grilling steaks on flaming grill and shot with selective focus
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Akron, OH – Diamond Grille doesn’t take credit cards. On the other hand, it does take business cards. Which is why every Federal Reserve official should be required to darken its doors, along with every politician and pundit.
That’s because Diamond Grille exists as a brilliant reminder that you, the reader, are your credit. Much more importantly, no amount of Fed “tightness” or “ease” can overwhelm your singularity as a great, good, mediocre, or bad credit risk.
As you’re reading this opinion piece, the Diamond Grille is sending bills to happy customers not just in Akron, but around the world. Everywhere from California to Australia to Johannesburg in South Africa.
About South Africa, it turns out golf legend Gary Player is a Diamond Grille patron. As fans know, Akron and the Firestone Country Club can lay claim to a long history as a stop for the PGA Senior Tour, now known as the Champions Tour. One of the five majors for seniors, it attracts the big names, many who eat at Diamond Grille while in town.
The crucial thing is that Player and others are credit personified. They can simply leave a business card or billing address upon finishing their expensive meals because their past, present and future rates trust from Diamond Grille that payment will be forthcoming for meal provided. No questions asked other than where to send the bill.
It’s an essential reminder that Player and others bring their credit into the restaurant, which is why they can leave it without paying. It can’t be said enough that credit is derived from the person, not by government decree. And it follows them home at which point they can choose to maintain it by living and working in upstanding fashion, including paying their bills, or not.
Some will say that Diamond Grille can take easy risks with the myriad celebrities (don’t forget that LeBron James is from Akron, and yes, he’s eaten there) who make their way to the restaurant while in town, but the credit is extended to all, celebrity or unknown, who want a good meal. This includes yours truly
Though the staff had never met me upon walking in, the same courtesy was extended (I paid in cash) to me as to the many bold-faced names who come in for lunch or dinner. What credit do unknowns have? The answer is simple, and it’s rooted in the natural desire among humans to not just do the right thing, but also in the self-interested desire to achieve good treatment and service the next time we visit. Put another way, we treat the staff nicely and pay our bills as a way of building our credit with Diamond Grille, or for that matter any business or person we’re eager to work with or be served by in the future.
Which speaks to Diamond Grille’s own role in the credit equation. It’s not just that it extends it. Implied in its view that you or your job is your credit is its own desire for repeat business. In other words, if customers like their dining experience and if they treasure the explicit trust Diamond Grille is expressing through its acceptance of a business card in lieu of cash, they’ll want to come back.
The trusting relationship between Diamond Grille and its customers speaks to why it would be such a worthwhile visit for Fed officials and more. Much more than just a great meal, they would emerge from Diamond Grille more humble about their ability to decree cheap or costless what is only attainable (or not) based on character.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/johntamny/2025/11/16/why-every-fed-official-should-eat-at-akron-ohs-diamond-grille/
