Buy and install a new wheel. Then have the current one fixed. Next time, swap out wheels and you won't have to drive.
Side note- most of the LBS that I've dealt with ran similar to what you described, save for the fact that even their weekend help is generally more knowledgeable than I am. The weekends are typically the busiest for bike sales, so they tend to leave the repair stands free for last minute inspections and adjustments.