Meet Tony and Kristi Lafata
Tony and Kristi Lafata are the proud co-owners of the Espresso Evergreen shop situated in the parking lot of the US Bank and they are great examples of people who really enjoy their work. They have been in that location for about 6-7 years and have a bevy of loyal customers who frequent their stop as part of a morning or afternoon ritual.
Tony and Kristi are often there to serve you themselves during various times in the day and they always greet you with a smile and a friendly word. Kristi described their business philosophy that has accrued to their success in this business for over 16 years ( previously, they had a coffee drive-up spot in Bergen Park for about 10 years).
She explained that they have always focused on three goals: the best service, the best products, and the best value for customer’s money. At Espresso Evergreen they have succeeded admirably in all three endeavors. Their staff is first rate. Their employees are most often high school or college students from the Evergreen area who have been well-trained by the Lafatas to make each customer feel special and to work efficiently and cheerfully no matter how long the line of cars.
Kristi and Tony report that many of their student employees are experiencing their very first job at the coffee shop and the Lafatas’ take their role as employers very seriously. They have the opportunity to instill good work habits and help their employees to be able to function responsibly in subsequent work situations.
Tony is also particularly proud of their rigorous research to get exceptional products and is certain their yogurt is the best in the area.
The Lafatas are deeply grateful to live in Evergreen and do their part to support our community. They offer all firefighters and policeman half price for drinks if they appear in their uniforms. It’s a tradition for many of the local firefighters to show up at a certain time in the afternoon with their trucks and cars and take advantage of the Lafata’s gerousity. Espresso Evegreen also supports the Mountain Evan’s Hospice program each year at the Freedom Run which ends in the bank parking lot. A portion of sales on that very busy day are given to Mt Evans each year. Also, many of the part-time employees of the shop have attended Rocky Mtn. Academy, so Tony and Kristi have arranged to participate in their annual fund raiser through a gift card program.
In talking with Kristy and Tony it is very evident how much they enjoy their work and that they get a big kick out of all the people they get to know. Kristi explained that they love this particular business because it is fun and small enough to feel like family. With the weather getting warmer, you may want to pay them a visit and enjoy sitting outside at their patio table while you try that fabulous frozen yogurt.
