We set a coffee date with Bob and Bard this Monday morning but small town realities struck us unexpectedly.
It shouldn't have been unexpected, but then this is no longer a small town, so it kind of was.
So, what happened, Mr Anvilcloud?
Well, we got to the coffee shop near us, but it was closed – because it is Monday, doncha see. We are familiar with most stores on Main being closed on Mondays, but this was a cafe and not on Main. And as I have already mentioned, we are no longer a small town – a town yes, but small no.
Without thinking we headed to Freska where we usually meet for breakfast. Yes, Bob was keen on more than just coffee, so I agreed.
Guess what: Closed.
Being somewhat determined, we next chose The Gourmet on the highway through town, and, as the saying goes, the third time did turn out to be a charm. I think they stay open to try to capture passing traffic and also to pick up folk such as us desperate townies. This was not a franchise place, but many new stores and eateries that are springing up along or near the highway are franchises, and of course they open, even on Mondays.
It remains to be seen whether the locally operated, in-town businesses will adapt or whether the old, town ways will prevail and then we shall see if those places willsurvive.
Here, the only stores I check to see if they are open on Monday before leaving are Mexican and Asian restaurants. For some reason, they are often likely to be closed on Monday. Other than that, I just assume everything else is open on Monday... at least as long is it isn't a federal holiday.
ReplyDeleteMy friend and I went down to a local nursery to look at their decor and have a coffee in their coffee shop (on Monday) and it too was closed. Must be a thing.
ReplyDeleteYou made me curious, so I checked the 2 coffee shops in our county---yes, we are that small here, only 2 in the whole county, but then with a population of about 29,000 i guess that's all we can sustain. Anyway, the one in our smaller town is open Mondays, the one in our county seat is not. Most other businesses in our towns are open Mondays, but there are some with unpredictable hours, like the barber, one antique shop, the computer guy. Just have to take your chances with them. At least the two stores where we have booths are open 7 days a week.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing that the small businesses survive these days. The franchises dominate the market here for sure.
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