This Brazilian jiu jitsu tournament was an exciting one for myself and my co-barista, Erik. He and I both work as baristas at Penstock Coffee Roasters. Erik is the kind of guy that will ask you random questions that make you laugh and also think, “Is he insane?” He’s also the most proactive and tidy barista you’ll ever meet who will work with you like a personal broker to find exactly the kind of coffee you enjoy.
We took turns running from the coffee cart to the mat to watch athletes compete. It was his first time watching people grapple. When people come up to the cart excitedly having never seen a traveling coffee bar, it really makes the experience fulfilling.
It was great to engage with folks who had a serious interest in specialty coffee at the event, including the organizer of FUJI NJ, Tim Morthland, who wants to someday open his open coffee company that supports the sport. Thank you Tim for having us!
