Favorite Memory: Parting Thoughts
FAVORITE MEMORIES FROM YEAR TWO
I know, you thought we were done with the favorite memories. But today we have a bonus memory for you, as well as a goodbye and the official announcement of our winners of the favorite memory giveaway. A wide range of emotions, I know.
Next up: Parting Thoughts by Jonny. Jonny couldn’t help himself, and at the last minute asked to write a favorite memory. His comes also in the form of a goodbye, as he’ll be leaving for school next week. Jonny is the little brother of the Tala family, so we are saying a very sad goodbye even as we’re excited for his next adventure. If you know Jonny you know that he is ceaselessly joyful and positive, always looking to make you laugh. He’s shamelessly himself and eager to celebrate the individuality in every person. A keen observer will also see how much dedication Jonny has shown to coffee and his work at Tala, always eager to learn and excited about growth even if it’s through trial and error. We are all so proud of Jonny and can’t wait for school to shut down so he returns home (just kidding we hope you’re safe and sound in Minnesota the whole year, Jonny).
PARTING THOUGHTS
Guest post by Jonny
“Good Morning! How are you?” are my first words to the customers that consistently get the worm. I usually work in the AM (6:30-12:00 with the adjusted COVID schedule), and let me tell you, getting out of bed at 5:30 to beat Marcus to the cafe is not the most enjoyable thing to do, especially when you’re not a morning person.
I started working here in late July of 2019 because I was intrigued by the idea of coffee. The smell, the taste, community, seed to cup, roasting, grinding, serving, and everything else involved in making what was being done so well here at Tala. I knew nothing about it, but I wanted to know everything. The only problem was that they didn’t hire high school students. I begged Stefan until he gave me an interview date. I was so excited that I completely forgot that it was a formal interview and showed up in a pair of pink, 5-inch inseam shorts, and vineyard vines flip flops. Needless to say, it wasn’t ideal. A few weeks later I got a text from Stefan that I needed to come in for a second interview, and the rest is history. I am the first, only, and last high school student to be hired at Tala Coffee Roasters. I hold that title with much confidence and pride.
From July of 2019 to July of 2020 I learned everything I needed to know to be a successful, well-trained barista. And there is still much more to learn. Stefan took the chance on me, and I’ve worked very hard to prove my addition to the team. I will be forever grateful for that chance, having him teach and mentor me, dealing with my puppy-like personality and humor. Not only am I thankful for him but also Joanna, Keith, and Ryan for taking me in and sharing their knowledge as well.
There are so many memories that I hold fondly of this place but the one that came to mind was working the booth at pumpkin fest with Joanna last year. The first night of pumpkin fest was cold and rainy, we weren’t expecting many customers, but we endured the pain and had fun regardless. We made countless batches of hot chocolate, drip coffee, and 12oz bourbon vanilla lattes. Marcus also got us delicious, hot cheese curds from a food truck and watched us work away. This was also a monumental night because Joanna taught me how to pull a shot of espresso with a recipe and the workflow of how it should be done... thanks Jo :).
It’s been a year of laughs, encouragement, and joyful hearts, and I couldn’t be happier with where it took me. I leave for my freshman year of college at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota where I will be studying the beauty of an undeclared undergraduate student. Thank you to the customers that I got to know and enjoy, but also to those who just passed by for a cup of joe. Thank you to my coworkers for being the best group of people a boy could ask for... thank you for encouraging me and teaching me. Thank you for laughing with me and crying with me. You’re all so amazing and I’m honored to have been able to work alongside you. And to my bosses; Keith, Stefan, Joanna, and Ryan, you changed how I view coffee but more importantly you taught me how to be a better person.
So hype.
-Jonny
FAVORITE MEMORY GIVEAWAY
We heard so many amazing stories from people's experiences at Tala this week. Thank you to everyone who shared their memories and thoughts about our cafe. We are so honored by the community and stories you’ve provided! We’ve chosen the top five memories, and randomly picked the winner of the $200 giveaway. Check out their stories below!