– Can you please introduce yourself in a few words.
I am Steven Sadoff. I own Ground Support, a cafe and roastery in NYC.
– What’s your story in the coffee industry?
I didn’t start drinking coffee until I was 26 and I built GS four years later at 30. My interest escalated fairly quickly.
– When did Ground Support open and what is the story behind?
GS opened in August of 2009 as one of the first specialty shops in NYC to offer more than just coffee – we’ve always had a significant food menu. One million cuban sandwiches later we are now roasting our own coffee and having fun.
– What’s your specialty and what makes you different?
This spring and summer our specialty has been cold brew slushies. We’ve kicked off the artisanal frappuccino!
– What was your first coffee experience?
Probably coffee flavored Italian ices at a local pastry shop on Third Ave. when I was young. Coffee has been my favorite flavor ever since.
– How/when have you discovered about specialty coffee?
In 2004 I worked at a restaurant in Long Island, and would stop by and pay $3.50 (?!?!?!?) for a cup of drip in a neighboring cafe on my break. It was the first time for me that the coffee tasted as good as it smelled, and I was hooked.
– What was your best coffee experience?
I am not sure. I always have a cup of coffee in my hand, so it’s hard to isolate things as coffee experiences.
– Do you prepare coffee at home ? If yes, what method do you use?
I do, but the reality is I drink far more tea at home. I really love tea.
– How do you like your coffee? Black, sugar and milk, iced, vietnamese style,…?
Filter coffee is my number one, and most enjoy it black. That said, I am coffee ambidextrous and will drink whatever looks interesting.
– How would you qualify yourself as coffee drinker (occasional, heavy, addict…)?
Addict in denial.
– Have you always been into the coffee industry? If not, what was your previous job?
Nope – I have a lifetime of food service experience though. Specialty coffee was my way of simplifying and focusing my interests.
– Do you have another passion or a hobby besides coffee?
I have tons of other interests and they all involve coffee breaks .
– What other place would you recommend, anywhere in the world (coffee or not)?
Staying on topic, I think what is nice about coffee is that it is sort of a great equalizer. I recommend going anywhere and ordering a coffee, and then complementing the coffee to whoever made it. The least you will get back in return is a smile.
– What is/are your favorite website(s) to get information about coffee?
Ok Coffee Tips is better than any other coffee journalism. New Food Economy is my #2
– What would you say to people who don’t know much about coffee?
What are you waiting for?