Announcing a new world wide movement: "Pay The Rent Saturdays!"

A plan to support local business beginning Saturday January 25th!

Okay people, I'm not going to bullshit you: things get a little tight around the coffee shop this time of year. More so, there is this guy called "the landlord" and this thing called "the rent" and together they can be a real drag. It seems like almost every month he is all, "Yo, give me some money" and I'm like, "Dude...I ain't got that kind of scratch handy."  So I need some friends to come in and buy a drink or a sandwich and help us "Pay the Rent".

We all know that buying local is much better for the planet, economy, and our collective well-being but let's face it, who hasn't sat in a drive-through burning gas just to get one sweet taste of Starbuck's overpriced Beelzebub blend? I know I have. Say what you want about The Devil or McDonald's, but if they know one thing it's location,location,location!

It's not like I'm are asking for a huge favor. We have great coffee, mocha, lattés and all that jazz that you can get at all the big places. Don't like coffee? No problem: we've got hot chocolate, breakfast sandwiches, grilled cheese & tomato soup, etc. And free WIFI. Come hang out. Study. Stalk your ex on Facebook, perhaps? Good times.

"But I really like the big corporate chain stores," you say?

Once again, no problem. Here at Colin's Coffee, we aim to please. On "Pay The Rent Saturday", we will have a jar out where you can just give us money and you do not have to order anything. You can support local business and then walk across our parking lot, choke down some crappy McYuks swill and still feel good about yourself. It's a win-win!

                                                                     One Day a Month!

In all seriousness, I stare out the windows of Colin's Coffee every single morning and watch the McDonald's drive-through line overflow down the street. And I get it. That's just how it is. People are busy and while we all agree "buying local" is the right thing to do, it just isn't always convenient or affordable. So here is what I propose: just one day a month - the last Saturday - go and patronize a local business, Colin's Coffee or whomever. Try a small local restaurant, or grocery store, or record store or bar. Or go see a band or whatever. Go to the Clarmont. Oh wait, too late, it's gone. Everybody misses the local place when they read about them closing in the paper/online but the best time to miss them is while they are still in need of your business. Pay that place a visit one day a month.

Write it in your calendar and plan in advance, like researching a local vacation. The last Saturday of every month is when you give the little guy a shot. We're just asking for 12 days out of 365. Not only will it improve your community, I guarantee you will be glad you tried it. Thanks for reading this and if you agree, please pass along the movement. Also, share some local places you recommend  for "Pay the Rent Saturday". Personally, I see Dirty Frank's Hot Dogs in my future. - Colin

Colin Gawel is best known as the founder of the worldwide, "Pay the Rent" movement. Additionally, he plays in Watershed, The Lonely Bones, and once ranked every single Cheap Trick song in a 29 page essay. He is a husband, father, songwriter, fantasy baseball player and Pencilstorm contributor. He moonlights as a coffee shop owner. colingawel.com