maslow's hierarchy of needs provides us with a well recognized theory of motivation that states that people need to fulfill certain needs before they can fulfill others. These needs start from the most basic survival needs which provide utilitarian value and end with self actualization which provides hedonic value (Babin/Harris 86-87).
Yes it is true that Jim's satisfies the most basic level of this hierarchy: the physiological level. Jim's doesn't just provide a cheesesteak, but an authentic cheesesteak. The fresh Amoroso roll filled with perfectly chopped beef and onion slices hot off the stove and
topped with melted cheeses whiz, makes the perfect combination. What most people don't realize is that the roll is what makes the steak. Without the Philadelphia amoroso roll, a cheesesteak becomes a mediocre sandwich. Don't believe me...here is an article that captures a Philadelphian's love for the amoroso roll.
Next Jim's satisfies the second stage of the hierarchy: safety and security. There are multiple, quality place in Philadelphia to get a cheesesteak, but Jim's is in a very safe neighborhood with lots to do. Part of the experience of going to Jim's is walking down State Street and exploring all of the interesting shops along the way. From fun t-shirt shops that make fun of Philadelphia sport teams' rivals to old time record stores, there are shops to interest everyone. Once you get to Jim's, you will then most likely have to wait outside in the line before you can get inside the restaurant. There are many cheesesteak places that are in bad neighborhoods of Philadelphia, and it would not feel safe to wander down the street or wait outside of those restaurants with a complete set of strangers. Jim's however, is in a great location that conveys a sense of security.
 |
| A mosaic on made of pieces of glass on South Street says South Street Loves People. |
Finally Jim's provides the third need in Maslow's hierarchy: belongingness and love. Born and raised in the Philadelphia area before moving in elementary school, there is nothing better to me than the brotherly love that you find in Philadelphia. This feeling of brotherly love and belongingness to the Philadelphia community is my final and most impactful motivation for going to Jim's. The tradition surrounding the trip and the sense of community that accompanies standing in the line and bonding with strangers over which cheesesteak is the best, is what keeps me wanting to go back!
Check out all of the cool events that take place and the shops on South Street with the link below!!
No comments:
Post a Comment