coffee
the art of
GRYPHON WEST CHESTER CAFE’S TOP BARISTA DISHES ON GETTING COFFEE JUST RIGHT FOR HUGS IN MUGS ARTICLE JULIE BROWN PATTON PHOTOGRAPHY JEFF ROBINSON
AS A DEVOTED WEST CHESTER NATIVE, LEN MOJZES
SPOILER ALERT:
THOUGHT THE BOROUGH WOULD BE A PERFECT LOCATION
At press time, Len was working on devel-
FOR A COME-SIT-FOR-A-WHILE COFFEE SHOP, ONE THAT’S
oping a proprietary coffee blend specifically
MORE LIKE A TRADITIONAL EUROPEAN CAFÉ. He says since
in honor of West Chester. While a final flavor
1998 he had wanted to establish a coffeehouse in West Chester with
or name hadn’t been completely decided, he
his business partner, Rich Mattis. They eventually found the right
says he envisioned the likely medium-roast,
physical spot, opened Gryphon West Chester Café in 2019, and have
special hometown brew to have a pleasing
been serving delightful cups of coffee and noshes since.
“nutty, caramel and a little chocolate” taste.
“Making and serving excellent coffee in a convivial atmosphere is
They create most of their own recipes,
the Gryphon Cafe’s heart and soul. Our baristas make this happen
including syrups and sauces. While snacks
day in and day out,” assures Len.
on the Gryphon menu are croissants and
Rich launched Gryphon Coffee Co. during 1996 in Wayne as the first location. Len started as the manager there in 1998. Now, together, they also operate a third location in Philadelphia off of West Oxford Street.
pastries, they also serve egg sandwiches, as well as Philly muffins, toasts and cereals. Milk alternatives span oat milk, almond milk, macadamia milk and soy milk.
Len says Rich is the company’s main roaster and that he sources amazing coffees, rotating somewhat based on coffee-growing sea-
GRYPHON DRINK
sons. Many of the beans originate in Ethiopia, Colombia and Kenya.
ESSENTIALS INCLUDE:
Gryphon single-origin coffee names reflect the creativity and care
+ Espresso
with which the blends are made: Vigor, Louella, Ardi, Tio Conejo,
+ Americano
Gakuyuini, Marlowe, Park, Team Skyline and YirgZ. Teas served
+ Cortado
there range from Monk’s Blend, Earl Grey and Gryphon Breakfast to
+ Latte
Blue Eyes, Vanilla Almond Rooibos and Moroccan Mint.
+ Cappuccino
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West Chester Lifestyle | February 2021