For years I’ve visited a little coffee shop called Java Creek in Denver’s Cherry Creek North neighborhood. I’ve watched the business change hands several times and during this last winter the name over the door changed to C.R.E.A.M. Espresso and Baked Goods. Each new would-be entrepreneur treated the coffee shop with the same level of entitlement and informality—unpredictable hours, inconsistent coffee, and mediocre service that bordered on disdain for my existence.
Nonetheless, I begrudingly come back because it’s ten minutes away from my house by bicycle, it’s independently owned, has free wifi and a cozy storefront patio. Even if they’re closed, I know I can post up outside and take care of business.
Today, I rolled up expecting the little neon sign to be dim but surprisingly found white linen on the tables and the door open. On the chalkboard next to the front door read “Café Colorado Now Open”
It was their first day of business. It took three employees to figure out exactly what, where, and how to make Chai Tea when I ordered it. I held out my insulated mug but received the chai in a paper cup anyway. Twelve minutes wrestling with the cash register ended when I told the man at the helm which button to push. When the register drawer finally popped open, he was so flustered he made incorrect change.
The new staff—obviously a group of family and friends—appeared embarrassed, but I didn’t blink an eye. As I said before, I’ve seen plenty of amateurs running the show at this coffee shop.
But then everything changed: I spilled my chai outside (attempting to transfer it into my mug) and the staff rushed to my aid, wiping up the mess, apologizing profusely, and making another chai for me at no charge. I’m still sitting outside—and still feeling very impressed.
As other friends and family paid them opening day visits, I overheard plans for evening entertainment, a much needed refinishing of the patio, and other various improvements. So I’ll be back, as always, but for once I’m actually excited about it.
And for the record, the Chai Tea was fabulous.
Café Colorado. Corner of Third Avenue and Columbine Street, Cherry Creek North. 303-377-8902.
