Here at Roots, we are all about community. That's why we want you to get to know the Roots family even better. Starting this month, we will be starting a new line of blog posts focused specifically on one member of the Roots team - this week, Sam!
We chose this picture above because its just so….you know….Sam! Sam has been here at Roots since early this year after getting back from traveling all over the U.S. He loves travel and loves people.
1. Where are you from?
I spent my childhood in Anchorage, AK but I’ve been here in the DFW area over 10 years now.
2. Tell us about the first cup of coffee you ever had:
My family traditionally has coffee served with pie, cake or another baked good as the desert for almost every large family dinner we would have. When I was about 5 or 6 I was given a very tiny “Sam-sized” mug and enjoyed a cup of 1/3 coffee, 2/3 milk and an over-abundance of sugar. A coffee fanatic was born.
3. Tell us one thing that is on your bucket list:
I would really like to publish a book I write before my time comes.
4. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do?
I’d love to visit Scandinavia (Finland, Norway and Sweden) and spend as much time hiking, camping, fishing and doing other various outdoor activities as possible.
5. What do you do on your days off?
In my free time I write concert and cd reviews for underground artists and musicians. I go to various shows (I’ve reviewed concerts as far away as Denver, CO) and share my experiences with my readers so they can feel as though they are witnessing the concerts for themselves. I hope to utilize these experiences to help me become a full-fledged journalist in the future.
6. How did you get interested in coffee?
My family, specifically my father, sparked my interest in coffee. We are a coffee craving family and so an interest was raised quite naturally.
7. Tell us the nicest thing a customer has ever done for you.
I have two stories: I was on a road trip in July, not even working for two weeks. When I returned and checked my cubby at work, there were two excellent craft beverages that one of our sweetest regulars left for me. She told me later, “I knew you wouldn’t be here when these were released and that you’d absolutely love them.” She was absolutely correct. The next story literally happened this past week. I am an ardent lover of fried chicken, and have told numerous people I’ll be their friend for life if they just surprise me with fried chicken. Well I had a customer deliver me four large, juicy morsels of breaded avian glory the other day, and it was impeccably delicious. An amazing illustration of just how wonderful and caring our customers behave towards the Roots staff.
9. What’s your go-to drink at Roots?
If I'm in a hurry and need a caffeine boost, you can’t go wrong with the Cuban. If I have some time to relax and enjoy a drink in one of our for-here mugs, I go for a double-shot of espresso or a cortado.
Would you rather:
Snow Ski or Water Ski? Snow ski, all day
Bicycle across the US or take a hot air balloon? Bicycle
Live without coffee or live without craft beer? Live without craft beer
Explore the Amazon or dive the Great Barrier Reef? Dive the Great Barrier reef
Read a book or watch a movie? Read a book
Drive a monster truck or a veggie bus? As a former driver of a veggie bus, I’ll say veggie bus
Climb a tree or swim in a creek? Swim in a creek
Eat spaghetti or lasagna? Spaghetti
Travel back in time or into the future? I’m already travelling into the future, so back in time
Closing Thoughts:
I consider myself extremely fortunate to have found this place. A close friend helped get me hired, and subsequently the staff has become an extremely valuable part to my network of friends and family. I appreciate this job more than any I’ve ever had. The culture of Roots Coffeehouse is incredibly accepting and eclectic, traits I love and adore. Our customers treat us like equals and show their sincere gratitude for us daily. Whether it’s buying a meal for a hungry barista or genuinely listening and caring when we’re having a rough time, you all sure do make a guy feel loved and needed. That purpose has given my life direction, and I cannot thank you all enough.