During Hurricane Sandy one of the things people were really missing was hot coffee. Why do you think New York, specifically, is addicted?
“I don't know that New York is any more addicted to coffee than anywhere else. Though the unique confluence of market forces, history, and refined culinary sensibilities that informs the coffee scene here is certainly fascinating and invigorating. Much more present in my mind in the aftermath of Sandy. It has been the way that everyone involved in the coffee community — baristas, business owners, customers and everyone else with a role in the scene — have come together to support shops affected by flooding, power outages and lasting infrastructural damage. It's been really heartwarming to see.”

What are the most important elements to a good coffee shop?
“There are many elements that have to align to make a shop great. Design, equipment choice, location, coffee and ingredient selection, technique, and training are all very important. More important than any of these though, is who's behind the counter. The best shops are those that hire great people, and give them the freedom, support, and community they need to thrive.”