by intern Caitlin Ouano
Photo credit: Courtesy of Peets
“Peet’s is very come as you are, very welcoming. We are always encouraged to think of something new,” said Cheryl Magat, an eleven-year employee of Peet’s Coffee & Tea, this past Wednesday at the VIP reception of Peet’s flagship store at 1701 Pennsylvania Ave.
That’s right, Pennsylvania Ave. The west coast based coffee company has come such a long way, and now they have a storefront just a five-minute walk from the White House. The comfort of the coffeehouse reception was most welcome on a rainy day.
Heather Podesta, David Burwick and Rep. Loretta Sanchez
The cozy, hard wood coffeehouse was transformed into a more formal environment for the reception which included high profile guests Congresswoman Jackie Speier, Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez and CNN Chief Congressional Correspondent Dana Bash among over a hundred others.
Kimball Stroud and Dana Bash
In addition to the catered hors d’oeuvres, wine, and chocolate, several Peet’s baristas and employees readily served any Peet’s beverages or snacks as well. While ambitiously opening five stores in April, with eighteen more to follow, Peet’s stays true to its roots: Fostering good quality coffee and creative thought.
The intimate atmosphere of the evening was a warm contrast to the heavy rain outside. Magat pointed out that the design of this particular flagship store was new and more neighborhood-centric.
One woman that Hollywood on the Potomac talked to was a board member of a DC nonprofit that focuses on creative writing. She voiced how “Peet’s contacted us and displayed interest in establishing a relationship with us. They made a donation and help us advertised our mission. We are very excited that they picked us.”
Aly Jacobs
It goes to show that Peet’s isn’t just known for their delicious hand crafted coffee, but how that philosophy extends to their store environment.
Peet’s has set itself very firmly in D.C, compiling picture of past Presidents sipping coffee and posting them in the store. Blending this spirit of history with the ideals of fresh innovation brewing, Peet’s makes one great cup of coffee.
