Tip your Barista they may inherit the earth: Part III

When our two boys, Dale Donchey and Jordan Chambers came back from the coffee war down under, they were battled scarred, but determined to rebound and serve their loyal followers. The timing couldn't have been more perfect. Octane owner, Tony Riffel was ready to move his Emory location, so Dale, Jordan, and Jamie Pair pooled resources to create their dream: Steady Hand Pour House.



It was November 5, 2010. As the months of construction commenced, I witnessed an incredible transformation not only in the space where Octane used to be, but in the boys themselves. It's what happens when people are empowered. They take ownership of the details. They pay attention to what succeeds. They remedy what fails. More importantly, they become more of who they are. Their followers know who they are. That's why they patiently waited for them.



Never ones to keep their customers waiting too long, Dale, Jordan, and Jamie came up with a brilliant plan: enter the gassy, sputtering, but oh-so-delicious-mobile-espresso-drink-maker known as The RattleTrap.
A 1982, sienna VW van was transformed into a mobile espresso maker, with the help of loyal customers, Tim Stephens, a Technology IT maintenance coordinator for Emory's Chemistry Department and Curt Bridges, an engineering consultant. Bridges helped to configure the van by using metal scraps to build the table to hold the 145 lb gb5 Marzocco espresso machine. He also made a window serving table. In a little over a month, December 22, 2010, The Rattletrap rolled up to the parking lot of the soon-to-be Steady Hand Pour House, and successfully began serving customers coffee.


In the frigid cold, they lined up, two-by-two to stay warm, and they bought whatever their baristas were pouring. Familiar faces recognized other familiar faces. The reunion began to happen. Buzz about The Rattletrap took hold. Invitations from movie sets and corporate functions were on offer. All the while, the shop's construction continued hidden behind papered windows.

Pulling out the old and designing the new took a lot of hammers, nails, paint, stain, and glue. Trip Pairs, Jamie's father worked on cabinetry. Tim Stephens became the "go to guy" for everything from plumbing to wiring. Greg Gessler, our friendly woodsman, kept busy making the new round, wooden tabletops and other such things. Dale, Jordan, and Jamie juggled jobs, construction efforts, and The Rattletrap service night and day. Just to give an idea of their dedication: Jamie, who also works on visual imagery for The Vampire Diaries mentioned he clocked 90 hours the week Steady Hand Pour House opened.


It opened February 2, 2011. If you add up the numbers: month (2) + day (2) year (2 + 2), they equal (8). Quite a powerful number, which their customers hope will serve them well. The tip jar was full that day, the first tip was by customer Chloe, a $20.00 bill with the red inscription "Good Luck"! You can see it in the framed window in the back of the shop along with their "A" inspection rating and business license.

Fully vested with ties. That's what they wear in the shop. It's also how they serve. They are tied to their customers. Many of whom took time out of their day jobs to put in extra hours to get the shop ready. As much as their customers have been committed, Dale, Jordan, and Jamie are fully vested in them, as well. They know that over the many months of transitions from the Method coffee days, through Octane Emory, and now Steady Hand Pour House these customers are not just customers; they are true friends.

The lighting is great. The tables are wonderful. The padded chairs...let's just say my butt thanks you. The coffee (Intelligensia) whether it's siphoned, chemex'd, espressed, or chilled, it's awesome as always. Teas and Aztec chocolate are served as well. Sandwiches will be served soon. Bagels are freshly made by Ben Horgan Bagels, and there are other goodies galore. The hours are Mon-Thurs 6-6, Fri- 6-9, and Sat-Sun 8-9 pm. The baristas remember your name. They know your drink, and even if you don't, they'll educate you. So come with an opened mind, ready your taste buds, and always remember: tip your barista, they may inherit the earth.