Comments on: all good things must come to an end

By: Edwin Martinez

Edwin Martinez — Sat, 22 Apr 2006 16:57:18 +0000

I dont have any clue as to why the parting of you,Kyle and victrola. And although curiosity is killing me… i really dont want to know and am glad i dont. I have been impressed with both the way you and kyle have presented yourselfes, not slamming someone who let you go… maybe only commenting on positive things that V is doing… and vice versa.. Chris and Jen continue to speak very well of you and are seeing that youve left some BIG shoes to fill… but i figure its because you got big feet. And this speaks volumes to me. I was so torn to hear this news as in what I do, the greatest asset is people… people is everything. we wouldnt have the coffee we have if it werent for the people… when folks that come see what were doing from other farms whos coffee youve probably cupped with in the last week.. they wonder what we do to get the scores we do on private national cuppings.. when they see, the comment is “we are way to big to do that, it would be virtually impossible” And i think they leave thinking that the people that work for us must also own the place to care that much…. they dont, but maybe some day it will be given to them. I have nightmares when i think about what our coffee would be with out the people that work with us. Im sure it would be fine… but we want to shoot for much more than that… and take great pride in achieving it on a consistent basis. I cant wait to see what you and kyle bring next to the coffee world. no pressure, really… a great match,… an efficient relationship will find itself when united by the same passions.

By: Rob Gruhl

Rob Gruhl — Sat, 15 Apr 2006 16:21:55 +0000

I agree with Luke, prior to your roasting at Victrola it was just a pretty neon sign to walk past on the way to Vivace on 15th. Since then the coffee (and barista skills) have steadily improved to the point where Victrola is my primary coffee shop. I hope they can keep the quality up, I hope you find a great next chapter, and look forward to hearing about your new adventures.

By: Charlie

Charlie — Thu, 13 Apr 2006 23:34:20 +0000

A friend sent me this news. To be honest, it’s not a surprise at all that someone who was so obviously popular in the community and at Victrola was sacked by the owners.

I worked there when they first opened. Besides the two owners, I pulled the first shift ever there, I opened every weekday morning and helped build that business up by being bright and cheeful at 5:30 every morning and was even told by Jen that there would ALWAYS be a job there for me… After about a year, the owners started getting really stressed out and wierd to all of us baristas and one day, Chris got really petty with me over a shift I was going to cover for Jen. Then he started yelling at me while behind the counter in full view of the customers in his full cafe. I had to bring him to the backroom where we yelled a fair amount and then he took a step up on me as if he were going to shove me. Then he stormed out.

About 10 minutes later, I got a voicemail message firing me. Yes, that’s right, I was fired on voicemail.

A number of other folks I worked with there received similar shabby treatment after doing all they could to help build Chris and Jen’s now-thriving business. Each was uncermoniously fired in rude and condescending ways. Since then, I have run into old customers (I live in the neighborhood) and am told that her attitude has driven them away. Not surprising since I lost a few customers while there because she never had the time of day for them and when she did talk to them, was dismissive.

Tony, I am sorry you were let go. I wish you all the luck in the world and hope that coffee stays a part of your life. The rest of you, I’d stay away from Victrola if I were you simply in protest of how they treat employees.

By: dominik

dominik — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 20:45:36 +0000

I miss u man! Hope your adventures continue!!! Maybe we can do some coffee endeavors on the big island, i should be there by the end of sept. Probably next year get in on the growin, pickin an roastin of coffee in me an my girl’s restaurant. Keep in touch!!

Dominik Cyr

By: Jimmy

Jimmy — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 07:17:29 +0000

Difference of vision!?! So, they’ve decided Nespresso is the way to go? I don’t get it…

Sounds like a sadistic All Fools Day joke to me!

By: bitca comma heinous

bitca comma heinous — Mon, 10 Apr 2006 03:09:40 +0000

you know, tony, i just don’t think victrola will be the same without you.
i’m just wondering where you wind up so that the perfect roast (or at least the best one i’ve ever had) will travel. i am sad that they think they can drop you after growing up with you, but i am happy in the knowledge that you can probably make somewhere else just as good.

enjoy charlotte and the coffee-fueled masses.

By: michael

michael — Mon, 10 Apr 2006 01:43:31 +0000

that’s really disappointing news. victrola will not be the same without you.

By: Jonathan David Leavitt

Jonathan David Leavitt — Sat, 08 Apr 2006 22:38:16 +0000

Difference of vision? Hmmm… Anyhow, I like your vision. I’ll keep track.

—Jonathan

(curiousyellow from Flickr)

By: brett

brett — Sat, 08 Apr 2006 10:34:45 +0000

i blame zombies

By: Jason Truesdell

Jason Truesdell — Sat, 08 Apr 2006 01:41:12 +0000

I think Lighthouse lost their roaster a year or so ago and lost a few accounts to Victrola… I wonder if they’ve tried to remedy that loss in some way.