I went to Odelay for the first time yesterday to celebrate a milestone in training with the women's running group I coach. I met Ryan, the owner, and he is energetic and really looking to create a great experience and atmosphere for his customers--and he does it exceedingly well. He went above and beyond the call of customer service, as any locally owned shop should do. Through the suggestion of several of the runners in my group, Ryan had agreed to put up a sign congratulating one of my runners on her accomplishment (running at least one mile a day for 365 straight days), so that she would be surprised with it when she went to the counter to get coffee upon completion of her run.
As a fellow employee of a small business, I can say with authority that this type of treatment is the defining reason everyone should support local businesses. As a coach and athlete, I appreciate that Ryan leaves a water cooler out very early in the morning for local athletes to rehydrate and cool off. Runners, cyclists and people out for a walk are sure to tip their respective hats to that thoughtful treatment, especially in our extreme weather months. Oh, and try the black pepper parmesan bagel while you're there.