I like to shop local and have always favored small independent coffeehouses. But after a trio of bad experiences (stale burned coffee, clueless indifferent employees and a filthy smelly restroom), I decided to surrender to the dreaded corporate behemoth from Seattle. That’s where I saw you. You greeted me with a genuinely warm smile, had patience with my stupid newbie questions and steered me to an alternative to my usual beverage. You even offered to make another if I didn’t like it … but it was awesome! Even though all I was buying was a measly $3 cup of coffee, you treated me like I was someone special. This may seem like a cliche, but you really acted like you owned the business! I always tip generously because I think that food service employees are grossly underpaid. But I went a step further for you. I stuffed a $5 bill into my empty ceramic mug and slid it back across the counter toward you just to be sure that you were the one who picked it up. As I left, I looked back over my shoulder to see you waving the bill over your head and dancing around in celebration. Seriously. Your cheerful enthusiasm and authentic good nature helped me get through the rest of my day. Thank you!
I Saw You is an anonymous “man on the street” column. Email your rants and raves about co-workers or any badly behaving citizens to [email protected], or send to 380 S. First St, San Jose, 95113. Submissions should stick to about 100 words.
