Residents in Palo Alto and Milpitas are bracing for a dash of East Coast flavor as Gregory's Coffee, a New York-based coffee franchise, plans to open new locations in these South Bay cities. According to a report by KRON4, the family-operated coffeehouse chain, known for its inventive coffee concoctions and expansive selection of refreshments, is expanding its footprint to the Bay Area, adding to its already established presence in states including New Jersey, Texas, and Illinois.

The imminent arrival of Gregory's Coffee, with the Palo Alto shop set to occupy a spot in the Stanford Shopping Center and the Milpitas outpost slated for the Great Mall, brings anticipatory buzz among local coffee aficionados, and while the exact opening dates remain undisclosed, the company's website hints at a coming soon in early 2025. René Puerta, director of marketing for Gregory's Coffee, shared in a Palo Alto Online interview the brand ethos revolves around serious coffee while keeping a casual, approachable attitude, manifest in the purposeful omission of an apostrophe in its name and endearingly pun-laden drink monikers such as "Fall Oat Boy" and "Purple Rain."

Distinctive drink options are a staple at Gregory's Coffee, ranging from the "Biscotti Testarossa," a latte accented with hazelnut and almond, topped with a zest of orange mascarpone cold foam, to the past seasonal hit "Blue Dream," an innovative concoction involving oat milk, blueberry syrup, and butter pecan vegan cold foam. These creative offerings are part of Gregory's attempt to make specialty coffee accessible to all, as they proudly roast their blends with beans primarily sourced from Latin America without charging extra for milk alternatives like oat and almond milk.

Puerta also noted that, unlike their Northeast clientele, California consumers seem more inclined towards afternoon visits, sweet treats, and noncaffeinated beverage selections, which have been considered for the new locations. But it's not just the coffee that's drawing attention; Gregory's also offers a variety of food options, including vegan-friendly choices that mirror founder Gregory Zamfotis's plant-based lifestyle. One such offering is the Vegan Deluxe, containing vegan egg, Beyond sausage, and vegan cheddar on a vegan chia seed croissant. "The menu has always been, in some ways, a reflection of (Zamfotis') taste," Puerta told Palo Alto Online, "It's like we make what we like, and we think you'll like it too."

For locals eagerly waiting to become "Gregulars," the new Gregory's Coffee at 660 Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto will begin welcoming customers on Jan. 15. Its operational hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.