After I wrote my “Ode to Barbecue Burgers,” that’s all I could think of. So I started building a list of my favorite barbecue joints in New York City.
But first…I interrupt my bbq series for this very important (at least in my mind) message about the Starbucks near my office at 41st Street and 3rd Avenue.
Remember the TV show “Cheers!” Whenever Norm walked in the bar everyone shouted his name. That’s the way I feel every morning when I stop in for my morning Venti.
I imagine it’s the smallest Starbuck ever—probably just 10 or 12 feet wide and maybe 20 feet long. But the employees’ good spirits are ginormous.
Morning is the busiest time, and there’s usually five people working behind the counter, and one restocking. There’s not much room. They bump and kid around with each other. Considering they have to get up very early to be at work, these people are in remarkably great spirits. When someone they recognize walks in, they say hi by name, and often ask something personal. By the time that customer gets to the counter, his or her beverage is ready.
It’s a happy place—the perfect place to start a workday. So here’s a shout out to Alisha, Anijah, Katrina, Khadejah, Dwayne, Frankie, Christina and everyone else who works there.
If you stop by, tell them you read their names in my blog.
I am totally with you on this. (And I can vouch for the tininess of that particular store:) I live in Budapest now, where, to my dismay, there are no Starbucks. I have to say, I miss the daily pick-me-up, both social and caffeinated!
ReplyDeleteAO, thanks for commenting on my blog post. It's fun to connect with an ex-pat (in Budapest, no less!) who misses the camaraderie and warmth available at NY's Starbucks.
ReplyDeletethanks for the shout out!
ReplyDelete