Cafe Etiquettigasmica

I have decided it best to not only post negative behaviors, but to also accentuate positive etiquette examples. Once such example is Borderlands Cafe at 870 Valencia in the Mission. It is a lovely little place to grab a chai or cheese plate, but it also serves as a beacon of etiquette. Borderlands owner Alan Beatts and his pals next door at the sister bookstore have devised a way not only to set a fine example, but to request manners of their patrons. They have created and placed several clever little signs that request positive behaviors intended to keep everyone in the cafe politely pleased. One such sign reads:

Won't You Be My Neighbor?

If the cafe is busy and there is an empty seat next to you, why not

offer it to your fellow patrons? It's just the neighborly thing to do.

Thank You

Wow! What a great way to manage a busy cafe and as a bonus create a cool communal feeling, allowing people to maybe get to know one another. Others signs remind people to stay off their cell phones indoors and at the counter etc. These little reminders are so successful that I have yet to go into this establishment and see anyone not following the rules, but of course the asshole that doesn't like to do what he/she either knows is right or chooses to ignore these simple requests will occasionally come in and disrupt the calm. According to Beatts when this happens any member of his trusted staff has his permission to have said patron leave.

Another point of praise is the excellent example set by the staff. This is a truly polite crew, well schooled in etiquette that would make any entrepreneur, customers or mother proud. Hats off to Borderlands Cafe and the mommys (and daddys) who helped shape the men and women behind the Borderlands team.

*NO PAYMENT, BRIBES, FREEBIES OR FAVORS OF ANY SORT INFLUENCED THE WRITING OF THIS POST. THEY JUST FREAKING ROCK.