... and one suspended - sigh

[ashling]

This story will warm you better than a coffee on a cold winter day:
"We enter a little coffeehouse with a friend of mine and give our order. While we're approaching our table two people come in and they go to the counter -
'Five coffees, please. Two of them for us and three suspended'
They pay for their order, take the two and leave. I ask my friend:
'What are those 'suspended' coffees?'
'Wait for it and you will see'
Some more people enter. Two girls ask for one coffee each, pay and go. The next order was for seven coffees and it was made by three lawyers - three for them and four 'suspended'. While I still wonder what's the deal with those 'suspended' coffees I enjoy the sunny weather and the beautiful view towards the square in front of the cafe. Suddenly a man dressed in shabby clothes who looks like a beggar comes in through the door and kindly asks
'Do you have a suspended coffee?'
It's simple - people pay in advance for a coffee meant for someone who can not afford a warm beverage. The tradition with the suspended coffees started in Naples, but it has spread all over the world and in some places you can order not only a suspended coffee, but also a sandwich or a whole meal."

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. That is beautiful, my dear ashling...

Thank you.

K&R

[TreasonousBastard]

2. Where is this? I have heard of it being done...

before, but I never remember where.

[onestepforward]

4. I found this story on "Snopes"

It started in Italy:

http://www.snopes.com/glurge/suspended.asp

It's a lovely story!

[ashling]

5. No idea

the piece says it started in Naples and has spread all over the world. I have never heard of it

[BlueToTheBone]

8. This may be in Portland

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/steve_duin/index.ssf/2013/05/steve_duin_portland_joins_susp.html

[TreasonousBastard]

9. Interesting that he gives a discount...

and takes the coffee cards for this.

Otherwise, the real beneficiary might be the coffee shop owner who doubles his sale but doesn't help pay for the freebies. The article does a slightly cynical take asking if it's charity or a marketing hook.

I'd say both, but still a good thing in the end.

On edit-- love the quote from the article:

"The charitable motives are mixed. When C.S. Lewis was once asked if he wasn't worried that the money he handed to a beggar would be spent on cigarettes and beer, he replied, "What do you think I was going to spend it on?"

[Wounded Bear]

3. Wow, what a great idea....

Love it!

[Tuesday Afternoon]

6. DU Rec

[Xyzse]

7. That is so awesome!

Now if I could only afford opening up a coffee shop, I'd love to pull that off.