Page 36 of The Pumpkin Spice Romance
“That is because they shockingly went out of business,” said Romeo, coming by and putting down a tiny espresso cup for me and a juice for Maddie. “They had a hard time keeping staff. Employees just kept wandering off in the middle of the day.”
“Mmm,” said Maddie, sipping her juice. “It’s almost as if someone hypnotized them and sent them home.”
“I know!” exclaimed Romeo. “So weird, right?”
I couldn’t help chuckling as Romeo headed back to the counter. The Deja Brew crew were so quirky. How Maddie got them all headed in the right direction was anyone’s guess, but I was beginning to suspect that she was one top hat away from being the ringmaster of a coffee-oriented circus. It was clearly part of the secret to Deja Brew’s success.
“You know,” I said thoughtfully, “I think what you need to decide is what parts of Deja Brew you want to duplicate at a new location and what parts you can systematize.”
“I’ve never been good at systems,” said Maddie. “I don’t like the idea of locking people into things that might not work.”
“Systems can be time savers that get jobs done faster.”
Maddie looked around the shop. “We’ve developed our own methods. I suppose there could be more efficient ways to do things.”
“When you start a new location, it helps to have the systems mapped out so that employees don’t have to waste time inventing something new. You should record what you’re doing now and then also look at your competitors to see what they’re doing.”
“How do I look at competitors?” asked Maddie.
“You go in and buy a coffee,” I said.
“I couldn’t do that!”
“Yes, you can,” I said, laughing. “You can pay for a beverage and sit in their shops just like everyone else.”
Maddie grimaced nervously. “I don’t think I could! I would feel like a spy.”
“I’ll go with you,” I said, laughing. “We can go tomorrow.”
“You’re helping so much,” protested Maddie. “I feel like I’m taking advantage of you!”
“So far, all I’ve done is reorganize your papers and drink your coffee. I think I can make the effort. Besides, I think once you see what I’m talking about with systems, you’ll be clearer in your own head, and that will help you move forward.”
“I just feel like I’m taking a bunch of your time.”
“It’s my time. I can spend it how I want. I’ve spent way too long rushing through people to get to work. I’m tired of it. I want to connect with people.”
I stopped talking as I realized I’d probably said too much.
“That is literally why I started Deja Brew,” said Maddie. “I was tired of feeling like I was on the outside of life. I wanted to connect to people.”
“Then let’s connect,” I said, lifting my espresso cup. “I’ll come by tomorrow, and we’ll go coffee shopping.”
“I would love to coffee shop with you.” Maddie smiled at me, and I tried not to sigh.
Business.
This was just business.
6
MADDIE
I laughed as Felix held the door open for me and made a little bow to usher me into our fourth coffee shop. I’d already had to give up on ordering coffee. Otherwise, I would have been shaking like a nervous Pomeranian. I was sticking with whatever herbal tea they had available. Three coffee shops in, it had become clear that most coffee places did not support tea drinkers. It was making the Deja Brew tea selection—which I’d felt was a bit paltry—look extensive. After the second location, I realized that Deja Brew also had better furniture. My chairs were far more comfortable than average. But it had only taken one location to realize that, besides being a complete dreamboat, Felix Faraday was kind, thoughtful, and funny.
“OK,” said Felix, looking around. “What I’m seeing is that their queuing is a disaster. Their artwork is too corporate, and there is a safety hazard with the kitchen door swing.”
“The trash needs to be taken out, and the baristas are unhappy,” I said. “Also, you’re right about the artwork. Why, just why? There are so many great local artists.”
