Street: So do you work the late night?
MB: Yeah, I work from 10 [p.m.] to 3 [a.m.].
Street: How is that working out for you?
MB: It's not that bad. It started out kinda rough but then I got into the habit of staying up till 7 [a.m.] and then waking up at like 4 [p.m.] I come to work around 10.
Street: Cool, so what is the atmosphere like here?
MB: It's hit or miss. Most people just come in here and study so they're not too bad. They're kinda quiet.
Street: You are open till three right? Why aren't you open 24 hours?
MB: People after three aren't buying coffee, they are just sitting here studying. It would be like a library at that point. I mean, I don't want to be here anymore so 10 to three is fine for me. I have been asked though, why don't we stay open 24 hours. People would like to be here all night. They love hanging out here.
Street: Crazy Penn students.
MB: Yeah you guys are out of your minds.
Street: Do you ever overhear any interesting conversations going on?
MB: People on cell phones are funny but most of the time it's people that fall asleep on their computers with their faces on the keyboard.
Street: A little drool action going on?
MB: Exactly. And people falling asleep on couches and then waking up with their laptops on their faces. That's the best part of the job.
Street: I hear there's a little bit of rivalry between Spectaguards and the University City police that goes on in here.
MB: Well, I do notice that the Spectaguards come in and chill for a little bit. But rivalry? No I think that's a rumor. I'm crushing that rumor right now. I've never seen a rap battle or anything like that.
Street: How would you say you were better than Starbucks?
MB: First of all, our drinks are cheaper. I mean, we make the same stuff as Starbucks but I like to think we put a little more love into it. I also don't think we are as lame as Starbucks.People come in here and think they are ordering from Starbucks and we stop them and are like, "No, just dumb it down." That and also we are just cheaper which is better for the student pocket.
Street: Well, McDonald's just got a new premium coffee and that's a dollar. Have you noticed any business change?
MB: The only thing I've ever seen is that people bring in here their McDonald's [food] and order our coffee. But uh, I do notice that Dunkin Donuts has started making coffee with a shot of espresso in it and people are now coming in here and asking for it but that's really the only outside influence. I'm not too worried about McDonald's. We don't give a crap about McDonald's. You can quote me on that.
Street: Are there any customers that you are particularly close with that you see every night?
MB: Well one of the Spectaguards, he's been here a while, Ray. He's cool. He comes in here sometimes to chat for a little while and then goes back out on his route. Customer-wise, there are some customers that come in and order the exact same thing so we know as soon as they come in. There's a guy and a girl. I guess they are a couple, they come in and get a tall earl gray and a tall chamomile tea.
Street: Ohhh, are they European?
MB: No. But they're pretty cool. They come in everynight. I think they like the fact that we know them. But I don't really know anybody by name. I guess at a certain hour, people shut down and just want their coffee.
