One of the places I’ve enjoyed for coffee has changed their system of delivering food and drink.

It used to be that I could walk in, sit at a table, order using my phone, and hang loose till the server approached with a smiling face.  The background music was usually peaceful.  I could really sink into my chair.  (Ahh …)

As of a few days ago, bye bye to all of that.  Now we need to line up, which is fine if there are just a few people.  Not cool if there’s a crowd.  After ordering at the counter, I’m given a beeper.  When it goes off, I return to the counter and pick up my stuff.

The result for me:

1.  No relaxing at my table, waiting for my flat white to arrive

2.  No minute or so (depending on how full the restaurant is) chatting with the staff member delivering my order

3.  Being surrounded by the beeping of beepers from other tables

4.  The noise mixes with the background music … and peace exits.  (Noise: “Any loud, unpleasant or unwanted sound”)  Yep.

I suppose some of you are saying “Suck it up” or “That’s what life is like, Bruce.”  Okay.  But I the customer get to choose what works for me.

And so …

I seek elsewhere for my coffee

…

And I’m open to returning

If the beeping stops