We've had some unusual customers walk through the door. Occupational hazard when you run a coffee roastery in the middle of nowhere. But nothing prepared us for the Jersey Devil.
He came in on a Wednesday. Hooves clicking on the concrete floor. Wings folded tight against his back. He looked at the menu board for a long time — longer than most people do — and then turned to the counter and said, very clearly: "Pour-over. Light roast. Single origin."
We didn't ask questions. You don't ask questions.
We pulled out our Ethiopia Yirgacheffe — bright, floral, notes of blueberry and jasmine — and started the pour. He watched the whole process with those glowing eyes. Didn't blink. Didn't move. Just watched.
When we handed it over, he wrapped one clawed hand around the cup, took a slow sip, and made a sound that we can only describe as satisfied. Then he put a crumpled $20 on the counter, turned around, and walked out the door.
We never saw him again. But the $20 was real. We still have it.
The lesson? Even ancient, terrifying cryptids know the difference between a good cup and a bad one. Don't serve bad coffee.
Ethiopia Yirgacheffe — the pour-over that impressed the Jersey Devil. → foxholecoffeeco.com