When God handed out the useful life skills, She must have given my business partner, Daniel, all of the facial recognition technology. When I see most of our patrons, I think “Oh, it’s that lovely person again,” and if my brain’s on straight, I might remember what they like to drink. Daniel, on the other hand, may not know where he put his keys, phone or lunch, but he will remember your name, your partner’s name, your grandmother’s name...well, you get the picture. He’ll stop short of maiden names and first pets; he’s not a hacker, he’s just a really sweet guy who likes to put names to faces.
Last week, I asked Daniel if he knew anyone’s name at the recently opened State’s Coffee across the street, and as he rattled off the full staff roster, it occurred to me that this is how strangers become friends. It starts with a name, and someone who cares enough to remember it, and it grows into a community, a whole neighborhood of stories, inhabited and lived by a cast of familiar characters. He may also get a free coffee now and then, but the impetus is all heart.
A few years into getting to know our customers, we were made to lock you all out, and your faces - named and nameless - disappeared from our shop for over a year. For too long, it was just names and no faces; phone and online orders filled and handed off, all business, swift and serious. This month, we reopened our doors for in-store shopping, and after the initial shock of proximity, we’re really enjoying having you back. Our newest customers have never been inside, and we welcome you to our gallery of liquid treasures. We also look forward to becoming reacquainted with our very own, woefully missed, familiar cast of characters. If we haven’t seen you lately, please come on in this week and say hello in person. Masks are still required indoors, so if we don’t recognize you right away, please re-introduce yourself, especially if Daniel’s not around.
See you soon,
Max