Meet greg and grace mazzatta | Cafe Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with greg and grace mazzatta and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi greg and grace, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
Our thought process behind starting our own business was driven by the desire to create something unique and meaningful. We wanted to carve out a niche in the market that was different from others, and we believed that roasting our own coffee could be that distinguishing factor. We felt that the aroma, taste, and freshness of our own roasted coffee would resonate with the public, creating a unique experience that they would appreciate and remember. Sustainability was a significant consideration in our decision-making process. We asked ourselves, ‘Would roasting our own coffee be sustainable in the long run?’ We were confident that our passion for coffee, combined with our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, would drive our business’s success and sustainability.

What’s one thing about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
Coffee is grown in high elevations around the world, often in countries with challenging economic conditions. The majority of the world’s coffee is produced in Brazil, Columbia, Indonesia and Ethiopia. The journey of a coffee bean from these countries to your cup is remarkable and involves numerous steps including growing, picking, processing and shipped to ports around the globe.
This complex and labor-intensive process is largely invisible to the average coffee drinker, but it is a crucial part of what makes each cup of coffee possible. Understanding this journey can deepen the appreciation for the coffee we drink and the hard work of the people who make it possible.

Risk taking: how do you think about risk, what role has taking risks played in your life/career?

Risk-taking is an integral part of life and career. I view risk as a belief in oneself and one’s abilities. It requires conviction and steadfastness, even in the face of criticism.
I often equate risk to the word ‘if’, a small word with profound implications. ‘If’ represents possibilities, potential, and the courage to step into the unknown. It’s about contemplating different outcomes and making decisions that could significantly impact our lives.
In essence, risk-taking is about believing in yourself, embracing the ‘ifs’, and moving forward without regret.

Other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?

Our goal was to establish a vibe that fosters a sense of connection and customer appreciation for delicious coffee. These have been pivotal to our success, as it has sparked invaluable word-of-mouth recommendations and google reviews.
We love people and coffee. Doing what you Love, you will never work a day in your life.

What is the most important factor behind your success / the success of your brand?
The most important factor behind our success and the success of our brand can be attributed to the principles we learned from Marcus Lemonis’ show, ‘The Profit’. People, process and product.
We’ve incorporated these principles into our business model and staff training. This approach has been instrumental in our success and the growth of our brand.

What’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we embarked on a business venture. The groundwork began in 2020, and by May 2021, we were ready to welcome customers. What began as a pastime, roasting coffee, gradually evolved into a full-fledged coffee roastery and café, although it wasn’t our initial intention. Our journey began at a local farm market, Brick Farm Market in Brick, NJ, where we tested our concept. The response to our freshly roasted coffee and pour-over style was overwhelmingly positive. Transitioning from a farm market to a brick-and-mortar establishment was a significant step. We chose to maintain our presence at the farm market while simultaneously launching our new café and roastery. This transition occurred towards the end of the pandemic, a time when staffing was challenging and people were still wary of crowded places.”

Work life balance: how has your balance changed over time? How do you think about the balance?
The concept of work-life balance has evolved . We were juggling full-time careers alongside our new venture. The demand and the time commitment required for both was a considerable adjustment.
As our coffee business grew, our priorities and vision of work-life balance changed. I (Greg) now dedicate one and a half days to my career and invest the rest of my time in our coffee business. In terms of how I view work-life balance, I believe it’s about flexibility and adaptability. It’s about understanding that at different stages of our lives and careers, the balance may tilt toward doing more of what you love.
Do you have a favorite quote or affirmation? What does it mean to you / what do you like about it?
My favorite quote is ‘Think globally, Roast locally!’ This quote encapsulates our business philosophy and commitment to sustainability and local support. We strive to source our coffee from Fair Trade farmers, ensuring ethical practices and fair prices for producers.
We’re also dedicated to minimizing our environmental impact. We use biodegradable products and recycle our coffee grinds by giving them to local farmers and gardeners. This not only reduces waste but also contributes to local agriculture.
Moreover, we believe in supporting local businesses over big box stores. We understand the value that local businesses bring to our community, and we aim to contribute to that ecosystem.
In essence, ‘Think globally, Roast locally!’ is more than just a quote for us. It’s a guiding principle that shapes our business decisions and reflects our values

Why did you pursue an artistic or creative career?

It was the taste of fresh roasted coffee. The unique flavors, aromas, and the overall experience inspired me to become a small batch coffee roaster. This path allowed me to combine my passion for coffee with the creativity and artistry involved in the roasting process. It’s truly rewarding to see people appreciate the craft and enjoy the coffee we roast.
What do you want your legacy to be? What do you want people to remember about you?
“I want our legacy to be that of a local business that provided exceptional coffee to our community. We want to be remembered as a team that had faith in our vision and worked tirelessly to achieve our goal “We are the Man in the Arena”. Our hope is that people will recall not just the taste of our coffee, but also the warmth and connection they felt each time they visited our café. We aspire to leave a lasting impression of dedication, quality, friendship and community spirit.”

What should our readers know about your business?
We are a small batch coffee roastery

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The local beaches, The towns of Bayhead and Point Pleasant Beach offer a variety of shops and restaurants. The Brick Farm Market at Windward Beach, Brick NJ Saturdays 8:30-1:30 May-Sept and of course Kneaded by Lady J, Brielle, NJ

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The Man in the Arena by Theodore Roosevelt

Website: Portcoffeeroasters.com

Instagram: portcoffeeroasters