By Menachem Wecker
When midterms and finals roll around, GW students who drink coffee have a new option for their caffeine fixes that comes all the way from Rwanda.
“We take the time to craft a drink and make it correctly,” says Chrissy Arnold, marketing manager at Bourbon Coffee, located on the corner of 21st and L streets. “Sure, making that drink might take an extra three minutes, but we are confident you won’t go back to the 45-second latte after you’ve had ours.”
Ms. Arnold says the shop is one of a few that embraces the “slow foods movement” in Washington. “I really believe that’s how we’re gaining loyal and regular customers,” she says.
According to its Web site, Bourbon is the “first retail brand to originate from Africa.” There are also three Bourbon stores in Kigali, Rwanda.
“I think the decision to put the first U.S. store in D.C. was a brilliant one,” she says. “Bourbon Coffee has a real connection to the altruistic and humanitarian aid efforts going on in D.C. every day.” Bourbon’s neighbors like World Bank, Peace Corps, Humane Society, Survivor Corps and Save the Children all have something in common, she says, “caring for those who are less fortunate than we.” Another neighbor, USAID, was “pivotal” in helping fund the farmer co-operative washing stations that are necessary for processing coffee, she says.
GW students will soon be able to use their GWorld cards to purchase drinks like pralines and cream, amaretto dream and smores latte, according to Ms. Arnold, and there will be no minimum charge or required purchases for GWorld users. “GW is arguably our most important customer base,” she says.
In addition to serving customers, Ms. Arnold is helping Bourbon plan stores in Boston and New York City and is searching for a second location in the District. Ms. Arnold also updates Bourbon’s Twitter feed -- @bourboncoffeedc -- and Facebook pages, helps manage the shop and organizes events.
“I think Twitter is an excellent, free marketing tool. It allows us the unique ability to speak to a highly specialized and focused audience,” she says. “I love searching online to see who’s talking about Bourbon Coffee. In the coming months stay tuned. We will be using Twitter for exclusive giveaways that involve coffee trivia and other fun little games.”
Ms. Arnold is one of nine staff members at the L Street location. She calls her colleagues “a diverse bunch” of people who come from restaurant management, corporate or “indie coffee/mom and pop shop” backgrounds.
“When I’m interacting with the guests, I really try to remember everyone’s drink,” says Ms. Arnold, who has worked in accounting and in the restaurant industry. “I have a goal to recognize each and every regular customer and remember what they order. I guess that comes from my background as a bartender.”
As the company expands, Ms. Arnold says she will be looking to hire someone who can make a fantastic cup of coffee. “Perhaps someone from GW fits that description?” she says.