Dunn Bros. in Uptown: change of support

kyteroo

122 pages

Posted
April 10, 2008 - 8:04am

Dunn Bros. in Uptown: change of support

Yes, I'm still having the meetup here today, at DB on Sheridan.
:> I can no longer recommend the Dunn Bros. in Uptown/Sheridan Ave/Lake Hiawatha areas only because they are way too busy and have had to become somewhat anti-computers.

kyteroo

122 pages

Posted
April 10, 2008 - 8:13am

RE: My longer take on things. Skip if you wish.

I'm not even sure if I should post this. So, I'm putting it in a comment so I might be able to delete it.

The only space allowed for computers is where one person gets decent chair and the partner gets a back ache due to NO back support thats proper. I don't mean not ergonomic. No, I don't expect that at all. What I mean is, that they have this bar that hits you right at middle of the back and open space below that. It used to be a pew I think somewheres, but don't quote me on that. I might be very wrong. All the other plug-ins spots have been turned off so that computers can't plug-in. The issue was they had everyone and their cousin each taking up one table with one laptop. I don't blame them really.

Okay, now the questionable part:
I used to come here once during Nanowrimo and sit by the window and look outside for inspiration. Now, I get to sit as far away from the window as you can get, where the only inspiration is loud blenders. The atmosphere is not the greatest anymore. I can't see anything that reminds me of England - the whole purpose of coming here! I won't be coming to this particular location anymore because their is nothing to come here for. The other location didn't have fake England, even with my imagination. And, they were so overly busy, that I didn't think they would appreciate anyone coming their to write on a laptop for any real amount of time.

Now the amusing part:
It amazing that in Uptown, they can't get enough of DB. They have 3 locations here alone, 1 IN Uptown, 1 on 33rd and Hennepin, and another on Sheridan and 43rd. And, 5 blocks away, that have another one, on Xerxes and 50th. That one might work, maybe. I was told that that one isn't as busy. Whats also funny is that in the suburbs I can't get people to go to DB. They prefer the competitors - both of them. Weird! I'll never understand humans and their preferences as long as I live. :)

lemoncakes

12 pages

Posted
April 10, 2008 - 8:36am

RE: My longer take on things. Skip if you wish.

They're kind of shooting themselves in the foot, aren't they? It's ridiculous that they would get rid of the very reason their customers want to come there. I mean, I love coffee and I'll go anywhere to get it, but I'd rather go to a place that has space and atmosphere conducive to work.

It's a shame that people weren't willing to share tables. There have been times where I've gone to my favorite local shop and there wasn't an available table near an outlet, but usually someone sees my angst and offers to share their outlet.

I hope you find somewhere welcoming to write!

kyteroo

122 pages

Posted
April 10, 2008 - 9:48am

RE: My longer take on things. Skip if you wish.

Thanks! I usually go to the Dunn Bros in Anoka or Elk River, depending on how long I'm staying. Anoka is less busy, so if I'm going to be there a few hours, I go there. They can use the business. Elk River is usually pretty busy, but not too busy.

The problem they have here is that NO ONE likes Caribou in this area. The Caribou went in and went bust. LOL They can't open up enough Dunn Bros. to handle the weekend and summer crowds. They are more empty during the week, but thats not saying much. Currently, they only have 6 customers, but this morning, around 10, they had 2 free tables. The problem in Anoka, is that they can't keep the DB well supported. Its totally opposite. Weird! Everyone prefers the smaller Caribou. I have wondered though, if a change of decorating inside DB to a french garden cafe motif, would help attract customers and put me out of business? I'd lose my quiet, coffee shop. LOL I might suggest it to them anyways.

Tpkyteroo jaunting off to the galactic trig to write Bea, Kat and Fouroa Milfs University