battle of the coffee shoppes

[ Grand River Coffee = 24 Hour Beaners < Beaners on Marsh Road ] 

                                                                                 Does this even make sense? Hmm.

In my desperate attempts at finding a splendid study spot on campus, I went through a series of rather unenjoyable trial-and-error experiences. HB majors, prepare yourself (you may cringe).

"Wow, you like live here now don't you?" Spoke the "I-Just-Work-Here" teenage girl at the register. 

The building that housed dirty bathrooms, plug-less study tables, and obnoxiously loud music that I madly wished to call home, unfortunately wasn't filling my study-spot void. "The Beaner's girl" is no longer a valid nick-name.

With my hopes diminishing after the first several months of school and unenjoyable experiences in the 24 Hour Beaners, I stumbled across Grand River Coffee (just a few minutes from the unappealing, over-crowded coffee shop I had recently abandoned) and my hopes rose yet again. My first step in the doors? Gorgeous. Atmosphere? Lovely. A water fall, soft music, an old book shoppe next door AND fair trade coffee? Ingenious.

And the girl was happy.

But for only a short time. The long sigh and irritated, short words of the employee behind the counter did it for me.

"You said you wanted the gingerbread cookie." She said annoyed. "Unless you've decided to change your mind." 

Ouch. Not the way to treat a customer.

Now, by no means am I saying that I am an expert on customer service, but when you go searching for the perfect atmosphere and an employee makes you feel like an idiot, that's when you begin to feel helpless and lost. And perhaps a little discouraged.

Therefore, I've got some things to consider, some choices to make. Within the several experiences in the past couple of months, I have come to this conclusion that my favorite spot to study just so happens to be the very same spot that I love to meet with friends, have conversations with the genuine employees, and have my favorite cup of coffee. The Beaners on Marsh Road should be considered the idealistic coffee shop for superb customer service, and I wish nothing more than to be home and to become a regular again. Congratulations, Marsh Road Beaners, you have won me over, and in the process you have won the Battle of the Coffee Shoppes.

And in the wise, wise words of Spongebob Squarepants, "Remember Patrick, flatter the customer, make him feel good." You've nailed it, SB.

Abbie Reifel, 10.20.10

The Perfect Cup O' Joe: Tall Biggby Best with two pumps of caramel and some cream (Trevor's whipped cream mountain made with love is also a plus). Yummy.