43 cent coffee
March 16, 2007
This morning I decided to treat myself with a large coffee from McDonalds. About a year ago they switched to an organic Newman’s Own coffee and I pretty much love it. It’s even fair trade. And, like the reigning drive-thru coffee competitors, they started to add cream and sugar for you. What more could I ask? I have a special appreciation for this coffee, since about the time I discovered it I was visiting my mom, a fellow drive-thru coffee splurger, in Syracuse and, much to my disappointment, their “new coffee” was a different version…some “premium roast” crap. Anyways, further research shows that the Newman’s Own Green Mountain Coffee is exclusively a New England thing, and Albany is the western most point to offer it. I feel an obligation to patronize McDonalds, even if it is only to buy coffee, in order to show my appreciation for their decision to include Albany on the awesomeness. Since McDonalds is about 100 yards from my office, it’s hard not to splurge every day, so today was kind of a special occasion.
When I ordered, she said “that’ll be forty-three.” I responded”one forty-three?” (recalling that it’s usually close to two dollars) and she said “no, forty-three cents.” I looked at her kind of perplexed and, acknowledging my confusion, she replied with impeccable customer service and patience with, “What, do you want to pay more?” I was looking more for an explanation, like “You are the 43rd person to buy a large coffee at this location today! Your coffee will only be 43 cents!” (accompanied of course by balloons and confetti). Alas, her snooty comment was all I got. But who cares! I got coffee for 43 cents! I mean, it’s no Starbucks (dare I say it’s actually better?) but it does the job. Now I have to know…was this just a fluke or a permanent change?
