Marking a trendy trend among the trendy artisan set, Communal Coffee in San Diego’s North Park neighborhood won’t accept your money for payment. Your credit or debit card is legal tender, even Apple Pay, but keep bills or coins in pocket, purse, or wallet.
The privilege of digital currency comes with a perk—and one some of you won’t want: The tip nag screen that appears during the purchase process. Oh, don’t feel guilt or pressure, with the glaring eyes of the barista bearing down on you with expectation of 20-percent or more gratuity to top off that swank latte with almond milk.
Communal Coffee is the future-present of commerce, where cash is no longer king (or queen). Someday soon, an AI-driven machine will make your brew and take your digital payment—no barista, or other human, required. How’s that for ambiance?
I used Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra to take the Featured Image, yesterday. Vitals: f/1.7, ISO 10, 1/180 sec, 23mm (film equivalent); 8:16 a.m. PDT.