Last week I was in Atlanta, Georgia for BMI Club Management. It was an unforgettable week of education, networking and site visits to some of the best clubs in the country. It was also my first in person BMI having attended BMI General Manager/Chief Operating Officer and BMI Leadership Principles respectfully online during the height of the pandemic. It feels good to reconnect.
My flight was early Sunday morning. Daylight saving time also started that day, so a 5:15 am wake up call felt like 4:15 am. I’m still tired! It was so early Sheryl, on our way to the airport, made a comment about the butt crack of dawn. I don’t remember exactly what she said… It was too early. But I laughed! When I got to the airport I quickly found Jones Coffee Roasters. I’m on a latte kick lately so I ordered one of those… $10 later I was sipping what ended up being a terrible cup of joe.
Not one to complain, I walked to a second location and asked for a cup of ice. Figured that would help me get through this terrible experience. The nice young man working behind the counter asked about the drink. I was honest, told him it was dreadful, and joked that the ice would help me drink it faster. He laughed and asked if I wanted him to make me an iced latte. “No charge, of course,” he said. Sure!
While he was making the espresso for the drink, he asked if I wanted any flavors. When I was in San Diego for the CMAA 2022 World Conference and Club Business Expo I tried a lavender latte. I mentioned that to him. “We have lavender! How many pumps?” A few minutes later I was sipping on a fresh iced lavender latte. He used 2% milk, which I’d prefer almond (which they charge an extra $0.90 for) but I won’t hold that against him!
Normally I wouldn’t write about an experience like this, but I mentioned the cost of the first latte on Twitter and @ThatSchoolcraft replied. We started chatting via Direct Message and he inspired me to write this. So, there you have it. I wish I had this young man’s name. He was so friendly and went above and beyond to offer me a complimentary replacement for the latte I wasn’t enjoying. Sir, whoever you are, thank you for your hospitality. I hope someone from Jones sees this and you get a raise. Because you deserve it. Cheers! ☕️
