From March of 2001 through today I’ve awoken to coffee in Downtown Norwich. Sitting first every morning at Kyrena’s. [now LaStella] Followed by a series of places in the same space Daddy’s Downtown, Tony “Ds” and certainly the the Highlight was Merrihews Cafe. 2003-2004 Sitting there for hours writing observing, Norwich yawning. The view of the Courthouse Parade was like “Groundhog Day” [the movie] Tom and Lisa provided a safe haven for the creative curiosity of this passionate observer who had picked up a pen when a broken shoulder silenced my visual voice for 5 months. So how is small business faring? Is the cup half full or half empty? October first 2007 around a dozen coffee shops later. The next few posts will look at metaphorically at coffee beans, business and downtowns. From my caffeinated seat and yours if you have a view. You can still have a view. enjoy pjc
Those of you who got a message about this post today and found your way here I have no idea where the rest of the words went?
Original email below. I hope?
Somehow some of the words in the email disappeared?
Comments are welcome and can be anonymous there are many Norwich’s throughout the US, small city downtowns if you have a thought about downtowns, small business, coffee. Post it I am attempting to create conversation on my blog. Maybe the rest of the words will arrive later? pjc
I miss Kokopelli’s. It was the only job I have ever truely felt passionate about. It wasn;t the pouring of coffee or the steaming of hot milk that made me happy to come into work in the morning. It was my customers who became such an important part of my life. I was let into their lives, the ups and downs, the happy times, I became a part in their life. If the issues that arose never would have happened, Koko’s would still be there. A coffee shop may not be profitable initially money-wise, but it has made me a richer, happier person.
I travel to NL to get a good cup of coffee. I would rather travel and spend more money for a quality cup of coffee. A place where they know your name, they still smile when they see you, and when they don’t see you they ask where you have been. Many people go there and sometimes you have to share your table with strangers, I’ve met many interesting and nice people this way. Oh, then there’s the water to look at if you want and a gallery that’s always welcoming. There is always talk of Norwich improving, I don’t see it. What I have experienced in Norwich is if you are not part of a couple or hang out with a regular clique, you don’t fit in. Kokopelli’s offered an atmosphere that was inviting to all. I haven’t found another quite like Kokopelli’s, it’s unfortunate.