August 31, 2009
Cup-A-Joe 6:28pm
I sat just inside the front door to the right, with my back to the wall and one table between myself and the plate-glass window.
Customers mosey around
No one seems to be rushed
Diverse but conscious dress; hipster cyclists in androgynous selections, academics in oxfords and polos, various styles of jeans and t-shirts
Homemade computer generated signage to designate the three areas of the shop: non-smoking, smoking, employees only
Business seems to ebb and flow
Racially and sexually diverse customers and employees
Pastiche art covers the walls; musically themed
Noise level rises and falls dramatically and at random; mix of people, dishes, music
A lot of customers seem to be regular; carrying on lengthy conversations with employees
Less people sitting alone than in groups of two or more
Radio: 88.1, university station
Myriad beverages being served; fruity, icy, hot, brown, colorful, green, mugs, paper cups, plastic cups
Employees greet everyone with a smile
All furniture is older, nostalgic, worn in appearance
A selection of Cup-A-Joe coffee beans is for sale right across from me
Many customers seem to know each other; they interact for greater than five minutes
Eclectic decor, art, people, drinks
Broad age range of customers
Posters for local events are on the front door, windows, counters, bathrooms
Employees seem to be enjoying themselves; laughter and teasing
There is a ‘waiting’ area to the right of the register with additives for beverage personalization and support (spoons, tops, etc...)
The smoke permeates the entire shop even thought it is only permitted in one section
They also sell a selection of pastries
Pattern of movement within the shop; enter front door, approach register and do one of the two things after receiving purchase, find a seat or leave
A lot of people leave together; meaning they either consider the shop a meeting location or they come together
Very few people take more than one or two minutes to order
Cup-A-Joe 7:53pm