I just visited the Mama Fu’s Web site and discovered that there are only 17 locations at present (possibly less, depending on when yours shut down and when the Web site was last updated). I think some of these places go out of their way to seem more like a big chain, and that makes people feel like the stores will stay open, regardless of their individual patronage. I thought there were more Mama Fu’s in Jacksonville, and I certainly thought there were more nationally. I wish there were a Tijuana Flats out here so I could give them my money and they could give me their burritos and myriad hot sauces.

In Denver, we live less than a block from an excellent coffee house. I go there often and spend lots of money. It isn’t just that I get a better espresso drink for my money, but that I’m paying to keep the place open. I buy my whole-bean coffee there, too. Hell, I even bought a hat with the logo on it.

The other place we frequent is a Thai restaurant that has been owned and operated by this awesome little man for 29 years. I like to think that three decades gives a person some sort of tenure in the retail world, but I know it’s not the case–especially for restaurants. Some nights, the place is packed. Others, we’re the only ones there. It seems to have lots of local regulars, though. But, even though it’s been open for almost 30 years, and even though we’ve only been patrons for one year, I would feel absolutely responsible if we didn’t eat there for a month or two and came back to a closed business.

On the other hand, there’s a place nearby that serves boba tea and crepes. It opened just two weeks before we moved here, and we got tea there and met the owners while apartment hunting. We went back throughout the process of becoming comfortable in a new town, and talked with them frequently. I think boba tea is awesome, and I really like the owners of this establishment, but I know that boba’s not ever going to have the sort of attraction here that a mocha or a frappuccino might. So, we go as often as we can.

Also, I tend to stick with the 15% rule when it comes to tipping (When a service has been provided, that is. What is it with just any old retail place putting the tip line on their receipts? Am I meant to tip you for running the register?), but the tips go up when the service is superior, natch, or when the establishment and/or the people who work there are are providing a service that I would be heartbroken to lose.

So why do I frequent them? Because I want them to survive. They’re a gathering place. They have book readings. They’re fun to hang out in. And if they leave, what will I get in their place? Probably a fast food chain. Great. Just what I need. One more honkin’ pile of McNuggets to be shoveled into my community’s mouths (while the profits get funneled back to McD’s headquarters, instead of staying in my community).

So I don’t think, “Wow! I can buy it cheaper at Amazon.” Because maybe I can buy the book cheaper at Amazon, but I can’t buy the community at Amazon. And at the end of the day, the book’s a commodity and the community isn’t.