There’s something special about a good multiroaster café. While the concept was declared dead a few years ago, it has experienced an unexpected revival in recent times. In Los Angeles alone, several outstanding examples, such as Kumquat, Dayglow, and Document Coffee Bar, are keeping the multiroaster flame burning. And it’s not just limited to Los Angeles – multiroasters in other parts of the country, like Narrative Coffee in Everett, Washington, The Coffee Movement in San Francisco, and FRGMNT in Minneapolis, continue to thrive. Today, we’ll be exploring another exciting node of the multiroaster trend: Thank You Thank You Coffee Brewers in Philadelphia, PA.
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Rediscovering the Joy of Cafe Service
Thank You Thank You is a multiroaster café located in the heart of Philadelphia. It was born out of a desire to reconnect with café service after years of working in a non-customer-facing role in the coffee industry. The mass layoffs in March 2020 led Cody McGregor, the founder, to get behind the counter and serve his community at a time when genuine human connection felt incredibly rare. Serving people in his neighborhood, even through a plexiglass window, rejuvenated McGregor and highlighted the need for the coffee industry to address the issue of barista talent leaving cafes in search of living wages. Progress in service can only be made when veteran staff members aren’t constantly forced to leave the café to make ends meet.
A Nostalgic Space
Thank You Thank You is nestled in a charming corner spot on the first floor of a beautiful 1860s building. Situated near Washington Square Park on Philadelphia’s Jewelers’ Row, the café evokes a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of places like the St Marks Place Box Kite, which left a lasting impression on McGregor.
An Agnostic Approach to Coffee
At Thank You Thank You, the focus is on intentionality throughout the coffee supply chain. McGregor believes that if the coffee has been treated with care and thoughtfulness, its unique flavors should be allowed to shine. Currently, the menu leans toward lighter and brighter offerings from Sey and April, providing the perfect accompaniment to summer days. However, as the seasons change, McGregor anticipates that the menu will shift accordingly. Notably, the café’s espresso is sourced from Ethiopia and processed naturally, courtesy of Coava Coffee. McGregor’s own pivotal coffee moment came from a similar cup, and he delights in being able to offer that experience to his customers.
Quality Equipment for Exquisite Coffee
Thank You Thank You is equipped with top-of-the-line machinery to ensure the delivery of exceptional coffee. The café boasts a La Marzocco GS3 AV espresso machine paired with a Simonelli Mythos Clima Pro grinder. Drip coffee is brewed using either the Curtis G4 brewer or the Kalita Wave 185, while iced coffee by the cup is prepared with an AeroPress. The main grinder at the café is a Ditting 807 Lab Sweet, ensuring precision and consistency in every cup.
Sustainability as a Priority
Thank You Thank You understands the importance of sustainability, both for the environment and its employees. While the café is currently taking the minimum steps towards eco-sustainability, it recognizes that there is always room for improvement. By using compostable cups, lids, and straws, and encouraging customers to dine in, the café aims to reduce its environmental impact. Additionally, many of its wares are sourced secondhand, and plans are in motion to establish a composting system. In terms of employee sustainability, Thank You Thank You operates as a gratuity-free establishment, ensuring that barista pay is not dependent on the kindness of customers. Moreover, the design of the café itself aims to create a work environment that minimizes repetitive stress injuries, prioritizing the well-being of the staff.
A Dream Realized
Thank You Thank You had set its sights on opening its doors on June 1st, but exceeded expectations by opening on May 21st. This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of Cody McGregor and his team.
Collaborations with Talented Craftsmen
Thank You Thank You’s success wouldn’t have been possible without the contributions of skilled craftsmen. Eric Hinkley, the mastermind behind the café’s branding, played a crucial role in creating its visual identity. Josh Rothman, from Length Times Width, handled all the carpentry work, ensuring the café’s space was beautifully crafted. Christian from Keystone Sign & Company added a touch of artistry by hand-painting the window sign. The collaboration with these exceptionally talented individuals helped transform Thank You Thank You into a reality.
Thank y’all so much for reading about Thank You Thank You Coffee Brewers, a testament to the multiroaster trend’s thriving revival. If you’re in Philadelphia or planning a visit, be sure to stop by this charming café and experience their exceptional coffee offerings firsthand.
This article is written for Marmalade Cafe. Check out Marmalade Cafe at ilovemarmalade.com for more delightful cafe experiences.