Though we’re spread out across two cities, five cafes, one farmhouse roastery and one office, all of us at Irving Farm consider ourselves one big, pretty darn happy Farmily. In this new series, we’re going to introduce you to the people behind your daily cup. This week? Mario, who works at Irving Farm headquarters in Manhattan.
Who are you?
I’m Batman. I’m the controller, I’m the money guy.
How long have you been at Irving Farm?
Since the beginning of time, essentially. Back when time started in ’97.
What position did you start in?
I started as a dishwasher at 52 Irving place.
What’s your role now?
After being dishwasher I started working the counter, I did shift leading, I did assistant manager, once we went into [the space at 71 Irving Place] I did the whole barista thing before there was a “barista thing” I did the register, I did the sandwiches. Dave was doing the finances by himself back when it was only 71, and the wholesale was starting to get started, and I started part-time working at the office to help him with 71. As it went on, I just started working more, fuller time, and now we’re five cafes deep and growing.
What was your first coffee job?
This one. Before, odd jobs, mostly. I washed cars, I waited tables, I did construction.
What’s your favorite coffee?
Whatever Tam’s making!
What do you love about Irving Farm/your role/coffee?
That’s a heavy question, but, what’s not to like? I feel like I know the company inside and out, it’s awesome, I have fun at what I do. And what’s not to like about the coffee, especially when Tam’s making her competition drinks and you’ve got grade-A cappuccinos coming. WHAT! I’m heavy into the quality control and barista judging. That’s part of what the controller does.
Had you ever heard of Millerton?
Nope. I’d never heard of gourmet coffee before I worked at 52 Irving. I thought that whole gourmet coffee and “high-end” coffee was whaaaaat? Starbucks wasn’t even big back then, that was as bougie as my coffee experience got.
When you were 5 what did you want to be when you grew up?
Batman. Actually I wanted to be Bruce Wayne.
What do you do outside of work/coffee?
This is going on the internet? No comment.
I hang out with my son little Mario! That’s definitely my top thing when I’m not here. I like to have fun.
Who controls the office radio?
For the most part, me. I tend to get here first and crank it on, I try to keep it on shuffle so a little bit of everything comes up. Maybe not shuffled enough. We’ll have to talk to Pandora about that.
What’s your favorite embarrassing story about David or Steve, the owners of Irving Farm?
I can’t put that on the interwebs either. I’m not answering that.
If one of our coffees was your spirit animal which one would it be? Why? How is it prepared?
The Colombian SUPREMO!!!!!!
We were hoping you’d say zebra. Do you have a dream coffee job, at Irving Farm or in any other part of the coffee world?
I like to think I’d be running my own place, making my own moves. A topless cafe? By which I mean no lids. It’s more environmental. I’m all about the green.
Thanks, Mario! Stay tuned for more Meet the Farmers coming soon to an Irving Farm blog space near you!