Ever wondered how a coffee shop could sport a logo resembling its founder? That’s Gregorys Coffee for you. Founded in 2006 by Gregory Zamfotis, Gregorys Coffee started its journey on Park Avenue and 24th Street in Manhattan. Now, here we are in Washington D.C.
Gregorys Coffee isn’t just another coffee chain. It’s part of the third wave coffee movement, focusing on specialty coffee. They even have a preferred brew method. It is the aeropress.
The company’s logo is quite distinctive. It looks like its founder, Gregory Zamfotis. Two mugs represent his glasses. A full head of wavy hair completes the image. Gregorys Coffee also offers more than just coffee. You can find pastries and packaged foods here. They offer plant-based meals curated by an in-house registered dietitian. These meals are prepared from scratch daily.
In 2017, Gregorys Coffee expanded its footprint by opening several coffee shops in Washington, D.C. But before that, in September 2016, Gregorys opened a roastery and commissary in Long Island City, Queens. Also in 2016, it opened its first location outside of New York. This store was located on the Jersey City waterfront.
The growth continued with a 15-year lease signed in 2016 for a spot at 16 Court Street, Brooklyn. This marked their first venture in the borough.
Like many businesses, Gregorys Coffee faced challenges during the coronavirus pandemic. In March 2020, all 31 of their shops temporarily closed. However, they have persevered. They continue to serve coffee lovers in various locations. You can find Gregorys Coffee in Manhattan, New Jersey, Connecticut, Brooklyn, and of course, here in Washington, D.C. So, next time you sip your coffee here at Gregorys Coffee, remember its journey. It started with a vision and a distinctive logo.