Not from around here

When we first moved to Monroe, I googled Starbucks and Caribou only to be sadly dissapointed neither were here.  But I figured I’d find a little local place to go hang out at and grade papers.  Haven’t really found that place yet (though I hear a new coffee place has opened up but not sure where or what it’s called so that won’t get me far) but I really liked Beaners to take the place of my caffeine addiction on mornings when I wanted to splurge and start my day out with luxury.

 Yes, I said “liked”. 

I had THREE mornings where I went out of my way to drive to Beaner’s on my way to work.  The sign said they opened at 6, but on both of these mornings it was at least 10 after when I got there and they were closed.  No sign, nothing.  The first time I let it slide.  The second time I used their handy email address and emailed the regional manager.  His response? Apologetic but not really concerned.  He’d pass the message on in regional, he said.  No one got back to me. The third time sent me on my coffee ban. I explained how I loved the staff, service, and coffee but was frustrated that this was the third time I’d given them a chance and been dissapointed.  “Thank you again for your feedback, and I understand your decision not to trust the store with your time again. ”

Huh? You just let me, a customer, walk away with a “I understand?” Wow.  That was a bit frustrating. So you see, it had very little to do with the local branch but more to do with regional.  That was the president of the company, for coffee’s sake.  And he didn’t really care if I came back!

But recently I realized I had a free frequent coffee-r card and I might as well use it.  Not in the morning but on a Sunday afternoon where I sat around lazily for an hour or two doing teacher-y work and sipping my delicious coffee.  Everyone there was extremely polite and I realized that the ban wasn’t really concerning corporate but was hurting the local owners.  So the self-imposed ban was lifted.  Will I go there in the mornings? No, probably not since I found my delicious Circle K coffee that is very cost effective and on my way to 75.  But will I enjoy a lovely warm drink in the afternoon? Certainly yes. 

They’ve re-won me over. I also really love how they always have coffee mugs that donate to charity – I’m not only a sucker for a great mug but a sucker for mugs that donate to charity.  Stop by and try the place out (if you haven’t already).

My neighbor is awesome.  He got on his 4-wheeler and has gone up and down the street, plowing people’s driveways.  He just did ours and I can’t tell you how estatic I am that I’m no longer blocked in! Beaner’s, here I come to grade papers.

This is why I love Monroe.  A good friend is sitting in her super suburban condo waiting for the association to come and plow her driveway.  I just happen to have fantastic Monroe neighbors.

What should I get this wonderful man as a thank you gift?!?! Card? Eternal gratitude? Hand crocheted scarf?