Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Small Coffee Shop Advice

Small Coffee Shop Advice

Coffee shops are notorious for attracting individuals who surf on the web, sit and enjoy intellectual conversations, or sip their lattes discretely while they people watch.

Last September I was walking to work, and noticed a small coffee shop tucked away behind some rather large corporate buildings.  I noticed it due to its innovative advertising on the street.  The owner had drawn a large arrow on the sidewalk with chalk pointing to his coffee shop.

I love small coffee shops, and hate large corporate coffee shops like Starbucks.  Starbucks seems to attract the elitist minded individuals, or spew out environmental rhetoric just because it is “cool”.  This small coffee shop I walked into was everything I expected.

It lacked elitists, the barista behind the bar was working obsessively quick and seemed to be passionate about what she was doing. 

I ordered a 16 ounce white chocolate mocha.  It was served in a coffee cup that had a brand for Overstock.com on it.  I asked the barista why Overstock was printed on the cup, and she said that they got the cups for free.  Creative advertising if you ask me.  I couldn’t blame her for accepting the free cups.  Free coffee cups sounds like a good deal.  The coffee cup advertising didn’t bother me either.

After I received my mocha, a large woman approached me and said, “do you know where I can find an art museum?.”  I quickly told her where she could find an art museum.  Suddenly, we found ourselves engaged in stimulating conversation discussing politics and economics.

After an hour of enlightening conversation the woman left, and I finished my coffee.  I love my life.