I'm late to the Aroma Joe's experience. I say late because it was only a month ago, while driving home through Gray and jonesing for an iced coffee, I rolled through that drive-thru location and was pleased.
On Wednesday afternoon, in the midst of a major home improvement project and on my way back from the local hardware store, I decided I needed an iced coffee. Since I've been rolling with a plant-based orientation of late and not wanting any dairy in my iced coffee (I used to love my IC with a moderate amount of Half & Half, or cream), I figured I'd have to go soy. I know places like Starbucks aren't averse to accommodating vegan requests, but figured the McDonald's in town would be. That's when I passed the AJ's location on Lisbon Street. I had to roll around the block and came back by.
When I pulled up to the ordering window, no one was there. Since I hadn't been to this location, I figured I was missing something or I was at the wrong window. Should I have ordered at the drive-thru sign? I backed up (no one was behind me). Nothing.
Back to the first window. Were they closed? Seems like everything else in my old hometown is or is in the process.
At the 2nd window, an employee popped her head out and was apologetic. "I'm so sorry," she said. "I didn't see you at first."
I asked about an iced coffee with soy and she answered in the affirmative. I was in luck.
When she came back, she offered to comp my drink. I told her that wasn't necessary. The 30-something manager also came to the window and explained that she was going over procedures and that they didn't see me pull up. She again apologized for the "poor service," and while I appreciated her acknowledging it, I didn't expect a free drink. However, she insisted and said she wanted to be sure I came back, when I told her it was my first visit.
I told her and the other employee that "I was a fan," and thanked them.
It's nice in a world where perfunctory service is the norm, to go places where the bar is a bit higher than that. This location of Aroma Joe's certainly fits the bill in that regard.
I will definitely be back! read more