Small Wonders:

Gregory is from France, where he spent years working the cafes and bistros. After visiting the U.S. a few times, he decided to take a leap of faith and move here. He had no concrete plans. Only hope and an engaging personality. But it’s served him well. If I stop to think what it would be like to move to another country, learn another language and open a small business, I laugh. I couldn’t do that. Could you?

People don’t happen into Simply Coffee. Gregory’s customers come in on purpose.

One couple entered the shop, and Gregory greeted them by name and with hugs. He knew exactly what they wanted to drink (“Do you want room for cream with that today?”). They chatted with him about his family, a conversation continued from the last time they stopped by. When another person entered to a hug and a similar conversation about Gregory’s family, I began to feel left out.

Another customer quietly entered the shop without saying a word. Gregory and I continued to chat, but he poured the man’s drink for him, placing it on the counter in a wordless transaction.

Every coffee served here is personal. And that is something you won’t ever get from the mega-chains.

When I asked Gregory what the biggest difference was between a coffeehouse here in the U.S. and those in France, he pointed to the long list of specialty coffee drinks he’s had to learn to create for us — iced blended, mocha java, caramel whip and fruitti tutti. Then he pointed to the stack of paper cups that he pours our coffee into.

“Every time is to go.” He has only a few actual coffee mugs.

He sounded almost disappointed that people don’t stay longer than a few minutes, something he’s accustomed to from the brasseries in France. But that is why the table and reading material is there. He knows he’s not changing our hurried mentality, but he’s offering us the opportunity to do that for ourselves.

Maybe I’m just becoming a cranky old man too soon, but I think the coffee tastes better when it is poured with personality in a place that doesn’t fit the mold of some franchised corporate edict. A cup of coffee made just for me by a man who appreciates the simple things in life.

Gregory doesn’t have grand visions. He’s content with what he has for now. OK, maybe he’d like to expand his shop into a creperie or serve European-style ice cream. Until then, he’s happy to serve coffee, simply, and give us a place to stop and watch others hurry past.

 PATRICK CANEDAY is a freelance writer who lives and works in Burbank. He may be reached at patrickcaneday@ gmail.com.