Coffee Shop Protects Customers Against Flu

Josiah's Coffee Shop's is working to fight the flu season that came with a bang by taking some extra steps to keep their customers healthy.

That's because taking money or handing a cup of coffee to a customer is an easy way to pass germs.

"Whether you are passing money or serving food, whatever your situation is, because we have so much interaction from people outside, it's just vitally important that we are as sanitary as possible," owner Steve Hildebrand said.

Josiah's Coffee House sees many people throughout the day looking for a pick-me-up. Employees have been able to spot someone in line who's battling the dreaded flu, which is why they aren't taking any chances.

"I know that you have a lot of contact with customers.  I did get my flu shot, so I feel I'm pretty well covered on that aspect.  But I do know we don't want to spread it so washing and hand sanitizer," barista Scott Cooper said. 

And even with all of the hand washing and sanitizer use, Hildebrand takes things one step further to ensure his employees and customers stay healthy.

"The one thing I have insisted on as we have headed into winter, if an employee begins to get sick or says they are sick, I don't allow them to work here.  I send them home; I tell them to stay home.  They need to get healthy and they need to not spread disease," Hildebrand said.

Which, according to employees, seems to be working because not one of them has come down with the flu.  So for Cooper, the rule is a good one.

"That's probably the best way, especially since we are dealing with customers and food,  If you don't feel good, stay home.  They can cover it; someone can cover it," Cooper said.

Like all year around, Hildebrand says his employees are diligent about hand washing and wiping down tables with sanitizer after every customer.