We used to have a great bike shop around here, for decades, until it went under a few years back. It was run by the owner, co-owner, and a mechanic, and the shop used to organize a big Sunday club ride, as well as other related stuff. Very often when I'd go in, all three of them would be working on bikes, but also casually chatting and joking with a couple customers, who you could say were "hanging out" rather than just waiting to get rung up.
So it wasn't exactly an actual 'hang out', and they surely didn't provide coffee and donuts, (though there were barstools at the big main counter IIRC), but it was a roomy, friendly place that seemed to routinely have folks hanging out and chatting, for longer than their business required. It was just that kinda place.
We have another older shop, that's considerably smaller and tighter, so it seems that folks just do their business, and hit the road.
Originally Posted by
downhillmaster
Mostly incorrect and maybe you haven’t noticed but people frequently hang at local repair shops to talk cars.
And if Walmart specialized in one thing people would hang there to talk about it.
I guess you never hung out at a bar either?
Because that is also someone’s workplace.
Agreed, well said. Our big local music store is another good example. The guys working the guitar section are local players, and socialize with everyone. Folks hang out for long stretches there, and always have.