Moka & Co Review

Okay I think I've been living under a rock, because I did not know this ( Moka & Co) was such a large, national chain, which is kind of embarrassing. I stopped in here (W34th street location) after getting my headshots done (amazing experience, price, and quality and highly recommend Robert Quiles) as a little pick me up/spending a little me time before heading back home and I thoroughly enjoyed everything I got. I ordered a spinach and cheese focaccia (warmed up) and a carrot cake slice, with a strawberry and lemonade refresher, and finished off with a shot of espresso (forgot to take a picture, sorry)

I also love that they used compostable utensils (that actually worked) but wished I had been given reusable plates for both items. If you are going to use reusable items, especially with a company this large, I would assume you would have more than enough, but I know this isn't the workers faults because there is only so much they can do. I worked for large corporations enough to know that you can place the order, but that doesn't always mean you'll get what you ordered when they say you'll get it, or if at all sometimes.

It seemed as though they were training quite a few new people at the register, as there were 4 or 5 people behind the register, which they all handled really well with the rush that came in right after I sat down. Training new people, with that many people in one area can be frustrating sometimes, to no ones fault, it can just get tight behind a coffee bar very quickly. I applaud the workers for handling everything efficiently and kindly as they dealt with the rush.

I also loved the design of the building and the aesthetic. (Pictures Below) And overall, the price wasn't too bad. I paid about 27 for everything before tip (always 20%), which is average for this amount of food and drink in most corporate coffee shops in NYC.

I didn't finish my carrot cake, so I asked for a box to go, and they didn't have any. I don't know if this is a normal thing or if they were out, but I put the left overs in a pastry bag, which proved difficult. Again, not the workers faults and I'm very aware of that. Just stating my experience. I thought the staff was very welcoming and kind as well, and will definitely step into another location if I find myself near one.

I also looked into their coffee practices and from their website, they say they proudly support ethical sourcing, which is a HUGE thing, and a lot of companies are switching or trying to switch to ethical sourcing of their beans. M&C works with farmers in Yemen who continue the original practices used for centuries. Their mission statement below, taken straight from their website:

The Mission

Delivering an amazingly unique taste of culture, served with a high standard of hospitality.

Immerse yourself in the art of exceptional coffee and tea at Moka & Co, where every beverage we craft is a testament to the intricate dance of flavors that have been cherished for centuries.With each sip, you embark on a sensory expedition, guided by the rich, aromatic spices that weave through our unique blends.Our commitment to authenticity means your cup is not just filled with a drink, but with the legacy of recipes handed down through generations, meticulously prepared to ensure a truly hand-crafted indulgence. Discover the essence of our heritage in every taste, and let Moka & Co redefine your coffee and tea experience.

I tried to find anything on their earnings, and their starting pay, because it is important to know how much the workers are making in comparison to what their CEO's salary is (Looking at you sbux) and if they are touting a huge increase in sales alongside most corporate coffee shops, but refusing to up their workers wages (ya know, the ones that really make good coffee shops what they are). I couldn't really find anything, which could be good or bad depending on how you look at it. On one hand, transparency is a major plus, and not being able to find that can be a bit alarming when following the trail, but on the other hand, them not boasting about how much profit they made might be a good thing. I know when I saw major corporations boasting about how much profit they made this year, while everyone is struggling to get by, actually just made me upset more than anything (especially when those places refuse to pay a living wage).

Overall, I'd rate this place a 4/5 beans!! I'd probably branch out to not franchised shops before stepping into one of these place, but I don't hate everything they stand for, and their coffee practices make me happy!

• Semi related PS: Contrary to what the billionaires want us to think, where we spend our money matters, and Starbucks will not see another cent from me. There are too many places that are sooooo much better in so many ways that we can make the right choice.