Downtown’s Inaugural Gregorys Coffee Is Just One of Many More to Come

New arrival Gregorys Coffee hasn’t even opened its first D.C. shop — that’s scheduled to happen Monday, November 20 — but the New York-based chain already envisions blanketing the area with dozens of outposts.

“We are actively looking for more spots. We are excited how things are shaping up in D.C.,” founder Gregory Zamfotis tells Eater. “We are very optimistic it will be big success for us.”

He’s kick-starting the anticipated growth spurt by giving away a free 12-ounce beverage to the first 500 customers that walk through the door at 1000 Vermont Avenue NW. Zamfotis, whose glasses-wearing mug doubles as the company’s logo, has grown the brand to 26 locations in New York and New Jersey since 2006. He says D.C. could potentially sustain that store count down the road.

The initial roll out includes two more downtown spots: shops at 1900 L Street NW and 1147 20th Street NW are scheduled arrive in December. A fourth location is now slated to open this spring near the Farragut North Metro (1101 Connecticut Avenue NW).

Zamfotis says the initial 700-square-foot store is just a preview of what’s to come; the subsequent locations are more than twice as big. And 1147 20th Street NW will eventually double as Gregorys local commissary for baked goods.

The debut store’s setup includes wood accents and a retail section. Drink options include turmeric lattes, green smoothies, and newer releases like dairy-free mylks and seasonally inspired teas. Gregorys currently roasts its coffee at a warehouse in Long Island City, in Queens, New York, and plans to make frequent shipments to D.C.

There’s also pastries, donuts, and new breakfast sandwiches, including ham, egg, and cheese wrapped in a pizza-like crust. Some New York-born food favorites making their way to D.C. include almond butter toast, as well as gluten-free and vegan peanut butter banana power bites.

First-time customers can now caffeinate even faster; Gregorys just launched a mobile app feature in NYC that’ll also streamline ordering in D.C.

Status: Scheduled to open at 6 a.m., Monday, November 20. 1000 Vermont Avenue NW; website.

Scroll to see the look inside D.C.’s debut Gregorys.

Photo by Rey Lopez for Eater DC

Photo by Rey Lopez for Eater DC

Photo by Rey Lopez for Eater DC

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