FARMINGTON — Pine Tree Cellular owner Glen Pound picked up the tab Monday for customers at Java Joe’s Corner Cafe in Farmington.

The two Main Street businesses have previously cooperated in a customer-appreciation coffee purchase, Maria Stevens, Java Joe’s manager, said.

“He’s done it before. It’s a way to say thank you to customers,” she said.

Pound prepays a certain amount and Java Joe’s provides the coffee for anyone, whether a Pine Tree Cellular customer or not, she said. Business was steady Monday. Customers had no idea the coffee was free.

Scott Landry of Shiretown Insurance threw a bill on the counter, only to have Stevens tell him to put it away. 

Although another coffee shop might reach even more people, Pound chose Java Joe’s because both businesses are locally owned and operated, he said.

One of his sales representatives spent time mingling with customers at Java Joe’s before heading for work. Pound said his business tries to stay involved in the community as much as possible, including supporting the local animal shelter.

abryant@sunjournal.com