The Double Shot is my beloved coffee shop. It's more than a coffee shop. It's a community. It's also more than just "coffee" its some of the best coffee you can find anywhere. Brian the proprietor isn't interested in becoming rich. He's interested in making the best coffee. Exploring coffee and every facet within that realm. It comes down to science and art. Around Tulsa and probably outside of Tulsa he has a reputation as a "coffee Nazi" taking reference from the infamous Seinfeld TV episode "the Soup Nazi". Many people at the mention of the name "Double Shot" react with a visceral "that guy is rude!" or "the coffee Nazi??!! I won't go there!"
Brian is actually a really fun guy and I've enjoyed getting to know him better. He does have a warm and compassionate heart. He raises money for the children of the Columbian and Costa Rican villages where the small and large coffee plantations are from which he gets some of his beans. Because he feels compassion towards them and loves the people there. So, he is not a hateful person.
One misconception that probably turns people off... his sense of humor and the lack of understanding from witnessed interactions. Most of the "complaints" I've heard from people who "...went there one time" have been stories of Brian being "rude" to someone else. Not a story of Brian being rude to the person telling the story. With a shop full of regulars, we always joke around with one another. Brian does have a crass and sarcastic sense of humor. I could see how a joke between friends could be viewed as an insult if the two friends were thought to be strangers.
The baristas and Brian do encourage regulars to wean off of cream and sugar. They do this because they are passionate about their "art" and it is art. They pour themselves into their coffee. The cream and sugar hide the nuance of flavor. Again, their communication style when observed by a "newbie" may sound rude, but between friends... its friendly banter. I am thankful that Isaiah convinced me several years ago to stop putting a dime sized amount of sugar in my coffee. (I do put cream in crappy coffee to hide its crappiness...) My palate continues to improve at picking out the individual flavors within the different coffees. Now, drinking coffee is more than just hot caffeine... its a hobby and an adventure. Example, I was very excited and privileged to drink a natural dried Columbian that had to be smuggled out of the country. Probably a hundred people have had the privilege to drink this. That is exciting!
Now, as far as many people being scared of going to the Double Shot. I think this lends to some of the good qualities of the shop. Because there are less occasionals... there are more regulars. There is a strong sense of community there. When you are there, everyone is familiar. It feels like the lobby of a college dorm... you can go there at any moment and have friends waiting to just hang out. Completely fabulous!
So Brian, you may be misunderstood. But it adds to the mystery and prestige of the Double Shot. I'm glad you don't bend over backwards to accommodate. Stick to your guns! I love the Double Shot and I love drinking the coffee! I am spoiled.
dngilb md
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