Community Corner

For Commuters' Opinions, Free Coffee and News

An online survey asks riders what they'd like to see on offer at Darien's train station concession stands.

For years, Jerry Carney has been serving commuters with the java, news and eats they need to start their day on a good note. But business isn't quite what it was when Carney first opened the concession stands at the Darien and Noroton Heights train stations seven years ago.

"We do get a steady line, but the newspaper industry is in decline. People are so health conscious—you gotta look sharp—they don't want pastries anymore," said Carney.

Beverage sales are also down with the introduction of nearby cafes, and without a license from the Health Department to cook on site, there's a limit to what Carney can offer commuters for breakfast.

"We're always looking to increase our business and better serve our commuters, so I wanted to reach out and ask: what else can we do for you?" Carney said.

That's why Carney has teamed up with Chair of the Connecticut Commuter Rail Council and Darien resident Jim Cameron to create an online survey to gauge riders needs.

"He was brainstorming ideas, so I offered him my tech-savvy," said Cameron. "We think riders may come up with some novel ideas. Apparently [the recent introduction of] bananas turned out to be a surprise hit."

The survey will run for three weeks and asks commuters six simple questions about how they currently use the concession stand and what they'd like to see on offer. A seventh question asks for contact information for the chance to win free coffee and news.

"We'll draw three winners on May 15, and they'll get a free coffee and a free newspaper for a month," said Carney.

Carney's concession spaces, which he rents from the town, are open for business from 4:30 a.m. through 9 a.m.

Find the online survey here: Commuter Services Survey, and keep it here at darien.patch.com for survey results and updates.


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