Hometown Hero: Melissa Maimon

For most of us, having that first cup of coffee is probably the most important aspect of our morning. Melissa Maimon works hard to make sure that it’s not only the most important, but also the most worthwhile.

Maimon has been the manager at the located at Second Street Pike and Street Road for nearly three years. She takes pride in the fact that approximately 80% of her customers come in every day.

“It’s a daily stop for people,” Maimon said. “We have so many customers that live in the area that I know I am going to see every day.”

Maimon is a graduate of Gettysburg College with focuses in Spanish and International Business. She enjoys that she is able to incorporate both of her previous academic experiences in running the store. Her knowledge of Spanish enables her to hold conversations with Spanish-speaking customers and her business savvy helps her to think and plan according to what the larger community needs. For Maimon, bringing the community closer together while providing 100% customer satisfaction is a main priority.

 In fact, Maimon started out working at a Starbucks cart in college. In time, she became a shift supervisor and then became manager of the Upper Southampton location. The store itself, which according to Maimon was formerly an abandoned gas station, bears a resemblance to a house. This atmosphere is complimentary to Maimon’s strong efforts to make customers feel welcome and at home.

 “[It’s about] personal connections," she said. "We want to know their names…and their drinks.”

 Maimon also said she truly enjoys seeing customers around the township—whether it’s at the food store or at the gas station.

 “You always see people you know,” she said.

 Maimon said that although it is a small business, it is important that the staff tries to be a part of something bigger. She plans on becoming more involved with local education, art awareness efforts and developing partnerships with animal rescuers. Currently, the store is aiding the Railroad Restoration project that is occurring right off of Second Street Pike. In addition, in the near future, the store intends on hosting a book signing for author John Mayberry, who, according to Maimon, writes while in the café.

 Running an effective business, which prides itself on customer service and also happens to open at 5 a.m., can be challenging at times. This is especially true in the event that a customer is not satisfied. Maimon said getting out of your comfort zone to fix the problem is key. Additionally, finding the correct staff to employ the store is a very crucial to the business. Maimon said in this aspect the store has been very fortunate.

Furthermore, Maimon is always finding ways to cut costs and benefit the environment by ordering less, therefore using less, and maintaining the inventory they possess. (In fact, the paper cups used, which are comprised of three layers, contain a center layer created by recyclable material).  The store also participates in annual Earth Day events to enforce green initiatives.

Maimon shares her knowledge as well. She works closely with the staff members who want to become managers of Starbucks Coffee and teaches classes for external hires.

Originally from Warminster, Maimon now calls Upper Southampton her home. When not behind the counter at Starbucks, or at the food store as she previously mentioned, you can find her at the parks around the area. And when she is driving around town, with the windows rolled down, sometimes a person might be able to get a glimpse of her iPod collection, which entails Kermit the Frog’s “Rainbow Connection.”

Of course, Maimon believes that Southampton is a nice place to live because of the “incredible sense of community.” She also values the beautiful and historical locations of Bucks County in general. Before moving to Southampton, Maimon actually lived in Spain.  She is able to compare her coffee experiences in America with European techniques. (Apparently, a macchiato here is more of a latte. Neat!)

So, the next time you see Maimon, whether it’s out in the community or even in the café, try her favorite Starbucks beverage, which by the way, is a decaf tall breve American misto—espresso, hot water, steamed half and half (breve), which, according to her, makes the drink nice and thick.

Maimon invites the community to come and learn about all different kinds of coffee at a coffee tasting at Starbucks on Sunday from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.