Saturday, February 20, 2016, 6:05 am

Why local business struggles?

Anyone who knows me, or anyone who has read this blog, knows I have an affinity for coffee shops. What you might now know, however, is that I don’t like coffee. Never acquired the taste.

Over time, area coffee shops come and go, grow and shutter. I find one I like and that’s where you’ll find me. Management changes, menu changes, clientele changes and I’ll stay or I’ll go. It really is a fascinating world to observe.

There are some things that I’ll never understand though...

Yesterday, as I visited my usual haunt, I bantered back and forth with the barista. She informed me that they had jumped on the “breakfast all day” train, and we agreed that was a good thing.

After all, how hard is it, really, to cook eggs in the afternoon or evening. And if it’s what the customers truly want, it’s like leaving money on the table.

It’s funny how something as simple as an Egg McMuffin for supper is changing the world... but that’s another topic for another time.

Then, I was informed that the tea latte I adore and order almost daily will be going away. The coffee shop will be changing providers for their teas.

Now, I’ve come to learn that change is something to embrace. Time waits for no man, and all that nonsense. Plus, one of my favorite places in town is a loose leaf tea shop... so my initial thought is, “This is a good thing.”

She continues to explain that the owner has explicitly said there will be no Earl Grey after the switch. Then she goes on to say that he never liked the baristas making tea lattes “because Starbucks makes tea lattes.”

Whoa, wait. What?

So, because Starbucks makes something you’re going to STOP making it. Are you trying to tell me that you would rather I go to Starbucks? Take my money from your local business and give it to that monolith instead?

Hmm... what happened to looking at what your customers truly want and not leaving money on the table?

I guess that I will never truly understand people and their decisions.

Sadly, perhaps, it is time to find a new coffee shop to frequent.

What i'm listening to:
Going to Hell Sweet Things
The Pretty Reckless
Going to Hell
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