FINANCIAL DISTRICT — A specialty coffee chain that’s known for its made-to-order brews is heading Downtown.
Gregorys Coffee, which has five locations in Midtown and Flatiron, is slated to open three new shops in the Financial District by March 2014, said its owner, Gregory Zamfotis.
“Every coffee is made one cup at a time here, but we do it quickly and efficiently, without sacrificing quality,” said Zamfotis, 31. “It’s specialty coffee, but we’re able to handle large crowds.”
Zamfotis, a native New Yorker whose father owned several quick-service eateries in the Financial District when Zamfotis was growing up, said he aims to cater to the coffee connoisseur, while also keeping pace with the crowds of busy professionals looking for their caffeine fix.
“I think more and more people are taking their coffee more seriously, and want something more high-quality, but without feeling intimidated by a snobby barista," said Zamfotis. "Our goal is to make everyone feel welcome in our shops, and enjoy their coffee."
Zamfotis works with several coffee roasters for his beans and uses a variety of brew methods, including French press and pour over.
The new Downtown locations are slated to open at 100 Wall St., 80 Broad St. and 42 Broadway.
His 100 Wall St. location is opening right across from a Starbucks, but after launching more than six years ago, Zamfotis doesn't worry about the ubiquitous coffee chain any more.
"We do different things," Zamfotis said. "I think you can taste the difference in our coffee."
