Yesterday, I was meeting another ASP Stager for coffee over in Hutto as she was working there and it’s just down the road from me.  I had located a locally owned coffee shop on the internet which appeared to have a great selection of ‘treats’ and we agreed to meet there.

Now, much to both of our dismay, the coffee shop was now For Lease.  Oy!  And we had to head back West on 79 and grab a cup @ the Starbucks just past Red Bud.

I was very disappointed.  Mostly because I think Starbucks is like Microsoft (probably not a coincidence that they are both from the Seattle area) and every dollar I do not spend with them helps some one else.  And it is hard for me to spend $4 on a cup of coffee when I can buy a canister of coffee for the week for $3.50.  Plus, being a local business, I prefer to spend my ‘deductions’ at other local businesses when I can:  Hardware stores, nurseries, restaurants, coffee shops, movers, etc.

So the lesson I learned this week is reminiscent of the old Yellow Pages commercial:  “Phone first – before you go.“ Just because you found the company’s website does not necessarily mean the business is still in operation.  A one minute phone call would have save me some embarrassment.  Good thing she was an Associate, and not a Client!