For this month’s “Coffee Corner,” I spoke to Paulina Stachnik, who runs Madman Espresso & Bakery on 332 Bleecker St. Madman opened its doors in 2012, and currently have nine locations in Midtown and lower Manhattan. The interview has been edited for clarity and length.
What about New York City makes running a coffee business here special?
New York City is a very special place, and coffee culture is big here. The city that never sleeps definitely needs caffeine. Many New Yorkers juggle multiple jobs, so a double espresso at 6 p.m. is nothing odd. I must say the best part of having a coffee shop are the customers. Starting with regulars who become friends over time and ending with strangers who share their deepest secrets with us. We serve our coffee to everyone, from doctors to actors to policemen and finance people and everyone brings lots of good energy.
Are you a coffee lover and if so what is your favorite way to have coffee?
I don’t drink coffee, but I can tell you what my favorite drink is to make: one of our specials, Sarabella. It’s a honey cinnamon latte and it’s one of our most popular drinks. It’s perfect for fall and winter but we also serve it in the summer over ice.
What are the best parts and hardest parts of running a business that requires food and beverage handling?
The best part is hearing when customers say, “You make my day,” or “I love coming here,” or “This is the best part of my day.” I love to see how people smile after the first sip of coffee and that we have created a special place where people feel welcomed. The hardest part is logistics, making sure that inventory is available, staying on top with health department regulations and making sure the quality stays consistent.
Do you have a lot of regular customers?
Yes, over the years we’ve established many regulars, who are the core of Madman. We know their names and their orders but also our relationships with many of them have become more than that. We care about each other and consider each other friends.
I am a regular at your Bleecker Street location and think you have a wonderful crew of people working there. What is the magic to making a great team?
Having a good team is very important to have a successful business. I always try to find people who are passionate and who think that being a barista is more than “just a job.” All employees must respect each other. I try to create a workplace where everyone is heard and where all employees feel safe. I must say, I have been very lucky with my team; they make Madman Espresso very special and they are the secret sauce to our success.
