I used to commute into London from an unremarkable train station that had a remarkable coffee 'hut' on the platform. I was aware that he and his helpers had a 5

I used to commute into London from an unremarkable train station that had a remarkable coffee 'hut' on the platform. I was aware that he and his helpers had a 5 a.m. start but their day was not anywhere near as long as the customers with their commutes. In chatting with the guy I realised he had more money, time, friends, trips to the country and holidays abroad than me. Unlike every other platform coffee place en-route his 'hut' was not part of a chain, the coffee was essentially unbranded. Okay, captive market, known footfall, no opportunity for growth, however, I think that Neville was getting the economics right. He also does customer service and remembers everyone's name. So by the time you get to the front of the queue your drink will be made to your normal specifications already. As well as working back the queue he also keeps an eye on time, so he will give you a wink or a no if there really is no chance of you getting your drink and the train. There is no branding, no lifestyle to be sold, just what you want for your commute. Prices are not overly cheap but certainly not expensive for London. So you pay a fair price for a fair product. His helpers are family members as well as his daughter's friends. So it is a team of two on site with his other half dropping off supplies. Despite the dawn starts they have nothing to complain about, job satisfaction is high. I respect the business acumen and hard work that goes on at this particular owner operated place, it is a business I want to support. I don't feel I have to though, I would buy from the nearby Costa if that was the only option and pay the 50p surcharge with delay. I don't believe Neville is waiting for Starbucks to buy him out for millions and I doubt that he cares that his kids go into the business, since he hasn't even 'expanded' to the other platform yet - 'branched out' - I doubt he wants to take on the world with some mission statement to deliver excellent coffee (with everyone's names remembered). There is no romantic love of coffee, the business is just what it is, there is no struggle, it is all under control. Edit... P.S. What happened to Slate, why are they no longer a thing?