0

Sheri Merdes

Female

Fairbanks, AK

United States

Profile Information:

What is your position in the coffee industry?: barista, coffee shop owner, coffee enthusiast
Where are you located? ( City and Country ): United States
How many years have you been in the industry?: 1
If you are a barista or shop, are you interested in a barista exchange with another coffee shop/barista?: yes
Tell us more about your coffee shop or barista skills.: Take 5 Coffee Lounge is a cozy shop within The Artisan's Courtyard - a large community center I built for art. My daughter, Kelsey, and I own Take 5. I'm new to this industry, having spent the bulk of my life as Mom, paralegal and operating non profit dance schools. So I'm learning, fast! Fairbanks, Alaska is unique in location, climate and the level of sophistication in art we have here. Take 5 was designed to compliment the numerous other art forms that occur every day at the Courtyard. Our food is homemade, "Grandma's" with a touch of elegance - most of our menu features family recipes. The shop decor is old Hollywood. We are the first and only shop in AK to be trained through American Barista & Coffee School - our whole staff! Thanks Jared!!! We'd love to share the experience of AK with baristas.
What cities or countries are you interested in traveling to?: I am an avid traveler and love discovering new cultures, concepts and places. That said, I'll go anywhere!
About Me:: I'm 52, mother of 4, grandmother of 1 and widowed 5 years ago. I've been active in the performing arts since childhood in drama and dance. As I aged, performing and teaching evolved into daily operations as Executive Director. I also am Artistic Director of Dance for Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival. Food is art to me and since I've long enjoyed the nuance of coffees, it was natural for me to explore this art form as well. I'd describe my self as adventurous. I scuba dive, love to travel, am a pilot, look for ways to provide opportunities for others to discover their strengths, and am passionate about integrity in myself and others.
About My Company:: Take 5 Coffee Lounge is a family business in many ways. Owned by my daughter and I, managed by a niece, and staffed by a son and other 6 baristas who are like family. We believe in each employee and enjoy seeing them succeed. For the most part, all of us are new to this business - and we're all enthusiastic and hungry for information, education and application.
What is your favorite thing about the coffee industry?: The depth of relationships with others - customers, baristas, consultants, it doesn't matter - there is a refreshing difference in communication and teamwork in coffee.
Website:: http://www.myspace.com/aksunrise

Comment Wall:

Load Previous Comments

Travis Smith

Well, Sheri you should give me a call when you have some free time. our number is 1.800.478.5282, and we can talk about what you would like to get samples of. Talk with you later!

Dec 17, 2008
Jared Mockli

Hi Sheri, how is Take 5 Coffee Lounge coming along? I imagine its still really cold in Fairbanks, but at least you should have more than a couple hours of daylight by now :)

Mar 31, 2009
Jared Mockli

We had a snowy winter down in Seattle/Portland as well, not even close to the amount you speak of though! So you have some questions?? Lay 'em on me! (feel free to email me anytime). Heather didn't get a certificate? I thought we had everyone.. email me her full name and we'll send that out asap. I would love to get up this summer. If I can find the time (and the $$) I'll be there for sure. It would be cool to actually see Alaska this time now that the sun is out ;)

Apr 1, 2009