Take cell phone calls outside or away from customers
No more than 50 people allowed on the main floor
No smoking within 20 feet of the building
Employees only in marked areas
Take cell phone calls outside or away from customers. The Donkey is a place where many students go to study, write papers, or even just to relax and sip on a latte. Like most cafes and restaurants, there are usually written and sometimes unwritten policies on phone use inside the establishment. It is a simple courtesy to take any phone calls outside and not disturb any other customers or workers.
No more that 50 people allowed on the main floor. This is another written rule located on the wall of the first floor notifying customers that there is a maximum capacity of people that are legally allowed to be in the first floor at any given time. Personally, I have never seen anyone get kicked out because of this written, but it is a necessary precaution in case a situation ever presents itself.
No smoking more within 20 feet of the building. This written rule is located outside of The Donkey. Although this rule is posted, many partons seem to disregard this rule as I have seen many customers smoking at the outside tables located within 20 feet of the building. I think this written rule is posted to keep the non-smokers at ease even though at times it is ignored.
Employees Only in marked areas. This written rule can be seen in the picture below. Almost all establishments have these areas marked off so that the customers know where they can and can not go. If these written rules were not posted, patrons might travel to places that would disrupt the flow of business or even cause danger to the customers or workers.
Understood Rules:
Maintain an appropriate noise level for the present atmosphere
No smoking inside
Observe proper etiquette for live music/performances
Return all cups and glassware when finished
No patrons behind the counter
No animals inside
Only sitting on the chairs
No horseplay
Maintain an appropriate noise level for the present atmosphere. The Donkey is a popular place for people to go to read, study, converse, or even enjoy some live music. The atmosphere will change based on the events occurring on any given day. During times when there is live music, it is appropriate to talk at a moderately loud volume, and to applaud when it is desired. On days when there is no live music, it is understood that patrons will keep conversations at a reasonably low volume, as to maintain an environment conducive to studying or reading. This rule is for the comfort and respect of the people inside.
No smoking is allowed inside of the Donkey: This rule applies to all businesses in Ohio, so it is not explicitly posted inside the Donkey. It is assumed that patrons will observe this rule as they would in any other public building. This rule is for the comfort and health of all patrons and workers inside the building.
Live
Music / performances: The Donkey coffee house holds live performances.
Located in the back of the Donkey there is a small stage and during live
performances patrons are not allowed on stage and disruption of performances
will not be permitted. This place is specific for low key acoustic
performances. It is not a large concert hall that holds performances that
require large equipment and very loud concerts. The live performances are
geared toward the community as well; the setting becomes a gathering for locals
and amateur performers. It is understood that those in attendance should be
respectful and attentive to the performance. It is different than other places
nearby that also offer live music. The fact that The Donkey does not offer
alcoholic drinks enhances the contrast to other nearby places.
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The donkey
coffee house is a space that is designed for the local community, as this place
has a specific atmosphere that would not fit easily into a different location.
(Like E. State St.) It is not discriminative to age or gender or race. It is
designed for college students and people who enjoy spending their time drinking
coffee, socializing or enjoying live music in calm laid back atmosphere. It
reminds me of the subculture of the beatniks from the late 50’s early 60’s in
which origins were intellectually based with a deep association in the arts.
RETURN GLASS COFFEE
MUGS TO COFFEE PREP AREA WHEN EXITING. This rule is understood from the
informational sign that states (Glass mugs go here with a arrow indicating a
plastic bus tub) The staff ratio also indicates a self service operation as
there are not waitresses/waiters moving around outside the coffee prep area.
The atmosphere of The Donkey has many community informational signs that
correspond with this understood rule, implying that this is a very pro-active
community involved atmosphere indicating a self service operation.
The Donkey is a
big place compared to the area they have set aside for coffee prep. That
becomes an indication that much of the space that this operation occupies, is
left for the patrons to mingle and socialize. Considering the location of this
business is near campus a lot of students make up the majority of the business.
Once you receive your ordered coffee from the counter you are able to choose
seating in four different rooms. When ordering a coffee to enjoy there, it is
served in a large modern glass mug the atmosphere then comes into play that-
you as the patron are trusted to bring the mug back to the used mug area. This
aspect of the self service operation makes one feel like they belong there, and
creates the laid back calm feeling of the beginnings that you are part of this
place that represents the community as a whole. I feel as all of the community
informational signs go hand in hand with this offered trust of becoming part of
the whole in hopes for return business and community involvement.
No patrons behind the counter: The counter itself
serves as a barrier between patron and employee, and all transactions are done
here. This barrier can prevent
theft as well as unwanted use of store equipment. At an establishment such as
the Donkey, it can get fairly crowded and space can be limited. The employees
working behind the counter are busy filling orders and any unnecessary bodies
would get in the way. The staff is also trained on how to use all the equipment
and work the cash register, and most regular patrons are not. This rule is understood in most places
of business and it is common knowledge that the people behind the counters are
employees of the business.
No pets inside : This rule is common
at most places of business, especially ones that serve food or drinks. This
rule is in place to maintain the satisfaction of the customers. Although you
may love your pet, others may not.
Many people are allergic to dog or cat hair, and this can create an
uncomfortable environment for those people. Pets can make messes as well, whether it be shedding hair,
knocking things over, or going to the bathroom unexpectedly. Not all pets are
trained well. Some pets,
especially dogs, can bark unexpectedly and can disrupt customers who are there
to study or relax. This rule does have one exception, and that is for service
animals. These animals are trained to help people with disabilities, and are
allowed in most businesses.
Use the provided furniture for its
intended use and in a respectful manner. There are a variety of types of
seating available in the Donkey. Some options include couches, armchairs, and
regular style cafe tables. There are also chairs and tables for those who
choose to sit out front of the shop. No matter where your seating arrangement
is located, it is understood that you be seated on the furniture and not
standing or using it in an unintended manner. There is to be no defacing of the
furniture or one would be asked to replace it at once.
No Horseplay. Although Donkey is a relaxed atmosphere
where you can hang out and socialize with friends, there are still confinements
to the limits of the building. The space is rather limited and the arrangement
of the place is crammed and small so horseplay would not be tolerated. Also,
this is still a place where people come in order to do work and have meetings
so causing a large amount of distraction would be considered grounds for being
asked to leave the premises. All out horseplay may not be acceptable here,
however; the building is divided into many different spaces that allow for
different amounts of noise level and activity. Located in the middle room is an
area for board games. Also, in the far back there is a small stage that allows
for activities such as open mic night. The upstairs generally remains a quieter
area used mostly for studying.
