The Greggies 2015
Last Saturday we were a no-show beyond 2pm at all stores usually open at that hour. But with very good reason. Months in advance, the day was set as the 24-hour mark for celebrating all employees and attempting to validate the immeasurable work they do to deliver top-notch coffee and a ceaselessly positive environment.
Gregory, attempting composure in anticipation.
The occasion was also a red-ribbon moment of sorts, as everyone bar Gregory got a first look at what's soon to be a roastery - the Gregorys Roastery. Still somewhat hush hush as to when we're officially up and running with it, but we got to observe the massive space and creep up on some roasters that you might mistake for a train. Our excitement could be deemed similar: train-like in its capacity to bulldoze our common standing and fall over ourselves in rapture. Even still, we must compose ourselves and appreciate the current state of our wonderful relationship with Irving Farm Coffee Roasters, who allow us to exercise an effective complete control over our coffees, and be with the roaster at every step of the way in deciding upon (i.e. tweaking fanatically) the final roast profile for the coffees that land in our stores.
Anyhow, enough of the future and some more on last Saturday: a feast was set, glasses were raised and dances married body and soul. There were also prizes. But before we get to that, let's have a look at some of the cast:
Here's 39th and Fash looking, well, fashionable - and Phillipe (not of Fash) taking care of lighting.
Here's most of the 31st St. crew - Esther missed the group shot, and was duly photoshopped into existence thereafter.
The ladies of 80 Broad, and Gregg (yes, Gregg) photobombing - but more on him later.
33rd and Park, out in force - Phillipe, once again, out of place.
BUT, here's Phillipe and Zenda, representing 40th and Mad as assistant manager and manager respectively.
With these wonderful folks flocking to the Greggies, the setting was quickly saturated with chitter-chat and clinking cutlery. A few hours of this and Maciej (Director of Coffee), Bailey (Director of Education), and Gregory (Gregory) then took center-stage to dish out prizes for all those baristas worthy in a specific (sometimes silly) feat of going above and beyond in all-round good service:
The Trio
The prizes went from most likely to say "I'm Dead" (with laughter) to a lifetime achievement award (with no "I'm Dead" in sight, thankfully); there was a broad appeal to a sense of fun, matched by a high-spirited sense of appreciation on all fronts. Here are a few of the victors:
Ecstatic Reactions - here's Duane with Cookie Monster on high; he won best vocal performance, Hardcore/Metalcore.
Ariel won the "Customer Helper" award for the all-day arm and leg he gives; he got a Star Wars set cus he's a real... Trooper?
Adriana won the Lifetime Achievement Award; she's manager over at 80 Broad and <3 married to Carlos, manager at 39th and Fash. She even taught coffee-buff Maciej how to steam a latte back in the day.
Here's Gigi with Greg, breaking all kinds of no-flex barriers; Gigi won the award for most indomitable ego, which came in the form of a book by founder of analytical psychology, C. G. Jung. She claims that she hasn't got an ego, that it's just "real talk" #staywoke, so it's unlikely to go down well when Jung tries to tell her everyone has an ego: "Do you even lift, young Jung? Do. You. Even."
There was another camera guy stationed outdoors - usually stationed behind bar at 31st Street - by the name of Samuel Lopez. He managed to take a number of lovely profiles of some lovely baristas. He also does weddings:
Here's manager Mark and assistant Alvar, who can be found taking care of business over at 31st Street. Both resemble Garfiend and Jon Arbuckle in equal parts; it's hard to know at what time they'll be down for no-nonsense or down to get down. Mark won the Manager of the Year Award, so thank him if you stop by 31st - although Alvar also deserves praise, being so equal-and-opposite.
It's Emma and Darren i.e. Darma (?). Emma's manager over at 33rd and Park, while Darren's worked in just about every location, but currently spends most time assisting Maciej and Bailey over at 31st Street in the Training Center - makes sure people know everything about each new coffee that comes in, and spills the beans on various facets of the coffee world in monthly lectures.
Last but not least, here's Gregg (yes, Gregg) who was something of an unsung hero at the event. Manager over at 24th and Park, he is soon to take the mantle of Head Roaster over at - where else - The Gregorys Roastery. Once again, this is hush hush, but Gregg is currently undergoing some rigorous training to roast to the taste's content. We've got to reiterate that we can't wait for everything to be ready; once it is, Gregg will be leading the charge in appeasing "The Trinity" (Greg, Maciej, and Bailey) and making sure the coffee tastes profound and is deliverable to any one of our stores in under a heartbeat. Exciting times at Ridgemont High, or like... Gregorys. Look forward to where we'll be at the next annual Greggies!
"That's all for now"