Ok now we know not every body likes birthdays.  But we do.  And here is why.  A birthday is a celebration of the day you were born.  It doesn’t matter if it was 1 year, 10 years, or 100 years ago.  If you hadn’t been born, no matter when, we wouldn’t have the pleasure of knowing you.  And we bet there are a whole lot of other people who feel the same way about you.  So it’s really a celebration of YOU!

You can sign up 2 different ways.  You could drop us a line at admin@simplyrisingcafe.com .  Tell us your name and contact info, how you prefer to be contacted, what your favorite drink is, and of course, your birthday.  No, you don’t have to include the year.  Or stop into the cafe and fill out a form with the same info.  BUT WAIT! There’s more!  Sign up within the next 30 days and we’ll give you a free regular coffee now!  Baha! (I’ve always wanted to be able to use that in an ad!)  But seriously, we will really give you a regular cup of coffee now and a drink of your choice on your birthday.

Next Generation Customer

As you can see, she has been busy.

I was just thinking on Monday, “I wonder if she will bring the baby into her office to show him off?  Would she bring him here too?”  Then, on a very busy Tuesday afternoon, the doorbell chimed.  I looked up from the milk I was steaming to greet the customer and say I would be right with them.  I exclaimed with delight when I saw Kay with the baby carrier.  Edward was lucky enough to fawn over the baby while I continued with the orders at hand.  Finally finished, I rushed over, and as I neared, she handed me the baby.  I didn’t even ask!  Too my amazement, she simply handed him to me.  I can not express how very thrilled I was.  I mean, first of all, who doesn’t want to snuggle a new little bundle of joy?  Then let’s talk about the protectiveness of new mommies.  Maybe I’m different, but I was very picky about to whom I handed those precious little bodies.  By the way, he is absolutely as gorgeous and precious as he looks in this picture. Nah, much more so.

We talked for awhile and she asked about Phelan and how he was adjusting to being back at school.  I told her he was, like most teenagers, grumbling about school.  He missed his customers and they missed him, judging by the comments that we have received.   I told her that he was doing well about getting up on time and even had gotten all the possible bonus points in one of his classes.  We joked that it was only because he wants his driving permit in October that he is so on top of his game.   We chatted for some time and I reluctantly handed her new son back so that she could go about her errands.

Later that night, while trying to go to sleep, I was thinking.  Nothing new, as I do more thinking than sleeping at night.  I was thinking how great it was that “Kay” had come into the store with the baby.  And then I thought about the milestones that would go by in their lives and that we may one day be telling her congratulations on your son’s graduation, or marriage, or new baby.  And that is when it occurred to me what a customer really means to us.  You see, there really is no such thing as customers to us.  Now you may be wondering, “Well, Seraphinea, what then do you consider me?  I pay you money for products and services, that is the definition of a customer.”   Of course you are right, the customer is always right.  No wait!! You’re not just a customer!  That is just it.  Sure, when you walk in, we know you’re drink order.  Do you ever think about the conversations that we have?  Isn’t it funny that in the 5 minutes you are here how much we know about each other?  What about the other people who come in that you know?  The stories and concerns about life that we share with each other?  You see, we may not know you’re name (mostly Edward, because he has the most terrible memory about names).  But we know your story.  For example, there is one customer that is always referred to in the same manner….The conversation between Edward and I usually goes something like this…. “Mary was in today and brought some new people with her.”  Edward’s response is usually “I don’t know which Mary you are talking about,”  to which I reply, “You know, the pretty lady with the dark hair and husband…”,  at which point he breaks in “Oh yeah!”  I don’t even have finish my sentence.

I’ve always said how much I love Newark, that it is homey.  This is a true community.  People know each other.  People talk to each other.  People look out for each other.  People help each other.  People care about each other.   What I am trying to say, through my musings, is “Thank You”.  Not because you choose to come into our store and spend your hard earned money (although it is much appreciated).  Thank you for sharing with us.  Thank you for allowing us to be part of your community.

A couple of hours later in came two vibrant ladies who told me that they were Mary and Marilyn, ”the ones” who had called.  They looked around, snapped pictures, ordered cinnamon rolls, and took some more pictures.  During all of this activity questions were asked by all.  We found out that they travel around just to taste different cinnamon rolls and they even had a blog about their adventures!   Here is a little piece of trivia you may not have known….there are no cinnamon rolls on the West coast.  Scandalous, I know, but apparently during vacations, Mary in Denver and Marilyn in California, there were no “real” cinnamon rolls to be found.  Life without cinnamoYet another reason to be thankful we live in the Midwest.

I just got an email from Marilyn with a link to the blog.  I only hope that when Edward and I retire later (much later) we will still have the energy to go on such adventures!  In the meantime here is a link to their blog and what they had to say about Edward’s cinnamon rolls.

http://thecinnamontwists.wordpress.com/2012/08/25/new-car-roadtrip/

Make those office meetings a little better with our catering service.  For just $15.00, we’ll bring a baristabox filled with 128 oz of our delicious house blend, cups, cream and sugar (even the stir sticks) to your office.  Barista box will keep the coffee hot for 3 hours (as if it will last that long).  Want to add some pastries? Just call us by 3:00 PM the day before you want java delivery to customize the tasty treats.

Soon we will add boxed lunches for $5.95.  Pick a sandwich (always served with chips and a pickle), a small side, and a cookie or 2 mini muffins. We’ll be posting the menu for the boxed lunches within the next few days.

Featuring:

• Gourmet coffees
• Loose Leaf Teas
• Artisan Breads
• Baked Goodies
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Free Wi-Fi
• A casual, relaxing atmosphere

Located on the north side of the

Downtown Square

26 North Park Place
Newark, Ohio

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