As the recent influx of iced drinks loves to remind us, we’re officially in the heat of summer. With more sun and the annual excitement around Frank’s new recipes for our summer menu, the cloud of summer buzz seems to be in full effect at the Roosevelt.
Add one more thing we’re excited about this summer: the Roosevelt has hired three new people. We’d like to introduce you to each and a few things that animate each of them.
Meet Rachel, Jack, and Taylor, and hear from each of them in their answers to some questions we asked below.
If you see them around the shop, introduce yourself and take some time to get to know them. We’re excited to be working with each of them!
Meet Rachel! Rachel’s a charismatic person who likes color, enjoys dancing, coupons, and Dungeons and Dragons, and takes pride in standing with those who are often systematically silenced. Rachel worked for the Roosevelt last summer while on break from school, and we’re happy to now have her back in a long term capacity.
What’s your favorite movie?
Has to be My Cousin Vinny. I absolutely adore the main character’s fiancé, Mona Lisa Vito, played by Marisa Tomei. Throughout the entire film she is being hushed by her rather clueless husband-to-be. Regardless, she persisted and ended up resolving the main conflict.
What’s your favorite thing about being a barista at the Roosevelt?
This is a hard one, I’d say experiencing the great community the Roosevelt has fostered. At the Roosevelt, this bond seems stronger than most coffee shops, since every person who walks through the door is helping people in need across the globe while enjoying quality coffee. I am so blessed to be a part of it all.
Describe your dream job.
This is it. I have been working in coffee for about 7 years, and it is where I’ve found my passion. Eventually I want to own my own coffee shop, but I always plan on slinging lattes behind the bar.
Meet Jack, who started at the Roosevelt a couple weeks ago. Jack is a musician involved in more projects than some of us have hair on our head, beginning with drums when he was 12 and now including guitar and vocals in Deathsong, as well writing music for his solo project under the moniker Moon. A few things Jack loves include Dev Hynes, Andre 3000’s fashion, and Neon Genesis Evangelion.
What’s your favorite movie?
Spirited Away. I’ve never really had a movie move me as much as this one did on the first watch. I literally just started it over again when it was over. Please watch everyone.
What’s one album you can listen to in any mood?
Pool by Porches. It’s the type of music I’ve heard in my head for years, and I was so shocked at how much I loved it on the first listen. I never get tired of it and I don’t see that happening any time soon.
Favorite Pokemon.
Dragonite. 1. It’s literally such a hard Pokemon. 2. A sweetheart :))
What’s some music that makes you feel the most fabulous?
24K Magic by Bruno Mars. If I’m sad and NEED to cheer up, this is the album I’m putting on. Nothing makes me move more or feel better about myself like this does.
What’s one characteristic in friends you value?
Honesty. I feel like it’s the glue of a healthy relationship. Simple as that.
Meet Taylor. Taylor’s a photographer and creative who enjoys music and eccentric, true-to-self dancing. She loves Jesus, tacos, fresh flowers. She believes in taking a minimalist approach to anything she can, and she’s always down to have a heart-to-heart.Taylor calls herself a newbie who’s loved every second of working at the Roosevelt, and we say the feeling’s mutual.
If you were stuck on an island with one food-group, what would you eat for the rest of your life?
Hands down tacos. Easily tacos. Tacos for sure.
What’s the draw of the Roosevelt for you?
April 26, 2015. That was my first day at Roosevelt and I immediately fell in love. From that point I knew Roosevelt would be a second home and it quickly became that for me. The coffee, the love, the mission, made me realize that this place, these people, were going to do big things and who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?
What music makes you the most dancey?
Hmmm. Since I really like almost all kinds of music, this is hard because I could boogie to anything. But if I had to choose, I would say either some super cheesy 80s music or some swing jazz. Both of those get me movin’.
What’s one album you can listen to in any mood?
Either Home of the Strange by Young the Giant or Pure Heroine by Lorde.
What have you learned since working here?
Although I haven’t been working at Roosevelt for super long I have already learned SO much. Even before I starting working this has been a huge life lesson. But just to love everyone no matter what stage of life they are at. I have met so many people at the Roosevelt and I’ve just realized that you need to meet people where THEY are at because that’s where real and authentic relationships start and I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunities I have had to have good and raw conversations while working here, along with just being here! I’ve loved it and can’t wait to see and meet people along the way.
Thanks for sticking around to hear from each Rachel, Jack, and Taylor. Say hi when you see them around!